Award-winning design, refurbishment, and fit-out specialists DSP (Interiors) Ltd have completed the first and second phase fit-out at Sherwood Business Park for SureScreen Diagnostics’ new lateral flow test production facility.
Over the past 18 months, the company, which is based on the Parker Industrial Estate on Mansfield Road in Derby, has partnered with SureScreen Diagnostics to support their expansion with the completion of a range of fit-out projects across Derby and Nottingham.
SureScreen remains at the forefront of the fight against Covid-19, producing antibody and antigen tests, which have been exported to 53 countries across the world. With more than 25 years’ experience in rapid diagnostic test products, SureScreen was the sole UK manufacturer to be validated by Public Health England during the Pandemic.
This growing demand and product development, which includes the recently approved dual Covid and Flu test, has perpetuated the need to expand facilities over the past 18 plus months.
In 2021, SureScreen announced its expansion to a new production facility at Lucinda House at Sherwood Business Park in Annesley, Nottinghamshire following an order for tens of millions of antigen Covid-19 tests from the Government, which created 1,000 local jobs.
DSP (Interiors) Ltd Derby was appointed principal designer and contractor to fulfil a staged completion of extensive turnkey works at the facility, which is the largest of its kind in Europe.
Work undertaken as part of phases one and two has involved transforming the original warehouse which housed a small office, amenity block, mezzanine level and a large logistics space into a state-of-the-art production and packing facility.
The existing amenity block was completely gutted and fitted out to accommodate new staff including underground drainage, toilets, and showers.
Work has also involved the installation of a new circa 31,500 sq. ft mezzanine floor to extend the production and packing space.
DSP (Interiors) Ltd undertook all associated works including partitions, ceilings, flooring, and bespoke joinery, along with mechanical, electrical, fire protection measures and plumbing works including specialist dehumidification ducting for the machinery and upgrades to the mains electrical systems.
Further works on the project have included the fit-out of the new warehouse including adjustable pallet racking and the full refurbishment of the existing offices, toilets, and kitchens.
Work also just completed on Phase 3, which included a large agile office and amenity, details of which will be released in the coming weeks. Work on Phase 4, a large Laboratory area, is also due to start in the first quarter of next year.
Speaking about their partnership with SureScreen Diagnostics, Andy Priestley, director of DSP (Interiors) Ltd Derby, said:
“We are delighted to have completed phases one and two at Lucinda House at Sherwood 80 for SureScreen Diagnostics on schedule and on budget.
“SureScreen Diagnostics do incredible work, and we are happy to have delivered a state-of-the-art facility where they can continue manufacturing and producing their Covid-19 antigen tests.
“As principal designer, DSP (Interiors) Ltd have been heavily involved in designing the spaces to accommodate the ever-changing needs of the production and packing workflow. SureScreen has invested heavily in the latest technology and as such the design of the bespoke facility has been fluid and continues to be adapted to accommodate these developments.
“We are excited to be working on phases three and four of the project and look forward to continuing the strong partnership with SureScreen Diagnostics.
”
Alastair Campbell, director of SureScreen Diagnostics, added:
“DSP Interiors Derby have done a fantastic job on the first two phases of this project. It is obvious that they have a huge amount of experience in design, installation and fit-out projects and are always able to find the right balance of design flair and practicality for the space given.
“Andy and his team remain valuable partners in this exciting project, enabling us to keep up with the demand for test kit production, the development of new products, and realise our desire and responsibility to supply these important diagnostic products.”
“Being agile around design changes and applying out of the box thinking on a large, changing project like Lucinda House has been invaluable. On a personal note, the fact that Andy, the top man, has often been on-site is great, as you can work through the ongoing project decisions together, leading to better efficiency and slicker decision making.”
