STFC Harwell & Daresbury

Placemaking focused development plans for world class science research facilities and nationally significant assets for the UK knowledge economy.

Client Science & Technology Facilities Council
Sector Research & Education
Size 300,000m²
Location Harwell, Oxfordshire and Daresbury, Cheshire

In 2021, the Science and Technology Facilities Council (STFC) – part of UK Research and Innovation – were seeking guidance for future estates development and infrastructure over the coming decades.

Their aims were to underpin their current and future work and support business cases for funding to ensure the UK remains at the forefront of global scientific research.

In collaboration with David Lock Associates (DLA), we were commissioned to prepare a Development Plan for Rutherford Appleton Laboratory (RAL) at Harwell.

Our goal was to create a comprehensive long-term vision to improve the quality of place and prepare the site for a more sustainable future.

The framework established robust foundations for the sustainable expansion and intensification of RAL, enabling cutting-edge science and research to continue on site for the long-term.

Following our work at Harwell, we and David Lock Associates were commissioned by STFC to prepare a Development Plan for a second world-leading scientific research centre – the Daresbury Laboratory in Cheshire’s Sci-Tech Daresbury campus.

Harwell

Paul Cross, Head of Capital Development at STFC
‘We’ve had a very positive experience working with Fathom on Development Plans for our two largest science campuses. Their detailed assessments have given us a thorough understanding of opportunities for refurbishing and extending buildings across our estate – including a highly specialist science facility. The resulting design guide has been useful and practical, and given us greater clarity in planning for the future.’

Enabling innovation at scale

Rutherford Appleton Laboratory (RAL) is the UK’s largest scientific research site, employing more than 2,000 people at the heart of the growing Harwell Campus in Oxfordshire.

A nationally significant asset for the UK knowledge economy, RAL pioneers research in particle physics, scientific computing, laser development and space exploration.

Our collaborative Development Plan was developed following intensive information gathering including workshops with various STFC departments and local stakeholders, and research of precedents from across Europe to establish key themes and benchmarks.

Alongside collaborative masterplan and sequencing work with David Lock Associates, Fathom led on locating future development sites, creating individual plot passports and establishing detailed design guides – including orientation, service zones and creating identity for front and back of house areas – based on our specialist knowledge in scientific research and knowledge campuses.

Rutherford Appleton Laboratory

Supporting the UK’s innovation economy

Our Development Plan for Daresbury Laboratory supports ambitions to continue world-leading scientific research and encourage the incubation of innovative new businesses.

Daresbury Laboratory is a key part of the north-west of England research economy, and central to the expansion of Sci-Tech Daresbury campus – a joint venture between STFC and private developers – for its pioneering research into accelerator science, scientific computing, engineering technology and nuclear physics.

Recommendations were developed following a series of workshops with STFC Estates, Property, Security and Masterplanning groups and scientific department heads to ensure we had a comprehensive understanding of the site, ambitions, future space demand and technical requirements.

Our collaborative process assessed scenarios for growth and shifting requirements in new and existing laboratory buildings, measures to attract and retain talent and explored placemaking opportunities and sustainability improvements to support UK Research & Innovation’s commitment to becoming net zero by 2040.

Daresbury Laboratory

Detailed recommendations were provided for security, servicing and access; cost estimates for options, implementation guides, plot passports and a public realm strategy.

The final Development Plan informs long-term investment decisions by STFC through; outlining opportunities for retrofit, extension and new build to meet future space demands; supporting them to create robust business cases for funding; and establishing a cohesive vision for the wider site to ensure that development isn’t piecemeal.

We’re proud to have collaboratively prepared Development Plans for both the UK’s national laboratory facilities, giving us unique experience in this vital source of the UK’s innovation economy.

Credits

Masterplanner David Lock Associates

Project Information

Credits