Kier has signed a Pre-Construction Services Agreement (PCSA) with Haleon to deliver a ‘state-of-the-art’ global Oral Health Innovation hub in Weybridge, Surrey.
Named by the UK Government as part of its International Investment Summit, the facility will be a key space to support research and development for the global health provider, with brands including Sensodyne, Centrum, and Panadol. The four-storey building is designed to be a centre of global excellence for oral health life sciences research and innovation.
Kier representatives joined Haleon recently for a ground-breaking ceremony attended by Baroness Jones of Whitchurch, the UK Minister for Technology. Kier says the new space will incorporate ‘state-of-the-art’ and digitally enabled laboratories, contemporary office workspaces, and a dedicated consumer behavioural research facility. It said: “Equipped with the latest technology, it will feature a cutting-edge digital immersive room that will bridge the gap between ideas and reality, connecting the hub to Haleon’s manufacturing site in Levice, Slovakia.”
David Rowsell, MD for Kier Construction, London & Thames Valley, said: “We’re delighted to be part of a project that is so important to the UK economy, and will provide a world-leading global hub for oral health life sciences, R&D, and innovation which is central to the UK’s Industrial Strategy.
“The scheme further reinforces our private sector experience, and showcases our design and build expertise in delivering large-scale and innovation-led science and technology environments in the London and Thames Valley region.”
Baroness Jones added: “Haleon is breaking ground on a new centre that will place the UK at the forefront of innovation to improve everyone’s oral health – which we know is important to our wider health, and to children’s development. This centre, and the substantial investment behind it, ate proof that the UK’s world-leading life sciences sector is the place to be to grow businesses and work on fresh ideas to transform healthcare. Leveraging these strengths will lead to the long-term economic growth that will help us deliver on our Plan for Change.”
