Wates Construction has won a £63.5M contract to construct a food and health research centre at Norwich Research Park in the UK.

The new five-storey development will bring the research teams of the Institute of Food Research (IFR), the University of East Anglia, and the Norfolk and Norwich University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust under one roof.

Wates will construct integrated clinical and research spaces to accommodate 400 scientists and clinicians and allow for 40,000 endoscopy procedures to be undertaken annually.

The centre, designed by NBBJ, will include many specialist laboratories, lecture theatres and offices. It will also feature photovoltaic panels and ground source heat pumps to enhance energy efficiency.

Wates Construction Home Counties’ managing director Ian Vickers said: “The Quadram Institute will be a vital facility for innovation and for advancing food and health research and as such to be entrusted with its delivery is an acknowledgement of Wates’ extensive expertise in creating bespoke, state-of-the-art buildings.

“This project is undoubtedly significant for the development of science but it is also set to be an incredible catalyst for the region in terms of creating opportunities for local people.

“At peak periods our site team will stand at 350 and this, along with our investment in skills training and our engagement with a local supply chain, will further contribute to the local economic benefit of this fantastic scheme.”