In September 1992 SmithKline Beecham Pharmaceuticals issued a brief for the design of a research and development complex in Great Burgh in Epsom, Surrey. The brief was to provide a new headquarters building incorporating efficient flexible space as a comfortable working environment for non-laboratory functions, with servicing capacity to cope with increased IT use in the future. The programme required project completion by December 1994. In January 1993 a development strategy for the complex was agreed with Terry Farrell and Company and instructions were given to proceed with the design. Key features of the design included a restablishment of entranceways, full historic building frontage and covered pedestrian walkways. These produced an aesthtically pleasing conference environment space.

The focus of the design was the Neo/Georgian Great Burgh House, initially built in 1912/1913. The site was a composite of a large variety of buildings including laboratories, administration offices, stores and leisure facilities, developed over a period of time and in a piecemeal manner. The buildings were set within substantial areas of established landscaped grounds and trees, part of which was designated and Urban Open Land Area by the Local Planning Authority.

Construction Partners:
Engineers: Arup
Landscape Architect: Townsend