Mace Appointed to Deliver Natural History Museum's £201m Research and Collections Centre

Michael Ghobrial
May 29
2 min read

The Natural History Museum (NHM) has officially appointed Mace as the main contractor for its ambitious new Collections, Research, and Digitisation Centre at Thames Valley Science Park in Shinfield, near Reading. This state-of-the-art facility aims to revolutionise the storage and study of the museum's vast collection, aligning with the UK's broader commitment to scientific advancement and sustainability.

Project Overview

Location: Thames Valley Science Park, Shinfield, Berkshire
Size: 25,000 square metres (equivalent to three football pitches)
Construction Timeline: Commencing in 2025, with completion expected by 2027 and full operational status by 2031
Investment: £201 million, funded by the UK Government

The new centre will house approximately 28 million specimens, representing around one-third of the NHM's total collection. These include mammals, non-insect invertebrates (such as corals, crustaceans, molluscs, and worms), fossilised specimens, molecular collections, and micropalaeontology samples. The relocation of these specimens marks the largest move of natural history collections globally.

Strategic Significance

The establishment of this facility is a cornerstone of the NHM's 'Unlocked' programme, designed to enhance accessibility and research capabilities. By providing purpose-built storage and advanced laboratories, the centre will facilitate cutting-edge research in areas such as climate change, biodiversity loss, and sustainable resource management.

Rob Lemming, Managing Director for Public Sector and Life Sciences at Mace Construct, emphasised the project's importance:

"Our focus is on creating a facility that not only protects the Museum's invaluable specimens but also serves as a centre for groundbreaking research. This building will be equipped with cutting-edge technology, enabling solutions-led research into some of the greatest challenges facing the planet."

Project Team

Main Contractor: Mace
Project Management: CPC Project Services
Cost Management: Arcadis
Architect: Feilden Clegg Bradley Studios
Engineering Consultancy: Ramboll

This collaboration brings together expertise in construction, project management, cost consultancy, architecture, and engineering to ensure the successful delivery of the facility.

Sustainability and Innovation

The centre is designed with a strong emphasis on sustainability, aiming to achieve net-zero carbon emissions in both construction and operation. Key features include:

Energy Efficiency: Incorporation of air source heat pumps and ventilation heat recovery systems.
Digital Integration: Advanced digitisation suites and molecular biology laboratories to support research and data sharing.
Accessibility: Enhanced physical and digital access to collections for scientists worldwide.

These initiatives align with the NHM's broader goal of becoming a catalyst for change in addressing the planetary emergency.

Conclusion

The appointment of Mace as the main contractor for the NHM's new Collections, Research, and Digitisation Centre marks a significant milestone in the museum's evolution. By integrating sustainable design, advanced research facilities, and enhanced accessibility, the project exemplifies the UK's commitment to scientific innovation and environmental stewardship.

Resources Used: