Willmott Dixon has been selected to deliver a new research centre for the Royal Free Charity in London.

The contractor will develop the UCL Institute for Immunity and Transplantation in the Pears Building, next to the Royal Free Hospital. Building work is to begin in early March, with completion scheduled for 2020.

Designed by Hopkins Architects, the facility will bring together leading scientists, academic clinicians and clinical trials specialists to develop revolutionary treatments and therapies for patients. It will combine NHS patient care with the latest developments in research to provide better treatments for diseases such as cancer, diabetes, HIV, and tuberculosis, and for traditional and tissue-developed transplants.


Chris Burghes, Chief Executive of the Royal Free Charity, said: "We have worked extremely hard to raise the funds for this vitally important research centre. Now we've reached this momentous point and construction work can begin. In about 129 weeks we will have the most amazing building for the benefit of patients.

"It will be a fantastic facility that will make us all proud. This project is about looking ahead to the future of healthcare and better ways of treating diseases and conditions that affect people in our local community, as well as others around the UK and the rest of the world."

Chris Tredget, managing director for Willmott Dixon in North London, added: "This is an exciting moment for us. The Pears Building will revolutionise the ability to treat serious medical conditions like cancer and help reduce the amount of time it takes for new medicines to be available for people to use. We are proud to be using our skills for building world-class science and medical facilities to deliver this hugely important clinical research centre."

(LM/MH)