Ground broken at new Cambridge lab building

Kadans is a leading investor in the development of ecosystems and real estate with a dedicated focus on knowledge-intensive sectors.

The new facilities comprise CL2 wet labs with extensive extract to atmosphere provision, dry labs and office space spread over six storeys and were designed with the wider community in mind. They include a public café and social spaces, offering a vibrant hub for both local and international businesses.

Merlin Place adds to the Kadans portfolio in Cambridge, extending its reach from the south of the Cluster at Babraham Research Campus and helping to sustain the future of local companies and provide new best-in-class facilities for their expansion.

Kadans hosted partners, contractors from SDC Builders, the Kadans team, and local press to celebrate the start of construction on site, following ground preparation.

The event further marks Kadans’ commitment to sustainable development within the Cambridge area, addressing what is perceived as a chronic undersupply of purpose-built laboratory space.

Edward Joslin, Country Lead Development UK & Ireland, Kadans Science Partner, said: “We are proud of the rapid development we have made at Merlin Place, progressing quickly to the build stage.

“The new state-of-the-art innovation building aims to address the current lack of available laboratory space in the Cambridge cluster, providing fully fitted lab and office space bespoke to individual company requirements. We would like to thank those joining us at this breaking ground ceremony to celebrate this exciting milestone as we lay the foundation for future success”

Andy Shiner, Director at SDC Builders, adds: “SDC Builders are proud to begin construction of a facility designed to support scientific research and innovation. Our role is to bring Kadan's vision to life, ensuring the highest standards of functionality and efficiency. The groundbreaking marks the start of that commitment and the beginning of an exciting and unique building.”