Brownfield site to provide much-needed, ‘affordable’ lab space in Cambridge

A brownfield site in Sawston will become home to 180,000 sq. ft. of “affordable” science and laboratory space, after council planners gave the project the nod earlier this month.

The new South Cambridge Science Centre is a two-phase development, the first of which will comprise a c. 140,000 sq. ft., three-storey research and development building, as well as a decked car park, expected to be ready for occupation in early 2025.

Phase two of the project (planning permitting) will include the construction of a c. 40,000 sq. ft. building on the same site.

Abstract (Mid Tech) Ltd, part of Abstract Securities, says its new science park will help meet the high demand for affordable lab space in the Cambridge life science cluster. Abstract also said that the project will operate on a Net Zero carbon basis.

Cllr Dr Lisa Redrup (Lib Dem, Harston and Comberton) said it was good to see a brownfield site being redeveloped, and said “glad to hear the environmental credentials” of the developer.

The committee voted unanimously to approve the plans.

Mark Glatman, chief executive of Abstract Securities, said: “We saw a fantastic opportunity to acquire and reposition around five acres of land, to create much-needed new science and technology lab space at a sensible and affordable rental.

“The scheme is in an established location in the Cambridge market where the availability of quality laboratories is almost zero against unprecedented demand for this type of space. Tight land supply and a very difficult planning regime means that there are huge barriers to providing the type of accommodation that is in so much demand. We are delighted to have the ability to get on and deliver and will be breaking ground soon.

‘’We can deliver great quality laboratory accommodation for a wide range of different user types and the building is designed to offer maximum flexibility in a landscaped setting, which will eventually sit alongside the proposed Cambridge South East Transport route, linking the neighbouring science and research parks, biomedical campus and Cambridge city centre.

“Potential end users in the market are currently faced with rents in the high £60s per square foot but we have deliberately positioned the project to offer the best quality flexible laboratory space, aiming for rents under £50 per square foot. We feel that companies that are focused on growth will be looking for more affordable accommodation and we have been able to assemble a scheme to achieve this pricing point.’’

A CGI image of Abstract's proposed South Cambridge Science Centre scheme

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