Works begins on £2m IsoLab project in Lancaster

Work is now underway on the multi-million pound ultra low noise science centre at Lancaster University.

Eric Wright Construction is delivering the £2m IsoLab project, a 1,900 sq ft facility in which noise, vibrations and electromagnetic disturbance will be reduced to give researchers in various scientific fields an ultra-clean experimental environment.

Once complete, IsoLab will be separated from the other university buildings to ensure each of the centre’s 50-tonne experimental platforms are as isolated as possible.

Lancaster University’s vice chancellor, Prof. Mark E. Smith, said: “This unique facility will provide a world-beating environment for modern quantum technology and provide support for this field not only for the university, but also for the North West and beyond.”

The single-storey subterranean facility, due for completion in Autumn 2016, has been designed by Manchester-based ADP Architects.

Eric Wright Construction MD John Wilson commented: “This is such a unique project. IsoLab is a world first and will push the boundaries for future scientific achievements within a setting that has been designed and constructed to facilitate world-class research, so we’re very proud to be delivering the building.

“Eric Wright Construction is well versed in delivering specialist laboratories and we’re excited to be working closely with the University to bring forth our expertise to this scheme.”