Mood disorder centre unveiled in Exeter

Published: 4-Apr-2012

Flagship development will put UK at forefront of research into psychological therapies

A flagship building has been unveiled in Exeter that will enable research to be carried out into the impact of psychological therapies.

The £3.6m Sir Henry Wellcome Building for Mood Disorders Research was funded by the Wellcome Trust and is an extension of the existing facility situated at the University of Exeter.

Developed by the Leadbitter Group, the two-storey building has a semi-circular design with a small courtyard at its centre and an environmentally-friendly sedum roof.

A covered walkway with glass screens runs through the courtyard, connecting the centre to the existing Washington Singer Building.

Inside is a range of large and small treatment rooms equipped with monitoring technology to facilitate research and clinical trials, which will evaluate psychological therapies. A large open reception area and offices are also included in the curved design; a feature which gives each room has a unique shape.

The Leadbitter Group took over construction of the building after the steel frame had gone up and the original contractor had gone into receivership.

Commenting on the project, Rob Bradley, regional director of Leadbitter’s western construction division, said: “Despite the external economic circumstances which initially delayed the project, we were pleased to have the opportunity to work with the University of Exeter and delighted that we have been able to bring this important facility to completion for our client.”

Professor Ed Watkins, director and co-founder of the Mood Disorders Centre, added: “This building is the culmination of eight years of work which started in 2004 when the Mood Disorders Centre was first founded. We are grateful to the Wellcome Trust for funding what we believe to be among the best facilities for psychological treatment research anywhere in the world.”

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