Oxford Biotech Research Facility Final Builders Clean

Introduction

McLaughlin & Harvey required a trusted cleaning partner to deliver a full final builders clean at a landmark six-storey biotech research facility in Oxford. The development was designed to support the future of life sciences, combining large-scale laboratory space with high-spec office environments and wellness amenities.

Given the technical nature of the building, the project required a rapid mobilisation, strict attention to detail, and the capability to clean a wide range of specialist surfaces and environments to a high standard. The client’s objective was to ensure the building was presented in a pristine, ready-to-use condition for handover, with all areas—internal and external—fully cleaned and compliant.

Our Solution

Services Offered:

• Final Builders Clean
• Internal specialist cleaning (labs, offices, plant areas)
• External and façade cleaning
• Roof and high-level cleaning
• Waste and debris removal

Tailoring Details:

Our Industrial Operations Director, Ian Collins IOSH, led mobilisation alongside the Industrial team, who were on-site and operational within 24 hours.

Given the scale and complexity of the building, we implemented a structured and phased approach to ensure all areas were cleaned safely, efficiently, and to specification. This included:

• Coordinated cleaning across multiple floors and environments including laboratories, office spaces, and communal areas
• Use of specialist access equipment including MEWPs and reach-and-wash systems for façade cleaning
• Careful removal of protective materials without damaging finishes
• Detailed cleaning of mechanical and electrical infrastructure, requiring experienced operatives and precision working methods

Our approach ensured minimal disruption to final construction works while maintaining high safety and quality standards throughout.

We Delivered

We delivered a comprehensive final clean across all internal and external areas of the building, including: 

Internal works: 

• Hoovering and wet cleaning of all flooring types including raised access flooring, vinyl and carpet 

• Cleaning of timber skirtings, doors, frames and ironmongery 

• Removal of all protection materials from curtain walling, glazing, balustrades and finishes 

• Full clean of internal façade, glazed screens and frames 

• Cleaning of columns, beams, soffits and metal decking 

• Detailed cleaning of mechanical and electrical elements including ducts, pipes, containment, valves and plant equipment 

• Cleaning of light fittings and electrical faceplates 

• Removal of all debris and clearance of risers 

External and roof works: 

• Cleaning of roofing membranes, flashings, and paved areas 

• Removal of debris, litter picking and full protection removal 

• Cleaning of rainwater hoppers and drainage channels 

• Cleaning of external balustrading, copings and roof-level finishes 

• Removal of bird fouling and build-up 

Façade cleaning: 

• Delivered using a combination of MEWP and reach-and-wash systems to ensure safe and effective cleaning at height 

The Impact

The building was successfully handed over in a clean, high-quality condition, ready for immediate occupation. 

Our rapid mobilisation ensured project timelines were maintained, while our attention to detail supported the delivery of a premium environment aligned with the building’s world-class standards. 

The successful delivery strengthened our ongoing relationship with McLaughlin & Harvey and demonstrated our capability in supporting complex, large-scale construction projects within specialist sectors such as life sciences.