Laing lands lab deal

A £121 million contract to design, build, finance and operate a new laboratory complex at the National Physical Laboratory in Teddington has been signed by Laing/ Serco and the Department of Trade and Industry.

Laser Teddington II - a special-purpose company formed by John Laing Investments and Serco Investments - will ensure that the new facilities will allow the laboratories to remain among the world leaders in producing precise measurement techniques and standards. The duo were selected as preferred bidder in July 1997.

Laser will replace the existing buildings with a new modern laboratory complex and office facility, covering around 36,000m2. Approximately 3.24 ha of surplus land have been sold to Laing Homes for an 89 unit luxury home development.

Under the PFI arrangement John Laing Construction will design and build the laboratory complex under an £82 million contract.