In December 2006, Guy's and St Thomas' NHS Foundation Trust, along with its academic partner King's College London, was awarded one of five new NIHR comprehensive Biomedical Research Centres in the UK.

These centres have a strong focus on "translational research" taking advances in basic medical research out of the laboratory and into the clinical setting so that they can benefit patients. They form a key part of the Department of Health's new strategy for research and development in the NHS.

Silcock Dawson was appointed to provide the M&E services design for this facility, based on the 15th floor of the Tower at Guy's Hospital and a further Clinical Research Facility located on the 16th floor.

The new facilities cover approximately 2,400 sq metres and will house a Good Manufacturing Practise (GMP) Suite, Day Studies, Consultation Rooms, Wards and Administration areas.

Due to the nature of the facilities all designs have to be produced within the rigorous guidelines laid down by the specialist manufacturers, as any contamination within the facility could have a catastrophic effect on the end product.

In addition, as the project is embedded within the GSTT NHS Building, it requires close liaison over site access and service interruptions.