North East & Yorkshire

The Allam Building arrives

Located at the University of Hull, Humberside, the Allam Building is a brand new facility designed to aid the University in its important medical studies.

The new facility includes two centres focusing on cardiovascular and metabolic research and cancer research and a state-of-the-art Position Emission Tomography – Computed Tomography (PET-CT) Radiochemistry Unit.

The creation of this new building at the University of Hull was made possible through a £1.5 million donation from business man Dr Assem Allam. Dr Allam is an Egyptian-born businessman, is owner of Allam Marine and is the chairman of Hull City Football Club.

An additional donation by the Daisy Appeal also helped the project secure two mini cyclotrons; proton-accelerating machines used in medical applications. One of the machines is now in use at the University whilst the second – used for medical imaging – is based at Castle Hill Hospital.

Work began on the project in September 2011 and reached completion a year later in September 2012. George Houlton & Sons Ltd was the main contractor on the project, whilst award winning practice Wilson Mason provided all architectural services on the site. Gleeds was the quantity surveyor on the Allam Building.

Commenting on the new building, Project funder, Dr Assem Allem, said:

“I am very interested in supporting medical research whenever I can because of the far reaching effects it can have for those suffering with serious illness.

“The Allam Building is an impressive project that has put the University of Hull at the forefront of cardiovascular and cancer research.”

Houlton Chairman, Richard Houlton, added:

“This was a fantastic project for Houlton to be involved with. It was a construction which greatly benefits the local community through the enhancement of the education offering of the city of Hull.”

Construction work reached completion in June 2012 and was followed by a series of fit-out works which provided important finishing touches ahead of the building’s grand opening in September.

To mark the completion of construction work a topping out ceremony took place in June, with Dr Allam taking part in the event. A number of special guests also attended the ceremony, including Professor John Greenman, lead researcher at the Division of Cancer Studies.

In addition to the physical developments on the site, Professor Greenman managed to secure funding to carry out health research at the new facility. The Professor’s work includes research into blood clotting in patients with ovarian cancer and pancreatic cancers.

Two PhD students are also working alongside University academics after being awarded Allam Scholarships.

Professor Greenman commented:

“I was delighted that we secured this prestigious funding to carry out research that is truly translational and will make a real difference to patients. In addition, this level of funding really helps to strengthen Hull’s position as a leader of biomedical research.”

The University of Hull has an international reputation for conducting research into cardiovascular, metabolic and cancer research. With work now complete on the Allam Building, scientists and doctors will use the new facility to translate their findings into tangible work that will provide important benefits for patients.

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