Graham has been appointed by Queen鈥檚 University Belfast as main contractor to put up 8,500 sqm of floorspace that will form part of the Institute for Research Excellence in Advanced Clinical Healthcare (IREACH).
IREACH Health is a 拢64m clinical research innovation centre led by Queen鈥檚 University Belfast that is being developed in partnership with Belfast Health & Social Care Trust and Health & Social Care Research & Development Division. The project is funded partly by the Northern Ireland Executive and UK government through the Belfast Region City Deal, and partly by Queen鈥檚 University Belfast.
The innovation centre is expected to provide health, social and economic benefits for Northern Ireland, making clinical trials more effective and efficient, while supporting the improved health of the population.
Planning permission for the facility was granted in March, with the main construction work at the site due to start in December 2024. iREACH Health plans to be operating from the new facilities by 2026, accommodating up to 360 staff, as it supports Northern Ireland鈥檚 life and health sciences sector.
IREACH Health director Judy Bradley said: 鈥淭he appointment of Graham marks a significant milestone in realising our vision for a revolutionary clinical trial research facility. IREACH Health will harness Queen鈥檚 and Northern Ireland's research strengths and create a cutting-edge environment to improve patient outcomes, accelerate inclusive innovation, and support our health and life sciences sector in achieving local and global impact.鈥�
Gary Holmes, Regional Managing Director 鈥� Graham Building North, added: 鈥淲ith our team currently delivering Belfast鈥檚 first-ever Passivhaus-certified student accommodation on Dublin Road on behalf of Queen鈥檚, we have a long-standing relationship with the University that we look forward to building on.鈥�
Queen's University vice-chancellor Sir Ian Greer said: 鈥淔or 180 years, Queen鈥檚 has been at the forefront of innovation, delivering major impact and benefits for people in our region and across the world. This spirit of innovation continues today through initiatives like IREACH Health, which will be transformational for our clinical trial ecosystem.鈥�
鈥淭his new facility will enable groundbreaking clinical trial capability and ensure Northern Ireland remains at the forefront of life and health sciences, addressing some of the most pressing health challenges of our time.鈥�
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