<h3>The opportunity</h3>
<p>To achieve this, Buro Happold and KJ Tait were appointed to develop a RIBA Stage 2 Concept design for the architectural and mechanical/electrical works for the project. These Stage 2 designs were issued at the end of June. The project was comprehensive, involving several aspects. </p>
<p>The first phase included the strip-out of existing laboratory furniture and services, the creation of new partitions and segregations to laboratory and meeting room spaces, and HVAC modifications to establish pressure regimes for CL2 laboratories. Electrical modifications were also made to accommodate client equipment provision.</p>
<p>Additionally, new staff welfare facilities with two kitchen areas were added, along with an open-plan conference area for up to 50 personnel. The interior was further enhanced with new vinyl flooring, carpet tiles, office and laboratory furniture, storage, and soft furnishings. External ground works were carried out for drainage modifications, and a gas cylinder storage area with a gas detection system was implemented. The entire facility received a fresh coat of paint, and meeting rooms and lab spaces were refurbished. A new 10-person cycle shelter and dropped kerb access for staff parking were added to enhance the amenities. During the project, additional remedial works were identified where existing firestopping and fire detection were not up to standard.</p><h3>Our approach </h3>
<p>Initially, the client had identified a local laboratory fit-out contractor who had previously refurbished the facility as the preferred contractor. However, due to other commitments, they declined to tender. Lexica took on the task of sourcing prospective contractors who could respond at short notice to meet the demands of the programme. Our selection process proved successful, and after reviewing three potential contractors, we engaged with Cambridge Office Environments Ltd (COEL) to undertake the main contractor and principal designer roles.</p>
<p>Working closely with COEL, it became apparent that long lead procurement items and necessary design development had impacted the programme. As a result, the completion date had to be rescheduled to mid-December, providing a challenging nine-week construction works programme. Lexica managed the contract discussions and negotiation process, consulting with the client's legal team to close out all contract particulars. The works commenced on site in October. Despite the challenges, the revised programme schedule was successfully maintained, and practical completion was achieved in December 2022. Following the project's completion, Alchemab was able to relocate its existing laboratory equipment, undertake their client commissioning, and welcome staff into the facility after the Christmas break.</p><h3>Our impact </h3>
<p>Lexica's scope of services included administering the JCT Design and Build contract as the Employers Agent, facilitating weekly progress meetings, design and technical reviews, client approvals, and formal instructions for variations. We encouraged close collaborative working practises between the client and contractor to ensure quick decision-making. Our Cost Management services encompassed recommending an appropriate contract type, preparing all contract documentation, negotiating contracts, reviewing proposals, analysing contract sums, reviewing variations quotations, reviewing payment notices, providing monthly cost reporting, and agreeing on the final account.</p>
<p>Throughout the project, Lexica added value by contributing to Project Principals Meetings to align behaviours across the Professional Team, balancing the client's cost, time, quality, and risk requirements, managing contractual negotiations, and delivering accommodating yet compliant Contract Administration services that facilitated and complemented direct client-to-contractor communications. Ultimately, we achieved a quality construction within the specified time and budget.<br /></p>
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Alchemab Therapeutics, Lion Works, UK

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Lexica was approached by Alchemab Therapeutics to manage the refurbishment of an existing laboratory and office facility on the outskirts of Cambridge.

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Alchemab Therapeutics, Lion Works, UK

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