US drug maker Merck has scrapped plans to occupy a major life sciences research centre in central London currently under construction by Mace.

Mace started work in 2023 under a £150m deal on Belgrove House directly opposite King’s Cross Square and St. Pancras International and King’s Cross station.

Construction is scheduled for completion in 2027 with Sisk understood to be in pole positions for the fit out contract.

But Merck – known in the UK as MSD – has now confirmed it is scrapping research operations in London and will no longer be occupying Belgrove House.

The company said it would focus future research in the US claiming the UK is uncompetitive and pays too little for medicines.

Designed by architects Allford Hall Monaghan Morris (AHMM), the ten-storey development will deliver 180,000 sq.ft of net lettable space for MSD.

The building topped-out in July and was expected to be complete and ready for fit-out in spring 2026.