Mark Glatman’s Abstract Securities has announced that its associated company, Abstract (Mid-Tech) Limited, has obtained detailed planning consent for the second phase of development at South Cambridge Science Centre (SCSC), aimed at life sciences and biotechnology occupiers comprising a building of 44,650 sq ft.
SCSC is being developed on a brownfield site in Sawston, approximately 6 miles south of Cambridge City Centre and close to Babraham Research Park, Granta Park, and Unity Campus and an established cluster of South Cambridge life science, biotechnology, pharmaceutical and research occupiers. Addenbrooke’s Hospital and Cambridge Biomedical Campus are within a 10 minute drive by car.
Mark Glatman, Chief Executive of Abstract, said: “We are now within a few months from completion of our first phase of development at SCSC which will provide best in class laboratory and office accommodation of around 140,000 sq ft. There is no better specified space available in Cambridge and we will be delivering one of the only brand-new life science schemes to be brought forward in the Cambridge market when we complete the initial phase of development in April 2025.
“As with every Abstract scheme, sustainability is incredibly important and as a minimum we will deliver to EPC A, BREEAM Excellent and operational Net Carbon Zero. Furthermore, we recognise the importance of water conservation locally and have incorporated a water storage and recycling system into our base build which is linked to weather forecasting software to help minimise mains water usage and reduce running costs. The building’s energy performance meets or exceeds 2030-2035 targets set by the UK Green Building Council and gives us a massive advantage against older space in Cambridge at a time when occupiers are increasingly aware of their environmental obligations.
“Significantly, we can justify rents which are well below market levels, because we have not overpaid for land and we envisage that we will be around 30% less expensive than competing developments and one of the few Cambridge Life Science schemes that can be purchased as well as being available for rent. Occupiers and their investors might question why they would pay significantly more for their operational space, when the rent saving here could be better spent by being invested in their underlying business.“
Christopher McPherson, Development Director of Abstract Securities, said: “We’re delighted to have achieved planning consent for the next phase of SCSC. The new building will appeal to those wanting a self-contained building, while also being capable of being multi let, and both phases sit comfortably in a secure landscaped environment alongside the green belt, close to local amenities and transport. We have great car parking and will provide shuttles locally as needed by our community of occupiers. Additionally, we are incorporating a cafe and facilities for external food providers to visit site.
“The space has been designed to work for a broad spectrum of science uses. We can incorporate fume hoods and chimneys if needed, and the buildings are designed to achieve vibration standards to VC-E in places and VC-A as a minimum throughout so sensitive equipment can be accommodated.
“We envisage commencing the phase 2 development from July 2025 for delivery in 2026.“
Bidwells, and DTRE are retained letting agents for the South Cambridge Science Centre.
