Cambridge City Council has granted planning permission for a new science park, marking a significant step for research and innovation in the region.
- The project will span a million square feet across seven buildings, fostering a hub for research and development companies.
- Situated in Cherry Hinton, the site has remained unused for decades, offering a fresh opportunity for scientific advancement.
- With the aim of creating an open innovation district, the park seeks to integrate community amenities and research facilities.
- The development is a joint venture between Mission Street and BGO, with a wider pipeline across key UK cities.
Cambridge City Council’s approval of a new science park in Cherry Hinton is a noteworthy development for the area, as it promises to transform an unused 23-acre site into a bustling centre for innovation. The science park will include seven buildings, collectively covering a million square feet, strategically positioned around a central square and pedestrian precinct.
The project, designed by Hawkins Brown, envisions a science and technology cluster that will accommodate various research and development companies. This approach is intended to foster collaboration and breakthroughs in scientific research, contributing significantly to the local and wider scientific community.
Mission Street, in partnership with BGO, spearheads this development, aiming to redefine traditional science parks by promoting openness and inclusivity. CEO Artem Korolev emphasised the project’s goal to break down conventional barriers and showcase science within an inviting environment. “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,” said Korolev.
While the planning consent has been granted, final approval hinges on the fulfilment of Section 106 agreements and other specific conditions. These agreements typically involve contributions towards community infrastructure, ensuring that the development benefits both its users and the surrounding residential areas.
Mission Street and BGO are expanding their footprint not just in Cambridge but also in cities like Oxford and Bristol, with a development pipeline exceeding 1.5 million square feet of lab and office space. Their recent projects include Fabrica and Inventa in Oxford, and The Press in the Cambridge biomedical cluster, showcasing their commitment to advancing research infrastructure in the UK.
The Cambridge science park project is poised to become a landmark innovation hub, fostering scientific collaboration and community integration.
