Sketch of the proposed building for The Francis Crick Institute.
© PLP Architecture

The development of the site, and the planning of visitor space and programmes of activities, is being carried out with input from local residents, community organisations and other interested parties such as Camden Council and the Greater London Authority.

Three working groups involving local people are advising on aspects of the development of the Institute.

The construction working group engages with residents and the council to listen to views on the building work and to alert residents to work at the site.

The Living Centre working group is discussing the services the purpose-built community facility — provisionally called the Living Centre — should offer to improve people's health and wellbeing.

The community liaison group will consult on the best ways for the Institute to work to bring benefits to St Pancras and Somers Town.

We already have a good track record of consulting local people and community groups. During the building design phase we made several changes as a result of feedback.

• The overall height of the building was lowered.
• A community facility was included in the building.
• The roof was changed to a curved (shell) form to reduce the effect on local views.
• A north-south atrium was introduced to give the building a more open feel.
• Scientific functions were moved to make ground-floor activities more visible.
• A new east-west route was developed between The Francis Crick Institute and the British Library.
• The teaching laboratory, conference facility and exhibition space in the building were made more easily accessible.
• The main public entrance was lowered to improve access.
• The building was set back to give views from St Pancras International to the local Purchese Street Open Space and to encourage pedestrians to walk from St Pancras to Euston.