Project Overview
SDC was appointed to strip out, refurbish and fit out the building to provide a flexible environment for science and innovation companies. The laboratory space was completed to shell and core CAT A and office areas finished to CAT B.
The strip out included the decanting and removal of all loose, fixed and fitted items from the old office building.
Structural alterations included the addition of a new external goods lift, and the formation of open plan offices and laboratory space. The M&E items were then reinstated to provide renewed building services, and a new building monitoring system.
The incubation spaces were developed to be fully flexible for future client fit out, with the laboratory space completed to CAT A and office areas finished to CAT B. There is also a striking shared reception area at ground floor, and newly fitted toilets, breakout, and kitchen facilities on each floor.
During the main contract SDC was instructed to complete a tenant specific fit out to the ground and third floor laboratory areas.
SDC also completed speculative laboratory layouts to the first and second floor in line with the landlord’s brief.
The laboratory spaces have allowance for three fume cupboards on each floor, with an external gas cage and dedicated specialist lab gas risers. SDC also installed a rooftop plant room to provide the necessary heating/cooling and ventilation for the laboratory spaces, with PV panels providing better green credentials.
Externally the building is surrounded by trees and greenery creating a landscaped environment intended to promote sustainability and wellbeing. SDC refreshed the existing external patio area, and added a bike store, bin store, bird boxes, and insect hotels to improve wildlife facilities in the area.
Sam Potts, Partner Building Surveying, Bidwells
“As the Client’s representative on Project Sherard for Oxford Sciences Innovation, I was particularly impressed with SDC’s collaborative and flexible attitude towards projects changes and in particular their transparency working through project risks during what have been some quite turbulent months in the marketplace. Their open approach to costs coupled with their ability to develop the design changes directly and quickly has enabled us to hand over a quality project to our client and they have facilitated OSI’s access to the building as programmed.”
Core Team
Andy Shiner
Board Director
Andy embarked on a career in construction at 18, starting with a carpentry apprenticeship. During three years with local carpentry firms, he gained experience erecting timber frames and honed first and second fix carpentry skills, developing a strong foundation in building finishes and trade collaboration.
In 2008, Andy transitioned to site management, joining SDC Builders Ltd as an Assistant Site Manager while pursuing a part-time Foundation Degree in Construction Management. Working on complex projects valued at up to £20m, he developed skills in logistics, programming, and health and safety. He was promoted to Site Manager in 2010, managing notable projects for clients such as Babraham Bioscience Technologies and the University of Cambridge.
By 2015, Andy had advanced to the roles of Construction Manager and then Contracts Manager, overseeing multiple projects with a combined value of up to £50m. His role expanded to include pre-construction planning, financial oversight, and post-occupancy responsibilities. In 2018, he became a Project Director, contributing to company-wide decision-making before joining SDC’s Board of Directors in 2020.
As a Board Director, Andy oversees the delivery of three or four projects simultaneously, guiding teams through tender preparation, construction, and completion. His extensive experience working on-site enables him to effectively support site staff and gain a comprehensive understanding of their needs. Andy also leads strategic initiatives, mentors staff and manages the key Plant Hire department. Building and maintaining client relationships is a central focus, supporting the company’s high rate of repeat business, which accounts for 80% of turnover.
Raymond Renkel
Construction Manager
Andrew Clark
Commercial Manager
Andrew has worked at SDC since 1995 and is one of the longest serving members of the company, where he has progressed to Project Commercial Director. He is a valued and trusted member of the team with significant industry experience. Andrew has contributed to a vast range of projects across Oxford and Cambridge, where he is responsible for providing commercial leadership, strategic commercial direction and support to the project team.
Matt Stevens
Design Manager
Matt has been a part of SDC since 2007 and is an experienced and adaptable Senior Project Design Manager, well-versed in SDC’s collaborative and solution-driven approach. He actively engages in the pre-construction phase and stays involved throughout the project’s completion. With his broad industry experience, Matt excels at uniting the design development process, collaborating closely with both the client’s team and SDC’s internal design team to ensure the original design vision is preserved.
Richard Smith
Second Stage Leader
Matt Wells
Planning Manager
