Crown Workspace was appointed to deliver the full removal and relocation programme for the University of Warwick’s new Interdisciplinary Biomedical Research Building (IBRB). This state-of-the-art facility brought together more than 300 biomedical researchers from the School of Life Sciences and Warwick Medical School, consolidating world-class research in neuroscience, microbiology and infection, cell biology, and disease modelling.
Before the move, research teams were dispersed across multiple buildings on campus. The university required a highly coordinated, specialist relocation partner capable of managing complex laboratory environments, hazardous materials, and sensitive scientific equipment while ensuring continuity of research activity.
Scope of Works
The relocation programme encompassed a wide range of specialist requirements, including:
- Migration of 300+ research staff and university partner groups
- Relocation of 1,500+ laboratory equipment items
- Transfer of 250 crates of chemicals
- Live cold‑chain moves, including fridges, freezers, and liquid nitrogen vessels
- Handling of hazardous and biological materials
- Movement of bespoke and standard laboratory glassware
- Relocation of laboratory consumables
- OEM management for specialist scientific equipment
- IT decommissioning and recommissioning
- Transfer of write‑up area crates and associated research materials
Our Approach
Delivering a relocation of this scale and scientific sensitivity required a meticulously structured methodology supported by a highly experienced operational team. Crown Workspace deployed a dedicated project management and move delivery team, each selected for their specialist background in laboratory relocations, hazardous material handling, and complex stakeholder environments.
1. Detailed Pre‑Move Planning and Site Investigations
Working from the University of Warwick’s outline programme, our team undertook comprehensive site assessments across all originating buildings and the new IBRB facility. This included:
- Mapping access routes, lift capacities, and equipment handling constraints
- Identifying high-risk items requiring OEM involvement
- Sequencing moves to protect research continuity and minimise downtime
- Establishing safe systems of work for hazardous and biological materials
This early-stage diligence ensured that every element of the move was logistically viable, risk-assessed, and aligned with the university’s operational priorities.
2. A Highly Experienced Operational Delivery Team
The success of this project was underpinned by the calibre of the operational team deployed. Crown Workspace’s laboratory relocation specialists bring decades of combined experience across:
- Biomedical, pharmaceutical, and higher‑education research environments
- Cold‑chain logistics and live sample transfers
- OEM-compliant decommissioning and recommissioning
- Handling of chemicals, biological agents, and regulated materials
- Movement of precision scientific instruments and fragile glassware
Their familiarity with the unique pressures of research environments meant they could anticipate challenges, adapt sequencing in real time, and maintain absolute control over safety and compliance throughout the move.
3. OEM‑Aligned Equipment Management
Our project managers coordinated directly with multiple original equipment manufacturers to ensure:
- Correct shutdown and preparation of microscopes, centrifuges, hoods, and other specialist assets
- Safe handling and transportation using appropriate lifting, packing, and vibration‑control methods
- Full recommissioning and functional testing at the IBRB
This ensured that research teams could resume work immediately upon arrival.
4. Cold Chain Integrity and Live Sample Protection
The operational team executed a fully controlled cold‑chain strategy, including:
- Continuous temperature monitoring
- Specialist vehicles and insulated transport solutions
- Secure movement of fridges, freezers, and liquid nitrogen vessels without loss of temperature integrity
This safeguarded sensitive biological materials and preserved research continuity.
5. Clear Communication and Stakeholder Coordination
Given the number of research groups involved, communication was critical. Our team:
- Held structured briefings with each research group
- Provided clear move instructions and timelines
- Coordinated with university partners and technical teams
- Maintained a single point of accountability throughout
This ensured that all stakeholders were informed, prepared, and confident in the process.
Outcome
Crown Workspace successfully delivered this complex and dynamic relocation project on time and in full, providing the University of Warwick with:
- A seamless transition into the new IBRB facility
- Full confidence in the safety and integrity of their research assets
- A single, accountable partner managing all aspects of the move
Our experience, resources, and flexible approach ensured the university’s world-class research teams could begin work in their new environment without delay.
To find out more about our Specialist Move service, get in contact with Crown Workspace here.