The Natural History Museum has appointed global construction and consultancy firm Mace as the main contractor to deliver its state-of-the-art Collections, Research and Digitisation Centre, with construction set to begin imminently.

The project, located at the Thames Valley Science Park in Shinfield, the innovation hub of the University of Reading, will become a landmark facility, housing 28 million specimens, approximately one-third of the Museum’s total collection. The new centre will also provide advanced digital, analytical, and genomic technologies for the global scientific community.

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Spanning 25,000 square metres the facility is expected to be completed in 2027 and fully operational by 2031.

Mace will lead procurement and construction efforts, supported by CPC Project Services, which is providing project management expertise, and Arcadis, acting as cost consultants. The project's design team, now novated to Mace, is led by architectural firm Fielden Clegg Bradley Studios, with engineering consultancy Ramboll supporting.

Rob Lemming, Managing Director for Public Sector and Life Sciences at Mace Construct, said: "As we embark on this significant project, our focus is on creating a facility that not only protects the Museum's invaluable specimens but also serves as a centre for groundbreaking research. This building will be equipped with cutting-edge technology, enabling solutions-led research into some of the greatest challenges facing the planet, from climate change and biodiversity loss to health and sustainable resourcing."

The new centre is a cornerstone of the NHM Unlocked Programme, supported by a £201 million investment from the UK Government, aligning with national priorities to boost science, research, and development.