Midland Fire delivers the electrical infrastructure for Aston University’s new cutting-edge laboratory
6th October 2026/in Latest News
As part of Midland Fire’s ongoing partnership with Aston University, our Electrical Division recently played a key role in delivering the mechanical, electrical and specialist systems for the university’s new AIME laboratory. Through this work, we are proud to support AIME’s ongoing world-class membrane research.
Working alongside Palings and under the principal contractor Interclass, our team was appointed to help transform an existing teaching space into a brand-new high-tech research laboratory. The project involved the removal of all existing mechanical and electrical systems and the installation of new, fully integrated systems designed specifically for the AIME laboratory.
The new laboratory is situated in Aston University’s main building, which was fully open and operational at the time we completed the works. This meant the project demanded careful planning and coordination, as well as adherence to the university’s exacting standards. By integrating new laboratory-grade mechanical and electrical services into the existing campus infrastructure, our team helped create a safe, compliant and future-ready facility capable of supporting AIME’s world-leading research for years to come.
The AIME laboratory project required a highly coordinated electrical installation to support specialist research activities. Our role was to deliver a functional and compliant electrical infrastructure that integrated seamlessly with laboratory equipment, lighting controls, fire safety and gas detection systems
Working closely with Aston University, the design team and other specialist contractors, we ensured that all electrical services were installed, tested and commissioned in line with university standards and the specific demands of a modern research laboratory.
Rob Taylor, Electrical Division Manager @ Midland Fire Security Services
Aston Institute for Membrane Excellence (AIME)
Aston University is a leading academic institution based in Birmingham, recognised for its focus on research, innovation and high‑quality teaching.
One of its pioneering initiatives is AIME, a globally unique, cross-disciplinary research and training hub for translational membrane science. With the ultimate goal of realising the full potential of membranes, AIME takes a holistic approach, bringing together experts in biology, physics and chemistry. As a result, AIME is positioned at the forefront of this emerging global research field, with more promise than any other institute for major scientific breakthroughs.
The refurbishment of the AIME laboratory forms part of a wider programme to upgrade specialist teaching and research spaces across the university.
Electrical system installation at the AIME laboratory
The project
Following the strip-out of all existing installations in the space, this project included the coordination, installation and commissioning of a full suite of mechanical, electrical, public health and specialist laboratory systems, as listed below:
Electrical & specialist systems – led by Midland Fire
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- LV electrical distribution and final circuits
- Equipment and utility power supplies
- General and emergency lighting – Thorlux SmartScan
- Fire detection and alarm systems
- Laboratory gas detection systems (Altitude Safety)
- Access control, data, earthing and bonding systems
- Lightning protection systems
- BMS integration and automatic controls
Mechanical & plumbing work – led by Palings
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- LTHW heating systems
- HVAC and general ventilation systems
- Air conditioning systems
- Refrigeration services
- Mains cold water and domestic water services
- Above-ground drainage systems
- Natural gas supply and distribution
Our team also integrated the new systems into the wider university campus infrastructure. Following installation, all systems were fully tested, commissioned and certified in line with Aston University specifications, British Standards and safety regulations. We then provided comprehensive operations & maintenance manuals and certification at handover.
The challenges
Working in an occupied university building created several challenges. Our team needed to work around fixed academic programme timelines and maintain safety for staff and students throughout the building. The commissioning of integrated fire, gas and ventilation systems was also complex, and we had to remain compliant with Aston University’s specifications.
We overcame these challenges through careful planning and close collaboration with everyone involved. We also phased our work to minimise disruption to the surrounding teaching spaces. Thanks to our experience working within academic settings such as this, our engineers completed the project safely, efficiently and on time.
The result
The result of this project is a fully refurbished and compliant purpose-built laboratory space designed to house AIME’s cutting-edge research activity.
The lab is now fully equipped with a modern mechanical and electrical infrastructure, featuring integrated gas detection and fire safety systems, as well as energy-efficient lighting and controls. We fully commissioned each system so that each one is operational and ready for immediate use.
Collaboration
Our electrical team delivered this project through close collaboration with Aston University, Interclass, Syntegral, Palings and specialist suppliers such as Altitude and Electron. Between us, we ensured a coordinated delivery, full compliance and minimal disruption to the occupied university building.
Midland Fire’s electrical contracting services
Our dedicated Electrical Division offers a full range of electrical installation, testing and commissioning services for businesses of all shapes and sizes.
We are a NICEIC-approved contractor with a team of highly qualified electricians, committed to delivering every project to the highest standards. We follow the latest regulations when carrying out all of our services to ensure that your installations meet your legal obligations as an employer or landlord.
Our services include:
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Every project is tailored to your business requirements, ensuring long-term performance and full regulatory compliance.
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