Cathedral for Science Expected to Create Many Construction Jobs

One of the biggest construction jobs to be awarded in London this year is set to be announced, with the country’s largest builder expected to win the contract. A £400 million deal to construct a new laboratory, dubbed the ‘cathedral of science’ is expected to be won by Laing, the UK’s largest privately owned building firm.

One of the biggest construction jobs in London in 2011

This is London reports that ‘industry sources say Laing O'Rourke is the frontrunner for the contract to build the UK Centre for Medical Research and Innovation (UKCMRI) near St Pancras... it will be one of the biggest construction jobs awarded in the capital this year.’

The centre will bring 1,500 scientists from different fields under one roof to undertake research against killers such as heart disease and cancer.

The UKCRMI will be one of Europe's biggest research centres when the construction is completed in 2015. The Centre is backed by University College London, Cancer Research UK, the Medical Research Council and the Wellcome Trust.

Construction jobs set to start in late 2011

According to This is London, ‘the project has survived Government spending cuts in a sector where morale has been sapped by pharmaceutical giant Pfizer's recent decision to close its UK research base at Sandwich.’

Local residents have expressed concerns about the size of the new centre, however changes in the design have resulted in around one third of the building being constructed below street level.

Official confirmation of the contract award is expected within weeks, although Laing has been tipped to win the tender. Construction work is expected to begin later in 2011 with a number of construction jobs expected to be created.