Mace has been selected to replace ISG as the main contractor for UCL’s £300m neuroscience centre at 256 Grays Inn Road, London.
- ISG collapsed into administration in September, prompting UCL to seek a new contractor for their ambitious neuroscience project.
- Mace impressed UCL with its quality and proven track record on previous projects, securing their appointment just two months after ISG’s collapse.
- The next three months will see Mace reviewing the site and finalising terms before moving forward with a revised schedule and completion date.
- UCL aims to work closely with Mace to ensure the facility becomes a world-class hub for neurological research and treatment.
University College London (UCL) has appointed Mace as the new primary contractor for their state-of-the-art £300m neuroscience centre located at 256 Grays Inn Road. This decision follows the recent collapse of ISG into administration in September, leading UCL to evaluate and select a replacement contractor to carry forward their ambitious project.
The selection process attracted significant interest from major contractors, yet Mace emerged as the preferred choice due to their demonstrated quality and successful past collaborations with UCL. These include significant projects such as the Marshgate at UCL East and the Student Centre, which contributed to their reputation and favour with UCL.
Over the forthcoming three months, Mace will undertake a comprehensive review of the construction site. This period will involve setting the terms of their appointment and establishing a refreshed timeline and final completion date. Discussions are also planned regarding the potential inclusion of suppliers initially contracted by ISG during the project’s onward phases.
Alan Thompson, the Dean of the Faculty of Brain Sciences at UCL, expressed confidence in Mace’s ability to realise the vision of establishing a leading research and treatment facility. This centre is expected to significantly impact the treatment of patients with neurological conditions and advance medical discoveries.
UCL Estates Director, Hannah Milner, also voiced optimism about the collaboration, citing Mace’s extensive expertise in education and life sciences. The envisioned facility will host the UCL Queen Square Institute of Neurology and the UK Dementia Research Institute, providing space for up to 1,000 scientists, clinicians, and patients.
The building will be equipped with comprehensive amenities, including shared laboratories, workspaces, consultation rooms, and collaboration areas. It will also feature an MRI suite containing five scanners, a lecture theatre, and various core technology platforms. These resources aim to enhance collaborative work and knowledge exchange among professionals in the field.
The partnership between Mace and UCL signifies a forward step towards completing a significant centre for neurological advancements.
