Having previously undertaken several projects for AstraZeneca, totalling over seven figures in value, Complete Roofing Systems was engaged to deliver a roof overlay and thermal upgrade on the global pharmaceutical and biotechnology company’s new People’s Hub. 

Located at AstraZeneca’s 101-acre Macclesfield campus, the building was built in 1992 and was used as a pharmaceuticals production facility for many years. Having become an eye sore, the building was selected for a complete refurbishment, converting it into the campus’ central hub for the 4,000 AstraZeneca employees based at the site. 

The roof had suffered continuous leaks over the years, so we specified an IKO Armourplan single ply membrane as a BBA approved, durable waterproofing solution, which is quick and efficient to install. 

Our operatives cleaned and prepared the existing roof ready for overlay. We then installed the acoustic membrane, followed by the insulation to the roof and upstands, and the IKO single ply membrane to the full roof area using mechanical fixings. The team also carried out detailing work to the upstands and outlets, which required exceptional workmanship. 

As with all our projects, we carried out the installation in compliance with industry standards and according to the manufacturer’s recommendations. High quality was maintained throughout the delivery, with regular inspections to check the installation met the manufacturer’s specification. 

Our team had to manage several logistical challenges during the programme.  

Firstly, the project had a quick start date due to the client’s needs, so our teams had to mobilise quickly, with extra resources allocated to ensure that all pre-construction requirements were met, and the project was launched safely and compliantly. 

The Macclesfield campus is the biggest pharmaceutical manufacturing site in the UK, with sensitive projects taking place across the site. We, therefore, worked very closely with AstraZeneca to ensure that our team and programme adhered to site protocols. 

Deliveries are only permitted to enter and leave the campus at certain times, so we had a carefully planned schedule, which was made more complex by the long lead times of the insulation material we were working with.  

As the insulation and single ply membrane were both mechanically fixed, penetrating the deck, we had to work quickly and precisely to ensure that the building remained watertight throughout the works. This was particularly challenging working through the winter months.

Despite various complexities to consider, we delivered the project on time and to budget, enabling AstraZeneca to open its new People’s Hub as planned. 

The People’s Hub lies at the centre of AstraZeneca’s employee engagement strategy on the Macclesfield campus, supporting its aim of improving collaboration and connectivity between teams. It will operate as both an office facility for 150 employees, as well as a multi-purpose communal space with breakout areas, meeting rooms and a café for all employees and visitors. 

We are accredited installers of the market-leading single ply systems, meaning we can specify the best materials to meet your requirements. Learn more.