Real estate investor and developer Mission Street and global real estate manager BGO have secured planning consent for the largest science district in the UK.
Located in Cambridge, just a 10-minute bike ride from the central railway station, the 9.3-hectaree science district will revitalize a long-unused site.
The science district will encompass a total of 92,903 m2 of gross internal area across seven buildings. Designed by renowned architects Hawkins\Brown in collaboration with other leading firms, the development will be anchored by a central square and offer a fully pedestrianized, publicly accessible masterplan.
Designed to accommodate the expansion of companies without the need for relocation or fragmentation, the development will feature a fully pedestrianized, publicly accessible master plan. This includes a significant increase in play space for children, a diverse range of food and beverage options, dedicated community event spaces, and an Artist in Residence program. Additionally, it will feature a STEM-based educational outreach partnership.
According to industry sources, the gross development value of the Cambridge Science District exceeds £1 bn (€1.2 bn).
Artem Korolev, CEO of Mission Street, commented: ‘This project embodies the principle that it is entirely possible to blend R&D space for world-leading innovators with community amenities that everyone can enjoy. We look forward to engaging further with planning officers, the community, and other statutory consultees as we deliver a globally significant science destination that current and future generations will be proud of.’
Mission Street and BGO's strategic partnership boasts a development pipeline of over 139,354 m2 of lab and office space in key UK locations, including Cambridge, Oxford, and Bristol.
Market data analyzed by Mission Street indicates a significant demand for over 55,741 m2 of laboratory space in Cambridge. The current pipeline of available space is insufficient to meet this growing demand, particularly for inner-city R&D facilities.
