Our latest proposals

There was strong support for the Fleming Centre during the first phase of consultation, with 97 per cent of survey respondents backing the proposals, with particular support for its approach to employment, learning, and sustainability.

Here’s a summary of our responses to specific issues and requests for more detail:

What we heard and how we’re responding

• Parts of the Bays building should be retained
  We will continue to recognise the site’s industrial heritage and scientific past by retaining as much of the existing building as possible and carefully removing what cannot be kept to ensure the new centre meets modern standards.
• There should be training and employment opportunities for local people
  We are pleased to be able to offer a range of opportunities at all levels in the new centre connected to healthcare and research.
• There should be learning and collaboration opportunities in the new centre
  There will be plenty of opportunities to get involved through our inclusive events programme hosted in the new public discovery centre and through partnerships with local groups.
• The walkways should be made more accessible
  Our design team has been working hard to make the walking routes around the Bays more accessible. The cobble path will be replaced, but new materials will sensitively align with the character of the Bays.
• We would like to see the centre making the most out of its location next to the canal
  The centre will offer a relaxed café, pocket parks filled with greenery and a welcoming pavilion by the canal.
• Construction should be managed carefully
  All construction will follow Westminster’s Code of Construction Practice and the Considerate Constructors Scheme to ensure safety, quality, and respect for the community.

Focusing on delivery and materials

How the Fleming Centre will deliver spaces for collaboration, research and the community.

What the Fleming Centre will deliver

• Open, collaborative public spaces connected to a rooftop terrace, for institutions, academics, policymakers and the community.
• Publicly accessible exhibition and events spaces on the ground and first floors, and a new canal-side café.
• Workspaces, laboratories and clinics to enable cutting-edge research.
• Welcoming outdoor spaces and routes that are safe and accessible.

Our design principles

• A design concept fit for the future, with sustainability and wellbeing at its heart.
• A celebration of the Bays’ industrial heritage and scientific past.
• Inclusive and versatile spaces to welcome a diverse community.

Materials

Designing a welcoming façade

• Modern elements: aluminium windows and copper rainscreen panels.
• Durability: robust, low maintenance, long life materials.
• Identity: distinctive façade creating a welcoming presence.

The Fleming Centre will bring world-leading expertise and investment to Paddington and provide a space for the local community.

• Public research facilities to help tackle the threat of AMR and collaborate within the designated engagement hubs in the new centre
• A rooftop terrace



• Workspaces bringing together researchers, policymakers, clinicians, behavioural experts and commercial partners to combine their shared networks, expertise and skills to tackle AMR.
• Open-view laboratories where cutting-edge research will take place, bringing research and innovation to life.
• The Fleming Discovery Centre on the ground floor with interactive exhibition and an engaging programme of events for the community and visitors.
• A building that fosters collaboration The design of the Fleming Centre aims to bring people together, offering open laboratory space and visible research areas where visitors can see science and innovation in action.

Outdoor spaces

The Fleming Centre will create a welcoming and accessible streetscape that connects with the local community and surrounding area, encouraging people to visit and explore.

• Rooftop terrace A new rooftop terrace will provide space to meet, relax and enjoy the views across Paddington Basin.
• Improving pedestrian access Existing pathways will be repaved and well-lit to make walking around Paddington Basin safer and more inviting.



• A new pavilion With soft landscaping around it, the pavilion will be a welcoming feature that encourages people to gather and enjoy the area.
• Planting and greenery Enhancing the public realm with trees, plants, and rooftop greenery.
• Better connecting St Mary's Hospital and Paddington Station Strengthening links between hospital and transport routes while preserving the historic pathway from Little Venice.

Townscape views

Viewing the Fleming Centre within the wider context of Paddington Basin.

Respecting the past, shaping the future

How the Fleming Centre design celebrates its heritage while creating a landmark for the future.

• Retaining heritage features whilst incorporating a modern vertical extension.
• Sensitively extending the top of the existing building by four storeys, with an additional rooftop terrace.
• Creating a ‘veil’ exterior with a perforated patterned metal screen, giving delicacy and depth to the building.
• Extending the life of The Bays by retaining walls and historic features, and reusing reclaimed materials.

Managing construction

We are committed to managing construction carefully and respectfully, ensuring minimal disruption to staff, patients, local residents and businesses.

• All construction will follow Westminster City Council’s Code of Construction Practice and the Considerate Constructors Scheme.
• Strict monitoring of dust, noise and vibration will be in place throughout the works.
• Dedicated marshals will help manage construction traffic safely around the site.
• Regular bulletins will keep the local community updated on progress and upcoming activity.

Floor plans

Explore the planned layout of the Fleming Discovery Centre, from the ground floor public spaces to the rooftop terrace. Download the Fleming Centre floor plans

Ground floor – Fleming Discovery Centre

Includes main entrance lobby, exhibition space, café, and visitor facilities.

Second floor – Public research unit

Specialist workspaces for collaboration and research.

Third floor – Laboratories

Laboratory spaces supporting research and innovation.

Fourth floor – Workspaces

Flexible workspaces designed for collaboration.

Fifth floor – Workspaces and convening spaces

Combination of work areas and convening rooms for meetings and events.

Sixth floor – Roof terrace and plant

A rooftop terrace with landscaped areas and plant rooms.