Glencar steps in to continue Chesterford Research Park lab and office building
St Albans-based Glencar Construction has stepped up to the plate after works were on the Sidney Sussex Building were halted following Readie Construction’s slide into administration in February.
The three-storey building, which is expected to be ready for occupation from Q4 2025, will deliver around an additional 60,000 sq ft across 10 individual, flexible R & D suites ranging from 2,226 sq ft to 8,409 sq ft.
Each fully fitted suite will comprise wet laboratory space with benching, sinks and fitted fume hoods, as well as heating and cooling systems; separate open plan office areas complete the layout.
Design is being kept fully flexible, enabling suites to be combined to facilitate larger requirements. The building will also include a dedicated suite of communal meeting rooms.
Sustainability is a fundamental element in the design, which includes the selection of renewable energy sources for its ongoing energy needs, and daylighting strategies to minimise carbon emissions.
Ecological enhancements will include significant tree planting, bird and bat boxes and provision for a new pond, enhancing the existing parkland setting already enjoyed by park occupiers.
Owned by Aviva Investors, the global asset management business of Aviva plc, alongside Uttlesford District Council, Chesterford Research Park provides 250 acres of advanced laboratory and office space for biotechnology, pharmaceutical and technology R & D companies of all sizes to prosper.
Under current proposals, the Park will increase its capacity to approximately one million sq ft, of which some 350,000 sq ft is already occupied.
Julian Cobourne, Head of Regional Investment Management at Aviva Investors, says: “We are pleased to continue progress in the creation of the Sidney Sussex Building, which will significantly enhance the breadth and depth of facilities at Chesterford Research Park.
“We believe this will reinforce the Park’s reputation as a leading location for some of the leading global names in life science, enabling our existing community to continue growing here whilst also attracting new occupiers. We are pleased to play a part in supporting the UK life science sector and continuing to invest into the Cambridgeshire region.”
Eddie McGillycuddy, CEO, Glencar added: “We are absolutely delighted to be part of Chesterford Research Park’s ambitious expansion plans. This project is not only a testament to our growing expertise in life sciences construction but also a significant addition to our portfolio, following other successful projects we have delivered and are delivering currently at Harwell Science and Innovation Campus.”
Chesterford Research Park’s owners are advised by its joint commercial agents, Savills and Cheffins, plus development partner the Churchmanor Estates Company plc.
