Veterinary Pathology Group

Transforming a bare structure into a high-quality, future-proof environment.

Bristol

Laboratory

16 Weeks

“McFeggan Brown worked with us in a collaborative manner and to agreed deadlines. There was a seamless transition to the new laboratory, with no disruption to our specialist veterinary histopathology service“.

Sean Haugland, Head of Pathology

Design Brief

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Plan

Visuals

When the pending sale of its existing building required VPG histopathology service to consider the relocation of its national lab, they appointed McFeggan Brown to provide strategic property and design advice. Together, several potential sites across North Bristol were reviewed before ultimately selecting 540 The Crescent, Bristol Business Park in Filton.

For each shortlisted building, McFeggan Brown provided detailed commentary on its suitability for VPG’s specialist requirements. This advice was informed by a comprehensive survey of VPG’s existing histopathology operation and a clear understanding of the optimal laboratory layout needed to support efficient workflows. Key considerations included specialist ventilation requirements, laboratory workflow, and the provision of supporting spaces.

Particular attention was given to material storage, plumbing and electrical infrastructure, and broader issues of safety, compliance, and operational robustness. For several of the potential sites, McFeggan Brown produced ‘test fit’ layouts to illustrate how the spaces could be configured to meet operational needs. These test fits enabled early budget cost estimates for the fit-out, providing valuable insight into the relative costs and constraints of each option and supporting VPG in making a well-informed final decision.

Project Delivery

Following the selection of the building and the successful negotiation of lease terms, the project moved into delivery phase. The existing interior was stripped back to its bare structure, removing outdated carpets, ceilings, partitions, and redundant finishes to allow the space to be fully reconfigured for its new purpose.

The fit-out then progressed with the installation of specialist laboratory-grade vinyl flooring, a new ventilation system, upgraded ceilings and lighting, and bespoke laboratory benching. These elements were carefully designed and coordinated to support the specific operational needs of VPG’s histopathology scientists and their specialist equipment, creating a modern, compliant, and efficient laboratory environment downstairs, and a calm space upstairs for the pathologists and admin team to work.

The result is a smart, contemporary laboratory that empowers the VPG team to work at their best, significantly enhancing both operational efficiency and diagnostic capacity. The new facility marks a step change from the space previously occupied, providing a high-quality, future-proof environment that supports the team today and positions the service strongly for continued growth.