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ISG has been awarded a £21 million technical fit out project by HSL (Health Services Laboratories) to create its new London core laboratory; a facility that will include state-of-the-art pathology laboratories serving the London health community, as well as HSL’s corporate offices.

HSL is a joint venture between The Doctors Laboratory (TDL), University College London Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, and the Royal Free London NHS Foundation Trust. The new 133,000 sq ft laboratory in the ‘Halo’ building at One Mabledon Place, in the epicentre of the emerging biosciences corridor in Kings Cross, will see the organisation consolidate existing disparate pathology facilities from North Central London into what will become one of the largest pathology laboratories in Europe.

Delivered in a Building Information Modelling (BIM) environment to ensure close collaboration between the client, design and delivery teams, ISG will work across five basement levels of the building, along with a further 10 storeys above ground.

The multi-phased project begins with the Cat A fit out of the ground and basement areas from shell and core, including the installation of the building’s complex mechanical and electrical services infrastructure. During this phase, ISG will also undertake technically demanding structural works at all levels to accommodate heavy medical and research equipment.

ISG will then commence the Cat B fit out of the building, including highly specialised containment level 3 (CL3) facilities, which are suitable for research and testing of contagious and life threatening viruses. The CL3 laboratory involves the installation of custom-designed ventilation services, with HSE-approved air locking systems. The contractor will also create a number of specialised laboratories, as well as the largest automated blood sciences laboratory in the UK, to expedite efficient processing of a wide range of pathology testing services. ISG’s comprehensive programme remit includes the ultimate commissioning of all laboratory services.

Advanced innovations at the new laboratory will include:

• a state-of-the-art automated sample processing system, providing HSL’s clients with increased reporting accuracy and faster turnaround times
• a dedicated molecular suite, where samples are analysed using cutting-edge technology

Paul Sharp, divisional director of ISG’s Engineering Services business, said: “This is a flagship project of national and international standing. From One Mabledon Place, HSL will deliver testing and host world-class research facilities, ensuring effective integration of advanced pathology with progressive approaches to clinical care.

“The scheme builds on ISG’s considerable expertise in the healthcare, R&D, biotechnology and life sciences sectors, leveraging our experience of specialist laboratory fit out to deliver a scheme that is both technically and logistically challenging.”

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