The National Centre for Pre-Clinical Innovation (NCPI) will establish a new experimental research facility at the MRC’s Harwell Campus covering approximately 5000m².

It is co-located with the existing Mary Lyon Centre (MLC) to provide world class expertise and resources for a new in-depth interdisciplinary research facility delivering effective and translatable pre-clinical testing.

The new facility is fully barriered to includes advanced high-impact phenotyping and in-vivo research activities. It has been designed to be flexible and is able to adapt to current national needs whilst being accessible by Scientists nationwide.

The building will include significant procedure facilities including In-vivo/Behavioral, Germ Free, Holding and Surgery sitting alongside a CL3 Unit containing 3 separate containment suites. The building will include significant procedure facilities including In-vivo/Behavioral, Germ Free, Holding and Surgery sitting alongside a CL3 Unit containing 3 separate containment suites.

All areas are to be accessible to a Research Support zone where Autoclaves, Rack Washer, VHP unit, Pass through port will serve the whole facility together with a Laundry area and various Storerooms. In addition there are soft areas outside of the Bio Barrier including office, staff support areas and rest areas.

The building has a high focus on the Environment and Sustainability. The current assessment for a BREEAM rating is Outstanding with features including a green wall, high U values and extensive use of natural daylight.

Enabling works for the project included a new HV supply and sub station; these are now complete and operational.