New 210,000 sq ft gateway building changes face of Cambridge Science Park

A new 210,000 sq ft gateway development has been completed on the world-renowned Cambridge Science Park. The building was designed by global architectural practice Scott Brownrigg and developed by property consultant Bidwells on behalf of Trinity College and TusPark.

Known as Building 1&2, the development is the final stage of a five-building scheme completed by TusPark and Trinity – founder of the Cambridge Science Park. 

The scheme comprises a total of 380,000 sq ft of commercial space designed to facilitate and encourage the growth of high-tech and life science companies.

The objective was to replace some of the existing buildings which date back to the 1970s with a series of exceptional quality buildings that would transform the entrance to the park.

Building 1&2 is the largest development on the Cambridge Science Park and follows the successful completion of three other new buildings designed by Scott Brownrigg including a state-of-the art Bio-Innovation Centre which completed in 2019.

Acting as development managers, Bidwells helped bring the two partners together as well as overseeing the construction process, and fully letting all five buildings.

James Abraham, Partner, Building Consultancy at Bidwells, said: “These buildings not only reflect Trinity College’s and TusPark’s exciting vision for the future of the Cambridge Science Park – offering unrivalled opportunities for collaboration, innovation and inspiration – but they also demonstrate the incredible effectiveness of the build team.

“All the difficulties and restrictions caused by COVID were overcome, without any delay to the build or increase in cost, and the multiple requirements of all stakeholders were met or bettered ahead of programme. An achievement to be proud of, in a year to forget.”

The two-building design creates a flexible option for either single or multi-tenant occupancy – featuring a colonnade which sweeps across the front reflecting the curve of the adjacent Milton Road. The column spacing guides occupiers and visitors to the entrance, with wider spaced columns emphasising the entrance area and denser columns protecting office space.

The entrance colonnade fins lay flat against the side elevations, creating a rhythmical façade system. These vary across the width of each building to provide office spaces with ample daylight without exceeding solar gain. 

As well as creating a new area of public realm between the two buildings, the design gives transparency to the buildings. It also supports Cambridge Science Park’s sustainability agenda having achieved a BREEAM Excellent rating – 90% efficient (NIA/GIA).