Project Overview
Project Gemma represents a state-of-the-art expansion of the Addenbrooke’s Clinical Research Centre, comprising five floors along with basement and rooftop plantrooms.
Its core structure is crafted from in-situ concrete.
The concrete is adorned with a blend of pre-cast stone and curtain walling, and capped with a single-ply flat roof.
What sets Project Gemma apart is its seamless integration with the surrounding environment.
At levels 1, 3, and 5, this structure elegantly melds with adjacent structures, creating a visual harmony that reflects the interconnected nature of medical research and care.
Internally, Project Gemma is organised into five distinct zones.
The zones are support and ancillary spaces, the interventional investigation unit, an early-phase trials unit, a clinical research facility (CRF), and a metabolic CRF and eating behaviour unit. The core of the building houses the meticulously equipped clinical rooms, while administrative, recovery, and social areas are strategically positioned around the periphery.
This layout optimises the utilisation of natural light and ventilation throughout the facility.
Core Team
Andy Shiner
Contracts Manager
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.
Peter Armstrong
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.
Chris Beer
Design Manager
Dean Lathan
M&E Manager
Raj Parmar
Pre-Construction Manager
Since starting with SDC in 2013, Raj has proven himself to be an accomplished Pre-Construction Manager with a wealth of construction knowledge. Raj’s responsibilities include the overall management of the pre-construction process and assuming the pivotal role of client liaison throughout the whole of the project. With over two decades at the company, Raj is a well-respected member of the team who has worked and a huge variety of projects for a range of sectors including education, leisure, and science and technology.
Matt Wells
Planning Manager
