Rothamsted Research,
Russell Building
Type: Fit Out
Duration: 30 Weeks
Value: £2m
Architects: DLA Architecture
QS: MESH Construction Consultancy
M & E: Green Building Design Consultants Ltd
Rothamsted’s iconic Russell Building refurbished to become a hub for new agri-tech businesses.
The beautiful red brick Russell Building is steeped in historic importance within the UK agricultural science community. With the accommodation having been unoccupied since 2016 and with a Local Growth Fund Investment being secured with the aim of restoring the building to its former glory, ITC were entrusted with unleashing the full potential of the building. In parallel to refurbishing the general fabric of the building, our team installed state of the art facilities that now actively support high-tech businesses, specialising in agri-tech, food-tech and innovation.
Modern Facilities
Extensive refurbishment was required to provide modern office facilities, which included installation of new mechanical and electrical services, lighting, power and data, CCTV, fire detection and new plant and double glazing. Interior updates were needed through out, including new doors, ironmongery, floor finishes, moulding and skirtings.
Multi-use spaces
The internal layout was remodelled to allow more flexible, multi-use spaces including 22 offices of various sizes, from 200sqft to over 1,200sqft, a hot-desk hub for flexible working, and an open plan innovation space where entrepreneurs can collaborate before prototyping their ideas and testing on-site.
External renovations
Renovations to the external envelope of the Russell Building were needed to preserve the facade.
Innovation and collaboration
The ITC team were pleased to help Rothamsted breathe a new lease of life into this building, and unlock its potential to be a centre for innovation and collaboration in this industry.
“We are delighted by this development. Bringing together entrepreneurs on campus with our world-class scientists, I am confident we can look forward to a new era of ground breaking innovation in agricultural science and technology at Rothamsted. ”
Angela Karp | Interim Institute Director and CEO | Rothamsted Research