PIPE dream turns reality - one of five sections of flue is hoisted into place on a £16.5 million project by York-based Shepherd Construction to build a new cancer research centre.

Ultimately the 80ft tall plastic flue, designed to divert an extract duct serving fume cupboards, will be a landmark in Sutton, London, once the development is completed next year.

It was carefully positioned within a 3.5 tonne pre-erected steel structure. The flue was necessary "to safeguard the workforce and future occupants from potentially hazardous fumes," said a Shepherd spokesman.

The project, for the Institute of Cancer Research Sutton Developments Ltd, will consist of workshop areas, laboratories, a fitness suite, offices, lecture theatre, catering facilities, car parking and road access.

At the same time, Shepherd has now begun work on a £32 million contract to refurbish and fully fit out St George's Court, a central London office building.

Work on the eight-storey building in Oxford Street, complete with basement, is being carried out for London and Regional Properties Ltd and is scheduled for completion in August 2002.