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Our journey

Read about the journey to create a new translational neuroscience centre from concept to creation

Our mission is to translate discovery research into treatments for patients with neurological diseases. In 2013, rising to the UCL 2034 global challenge agenda, we pledged to address this global health challenge by combining UCL’s discovery and applied scientific strengths in a unique interdisciplinary, partnership environment.

We needed a specially-designed and purpose-built facility, a programme of collaborative and more efficient ways of working to deliver our mission. In 2017, when the Eastman Dental Hospital former site became available, following a consultation process, plans were approved to create a dual hub for neuroscience at UCL, starting work on a new building at 256 Grays Inn Road and retaining some facilities at Queen Square House - to take advantage of the co-location of world-class clinical and academic expertise at UCL and the National Hospital of Neurology and Neurosurgery at Queen Square.

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2013: UCL identifies need to renew Queen Square Institute of Neurology's buildings and facilities
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2016: ION-DRI project initiated with plans to redevelop Queen Square House
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Dec 2016: Medical Research Council chooses UCL as ‘hub’ of new UK Dementia Research Institute (UK DRI)
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2017: Eastman Dental Hospital site at 256 Grays Inn Rd becomes available
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March 2018: Eastman Dental Hospital purchase complete and design work commences
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March 2019: Camden Council approves case to create dual hub at Queen Square House and a new facility at Grays Inn Road
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Sep 2019: Planning permission granted and Eastman Dental Hospital closes
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Sep 2020: Demolition work commences
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May 2021: Ground-breaking event
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June 2021: Demolition work complete and piling work commences
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March 2022: Excavation work complete and concrete substructure build commences
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May 2022: Time capsule buried
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August 2022: Work begins on building superstructure (above ground)
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May 2023: Highest point reached celebrated with Topping Out ceremony
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Nov 2025: Mace announced as new construction partner (following contractor ISG going into administration)
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Spring 2027: Estimated building completion. Fully operational in Autumn 2027

Construction Highlights

UCL to work with Mace

Professor Alan Thompson (Programme Sponsor and Dean of UCL Faculty of Brain Sciences), Robert Lemming (Managing Director, Public Sector and Life Sciences, Mace Construct ), Hannah Milner (Director of UCL’s Estate Capital Programme), Paul Thomas (Head of Operations, Mace Construct)

UCL to work with Mace

UCL will work with global construction firm, Mace to complete UCL’s new world-class neuroscience building at 256 Grays Inn Road.

May 2023: Topping Out

A group of people on top of Grays Inn Road building dressed in high vis and hard hards

May 2023: Topping Out

In May 2023, we reached the highest point in construction with a Topping Out ceremony

Sep 2022: David Cameron visit

David Cameron visits Grays Inn Road, pictured with senior ION researchers

Sep 2022: David Cameron visit

David Cameron visits new centre of excellence for UCL Neuroscience to mark World Alzheimer’s Day

May 2022: Time Capsule Burial

Queen Square Institute of Neurology Manager Dr Hélène Cruzten and resident Marianne Jacobs-Lim bury the time capsule

May 2022: Time Capsule Burial

To mark Dementia Action Week, a time capsule was buried in the foundations at 256 Grays Inn Road.

May 2021:Breaking ground at 256 Grays Inn Road

Senior leaders stand in front of historic Alexandra Wing building with spades

May 2021:Breaking ground at 256 Grays Inn Road

In 2021 we broke ground on site at 256 Grays Inn Road, marking the beginning of the building's construction stage

Sep 2019: Planning approval given

An artists impression of the new neuroscience centre on Grays Inn Road

Sep 2019: Planning approval given

Conditional planning permission has been granted for a new state-of-the-art facility, which will be home to UCL Neuroscience

Further news from the ION-DRI Programme

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