Early-stage life sciences businesses will continue to struggle to find suitable workspace across Cambridgeshire over the next five years, according to research by the Greater Cambridge Shared Planning Service.
The report was conducted to inform the emerging local plan, which is expected to be delivered next year, and respond to previous government concerns about whether there was sufficient supply of new space in Greater Cambridge.
The most recent data from Cushman & Wakefield suggests the region provides a total of 4.2m sq ft of already-built lab space, of which only 1.3% is vacant. The consultancy has also tracked 608,000 sq ft of science-related space in Cambridge under construction as of the end of H1 2024, of which 53,000 sq ft is under offer or pre-let.
The report from Greater Cambridge Shared Planning Service – a partnership between Cambridge City Council and South Cambridgeshire District Council – is based on engagement with sector leaders, science parks, developers and businesses. It has shown that, although the region has moved closer to matching supply with demand for new lab and office space, it fails to satisfy the needs of the smallest players in the sector.
As such, the local councils have tasked themselves to explore ways to enhance the regional offering, including the provision of appropriate infrastructure that improves transport and connectivity, and affordable and accessible new housing.
Evolving campuses
An emerging local plan will seek to ensure that the full range of science-related real estate sizes and formats are offered within the wider ecosystem which will allow smaller start-up and scale-up businesses to grow. In addition, it is expected to favour proposals set in an attractive setting and offering a range of amenities.
The move is expected to help address a shortfall in the critical smaller space for life science start-ups of up to five people and scale-ups of six to 10 people looking to grow on the back of research funding.
The report has examined Cambridge Biomedical Campus and Cambridge Science Park, concluding that even the region’s most mature life science clusters will need to evolve to provide these best-in-class workspaces.
At Cambridge Biomedical Campus, the council approved the delivery of two life science facilities, measuring 142,847 sq ft and 134,807 sq ft, earlier this week.
The £200m scheme would be brought forward by San Francisco-headquartered developer Prologis as part of the second phase of development of the campus. Both facilities, designed by Scott Brownrigg, will provide shell and core space, suitable for single or multi-let.
Back in March, when Prologis was still at the stage of drafting the plans for the scheme, Andrew Blevins, senior vice president of life sciences for the UK, told EG that the company is growing its offering to potentially include “plug and play space for the next building, with potentially fitting out a floor or two”. However, he has noted that the company is not yet ready to offer incubators for the university spin-offs on the UK market.
Prologis took full control of the second phase expansion at Cambridge Biomedical Campus in 2021 through the acquisition of Countryside Properties.
Cushman & Wakefield is currently working with South Cambridgeshire District Council to guide the third phase of expansion, which could see up to 20 acres of land brought to the market and deliver 1m sq ft of life sciences space.
Phase four is expected to cover around 40 acres currently in the greenbelt, but with potential to be earmarked for development in Cambridge City Council’s next local plan revision in 2025.
Meanwhile, Cambridge Science Park, founded by Trinity College in 1970, is undergoing a new phase of renewal and investment. According to market sources, developers including Stanhope, Brockton Everlast, and Oxford Properties, are in talks to enhance the amenities offering on the park.
Most recently, the college has been given the go-ahead for a 141,305 sq ft office and research and development facility on a vacant 1.7-acre plot at the western edge of the science park. The five-storey building is designed by Allies and Morrison to provide 60% lab and 40% office specification.
Earlier this year, Brockton Everlast unveiled its vision for the redevelopment of Buildings 210-240 on the park into 1m sq ft science, technology and innovation facilities across four buildings and 6.5 acres of public realm. One of the hubs, to be known as Generator, is targeting occupation by up to 18 smaller companies and start-ups.
Oxford Properties, meanwhile, is giving a fresh look to Building 310 on the park after it was vacated by AstraZeneca, which moved to a newly-opened 1m sq ft facility on Cambridge Biomedical Campus.
Listening to the community
Greater Cambridge Shared Planning Service has concluded that future supply for dry labs and general office space is “relatively healthy”, with additional requirements for space expected to emerge no earlier than in the 2030s. The supply for wet labs from 2025 to 2030 is also “substantial and sufficient” to meet expected needs.
Katie Thornburrow, executive councillor for planning, building control and infrastructure at Cambridge City Council, said: “This report commissioned by our planning service makes clear how we are listening to the business and research community and responding to the challenges facing knowledge intensive sectors, such as life sciences and digital.
“We recognise the challenges ahead and will continue to work with national government and our local partners to address the environmental, infrastructure and housing challenges facing the area.”
Peter McDonald, lead cabinet member for economic development at South Cambridgeshire District Council, said: “It is never easy to balance the environmental impacts of growth with the need for new homes and suitable employment spaces to support our economy in its continued growth. This report indicates the positive contribution, through the granting of planning permissions, that we have been able to make towards meeting those objectives.
“I am pleased that over the last year or so, the councils’ response has been the foundation to address the immediate and pressing need for more space with permission for significant new research, lab and office spaces. We are now keen to see that built.
“We also know that we will have to continue to work with government and its agencies on addressing the associated infrastructure, housing and environmental challenges that the area’s success creates.”
See analytics data for Cambridgeshire >>
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