Forge_Kn, a joint venture between Reef and UBS, has secured planning approval to transform the Westbrook Centre in Cambridge into a life sciences campus.
The development, which has an approximate total investment of £360m, is expected to optimise existing brownfield land, creating 1,050 new jobs. It will help the region to meet the growing demand for new research and development opportunities.
The proposed scheme features three buildings offering 369,000 sq ft of laboratories, offices and associated facilities, including co-working meeting spaces and a publicly accessible café.
There will be 2.3 acres of public realm, including gardens for games, outdoor working, quiet resting and active leisure.
The plans, designed by Urban R and RHP Architects, also include provision of 192 car parking spaces, with 88 electric vehicle spaces, and 864 cycle parking spaces.
Will Rohleder, partner at Reef, said: “This development is targeting BREEAM Excellent, and we are looking to retain as much of the structure as possible.
“The proposed development will deliver the majority of the benefits by repositioning the site from being inward-looking, private and car-dominated to one which is open to the public, accessible and prioritises cyclists and pedestrians.”
The jv bought the five-acre site, including 123,229 sq ft of offices, in March last year with the view to creating a life sciences campus. The long leasehold of 171 years was acquired from HSBC for £75m.
This asset forms a part of the 3m sq ft of life science facilities delivered by Forge_Kn across the Golden Triangle. The jv also has assets in Europe and the US that support research, development and manufacturing in the sector.
Savills advised the jv on planning.
Image © Urban R
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