Imperial College Healthcare NHS Trust has unveiled updated designs for the Fleming Centre, to be built on the St Mary’s Hospital campus in Paddington.
A planned hub for research and action on antimicrobial resistance, the designs have been updated based on initial public, staff and partner feedback earlier this year.
In terms of funding, Lord Darzi of Denham, Executive Chair of the Fleming Initiative, announced last year that an initial £100m, supported by three new partners, LifeArc, Cepheid and Optum, alongside founding partner, GSK, and other philanthropists.
Funding to build and run the Centre is separate from NHS funding for St Mary’s Hospital. The Centre is planned as a precursor to the redevelopment of the whole of the St Mary’s site as part of the Government’s New Hospital Programme.
The Trust is aiming to submit a planning application in December 2025, with construction due to begin in 2026.
Architect Stanton Williams was chosen in January to design the landmark building.
The Centre will be a world-first research and public engagement hub dedicated to tackling antimicrobial resistance (AMR). It is due to open in 2028 to help mark the centenary of the discovery of penicillin – the first true antibiotic – at St Mary’s by Sir Alexander Fleming.
This is a key development of the global Fleming Initiative, a collaboration with Imperial College London led by Professor the Lord Darzi of Denham.
What did the feedback say about the design?
“Following overwhelmingly positive feedback from the first phase of public consultation, the Trust is now inviting feedback on the updated designs,” the Trust stated.
Any contributions can be given via the website.
The design, led by award-winning architects Stanton Williams, focuses on:
- Preserving local heritage – The industrial and scientific legacy of The Bays building – the site of the new Centre – will be recognised by retaining as much of the existing structure as possible, with careful removal of other elements.
- Opportunities for local people – The Centre will offer training and employment opportunities across a range of roles, supporting skills development and local careers.
- Learning and collaboration – A public discovery centre will host exhibitions, events and partnerships with local groups, creating new ways for people to engage with science and innovation.
- Improving accessibility – Walking routes around The Bays will be redesigned for safety and comfort, including replacing the surrounding cobbled path with smoother surfaces that still respect the area’s heritage character.
- Making the most of the canal – The design includes a canal-side café, pocket parks and a community pavilion, creating a welcoming green space where people can relax and meet.
- Careful construction – The project team will adhere to Westminster City Council’s Code of Construction Practice and the Considerate Contractors Scheme, ensuring high standards of safety, quality and respect for neighbours.
Matt Tulley, Director of Redevelopment, Imperial College Healthcare NHS Trust, said: “We’re proud to be creating a sustainable and welcoming building that will help find solutions to antimicrobial resistance, one of the biggest global health threats we face. The Centre will also bring new opportunities and investment to the area as part of Paddington Life Sciences, the growing cluster of life sciences and data business around St Mary’s.
Professor Alison Holmes, Director of the Fleming Initiative, said: “Public and stakeholder feedback is invaluable as we refine these updated designs, and we strongly encourage everyone to share their thoughts and help us create a unique and beautiful hub, which will both engage the public and have an impact on research and policy.”
Image credits: Imperial College Healthcare NHS Trust