Moderna, Harwell, Oxfordshire

Project Overview
The Moderna Innovation and Technology Centre (MITC) at Harwell Campus is a state-of-the-art vaccine research and manufacturing facility delivered to support advanced mRNA vaccine production and clinical research. Strategically important to the UK’s life sciences infrastructure, the development enhances national capability for rapid vaccine development and manufacturing, supporting long-term public health resilience.

The facility comprises two main buildings and one modular component. These include a GMP-compliant Drug Substance Building dedicated to mRNA production, a Clinical Research Building incorporating BSL-2 and BSL-3 laboratories, and a modular Clinical Biomarker Laboratory constructed off-site and installed in parallel to reduce programme risk. In total, the development provides approximately 143,440 sq ft of highly specialised accommodation designed for adaptability, ESG performance and collaborative working.

Project Requirements
The client required a highly specialised, GMP-compliant facility capable of supporting full-cycle mRNA vaccine production and advanced clinical research. Key requirements included high-specification laboratory environments, modular construction to accelerate programme delivery, resilience within a live science campus, and the ability to adapt spaces for future research and manufacturing needs. The project also required careful management of sensitive site constraints and existing infrastructure.

Glencar’s Role
Glencar was appointed as principal contractor, responsible for delivering the full design and construction of the facility. This included coordination of modular specialists, laboratory systems, and complex engineering interfaces. A digital-first delivery approach was adopted, incorporating BIM Level 2 compliant federated models, clash detection, and structured governance to manage risk, programme and compliance.

Scope of Works
Enabling Works / Civils & Infrastructure
- Coordination of works within a live science campus environment
- Management of sensitive existing infrastructure and site constraints
- Site logistics planning and sequencing to support parallel construction

Building / Superstructure
- Construction of GMP-compliant Drug Substance Building
- Construction of Clinical Research Building with BSL-2 and BSL-3 laboratories
- Structural systems optimised for heavy plant loads and future adaptability
- Braced bay structural design to maintain flexibility while avoiding underground constraints

Fit-Out & Specialist Systems
- High-specification laboratory fit-out
- Cleanroom environments and specialist MEP systems
- Integration of modular Clinical Biomarker Laboratory
- Digital and engineering systems supporting advanced research and manufacturing

External Works & Campus Integration
- External landscaping and access coordination
- Integration with existing campus infrastructure
- Secure and controlled circulation for staff and operations

Technical & Delivery Challenges
The project presented significant technical challenges, including delivery within a live science campus, working around sensitive infrastructure and a protected WWII catapult pit. Structural solutions were developed to allow flexibility without impacting underground constraints, while modular components were delivered using Design for Manufacture and Assembly to enhance speed, quality and safety. Inflationary pressures on specialist systems were managed through early contractor involvement, value engineering and proactive cost control.

Delivery Conditions Addressed
- Live science campus environment
- GMP and high-containment laboratory requirements
- Modular construction and off-site manufacture
- Complex engineering and cleanroom integration
- Programme-driven delivery under inflationary pressures

Sustainability & ESG
Sustainability and ESG principles were embedded within the project’s delivery strategy, combining modular construction techniques with digitally enabled design coordination to reduce programme duration, waste and site disruption. High-performance laboratory and cleanroom environments were delivered to support long-term operational resilience and responsible life sciences manufacturing.

The Outcome
The Moderna Innovation and Technology Centre stands as a nationally significant life sciences asset, delivering cutting-edge research and manufacturing capability. The completed facility demonstrates Glencar’s expertise in delivering complex, fast-track, science-led infrastructure and supports the UK’s ability to respond rapidly to future public health challenges.