Demolition of redundant lab building clears way for new chapter.
Work is progressing with the demolition of a former laboratory and office building at Discovery Park, the latest stage of a long term vision to retain East Kent’s reputation as a global hub for science.
Aspect Four Demolition Services, a tenant at Innovation House, has spent the past month clearing the inside of Building 380, a redundant four storey science space fronting Ramsgate Road.
The initial work has been stripping back the interior of the building, as well as putting in place procedures to ensure it is brought down safely from screening and building protection to keeping dust to a minimum.
The demolition of the building is part of a wider master plan for the Discovery Park, agreed with Dover District Council in October 2014; a long term phased plan to ensure its ongoing success.
Built while still under Pfizer’s ownership the building is no longer required with science R&D now focused at the neighbouring Discovery Park House and Building 500, which is being restored as the site’s flagship science space.
While no decision has been reached on its future use, the building is in an area earmarked for commercial development as part of Discovery Park’s push to bring major manufacturing back to site.
In the first quarter of 2017 6,500 square metre of new production space will be completed – powered, alongside the rest of the site, by a £160 million biomass renewable energy plant set to open by summer 2018.
Lauren Moore, Leasing Executive for Discovery Park, said: “We were delighted to be able to award the contract for demolition of this building to one of our tenants, part of our aim, wherever possible, to support businesses on site. “The work is the latest part of our work to deliver on our master plan, that will over the coming years deliver more jobs and success not only to Discovery Park but for East Kent.”
Nick Harvey, Contracts Director for Aspect Four Demolition Services, said: “We are proud to be playing our part in the transformation of the site, with the work we’re doing a key part of the long term plan. Work is progressing well and we have worked closely with the facilities management team at Parkserve and neighbouring tenants to ensure any disruption has been kept to a minimum.”
