CASE STUDY: FRANCIS CRICK INSTITUTE

Supporting world-class biomedical research in London

关键信息

Client

The Francis Crick Institute

Location

London

Topline

Maintenance operations for a one-million square foot biomedical research facility

Opportunity

The Francis Crick Institute is a biomedical research facility in King’s Cross, London. The Crick houses scientists from a number of different organisations, all dedicated to understanding why disease develops and finding new ways to treat, diagnose and prevent illnesses such as cancer, heart disease, stroke, infections and neurodegenerative diseases.

In partnership with five of the world's leading biomedical research organisations - the Medical Research Council, Cancer Research UK, the Wellcome Trust, UCL (University College London), Imperial College London and King's College London – the Institute opened its world-leading biomedical research and innovation centre in November 2016.

For over a decade, CBRE has been closely involved with the project. CBRE Planning was initially instructed to carry out due diligence of the proposed site, and CBRE’s London Development team was then appointed to advise the partners on the acquisition of land.

In November 2014, after a six month rigorous procurement process, the Crick awarded its hard services facilities management contract to CBRE Global Workplace Solutions.

Solution and Outcomes

CBRE provides FM services to the Francis Crick Institute. These include full hard service, mechanical and electrical, fabric maintenance, energy management, project delivery, helpdesk, supply chain management and QHSE services. Around 40 CBRE staff work on the account.

Due to the unique nature of the site, a number of bespoke and specialist engineers work there; examples include a decontamination engineer, who looks after the specialist steriliser machines necessary to carry out biomedical research, as well as steam room engineers, who look after the steam boilers which maintain optimal humidity in the building and run the sterilisation machines.

The building has been designed with many energy efficiency features built in. These include a combined heating power plant (CHP), photovoltaic cells on the roof, heat recovery systems and energy efficient lighting, all managed by CBRE and all helping to gain a the Crick a BREAM excellent rating.

Customer testimonial

“We chose CBRE because of their specialist knowledge and experience of operating and maintaining specialised, critical facilities. The Crick itself is a very special and complex building, and we needed a FM provider who had that experience and track record in maintaining and operating world-class facilities.”

Nick Carter, Director of Building Services, Francis Crick Institute