Commercial Property in South Cambridge: A Hub of Science and Innovation

The South Cambridge science cluster has emerged as one of the most dynamic and rapidly expanding areas within the Cambridge science and technology ecosystem. This analysis explores the unique characteristics, organisations and developments that make this region a force in Cambridge's commercial property landscape.

Geographic Context and Strategic Location

The South Cambridge cluster benefits from an exceptional strategic location. It is positioned advantageously along the A1307 corridor, 3-4 miles south of Cambridge city centre and within very close proximity to several key institutions and transport links. Most notably, it sits adjacent to the Cambridge Biomedical Campus (CBC), one of Europe's largest biomedical campuses.  The CBC includes Addenbrooke's Hospital and Laboratory of Molecular Biology. The cluster possesses excellent connectivity to Cambridge University's primary sites, with many departments just 2-3 miles away.

The cluster's southern position offers several distinct advantages over other Cambridge clusters:

Compared to North Cambridge: Better access to London and Stansted Airport, typically less congestion, and more room for expansion

Compared to West Cambridge: More affordable real estate while maintaining excellent transport links

Compared to East Cambridge: Closer proximity to the city centre and key research institutions

Major South Cambridge Science Parks and Commercial Properties

Cambridge Biomedical Campus (CBC)

The Cambridge Biomedical Campus (CBC) stands as one of Europe's largest centres of health science and medical research. It is located on the southern fringe of Cambridge, approximately 3 miles from the city centre.  The campus has evolved from its origins in the 1960s when Addenbrooke's Hospital was relocated to this site.

The campus traces its beginnings to 1962 when Addenbrooke's Hospital moved from its original central Cambridge location to Hills Road. However, the broader concept of an integrated biomedical campus took shape in the subsequent decades, with significant expansion occurring in the 1990s and 2000s.

• Total site area: Approximately 170 acres (69 hectares)

• Continuing expansion with additional 14 hectares approved for development

• One of the largest medical research campuses in Europe

Key Buildings and Facilities

• Addenbrooke's Hospital: The core NHS teaching hospital

• Royal Papworth Hospital: Specialist heart and lung hospital (relocated to CBC in 2019)

• Cancer Research UK Cambridge Institute

• GlaxoSmithKline's Clinical Unit

• AstraZeneca's global R&D headquarters and corporate headquarters

• The Anne McLaren Building for regenerative medicine

• The Laboratory of Molecular Biology (LMB)

• University of Cambridge School of Clinical Medicine

·       The Medical Research Council

• The Jeffrey Cheah Biomedical Centre

The campus features a mix of clinical care facilities, research laboratories, educational buildings, and corporate offices. The result is an integrated environment healthcare delivery, research, and innovation. The architecture ranges from the functional hospital buildings of the 1960s to striking modern designs like the AstraZeneca headquarters, which showcases contemporary sustainable architecture.

Unity Campus

Unity Campus is a business and innovation park located in Sawston, south of Cambridge. The development combines refurbished industrial space and new-build elements.  Unity offers modern flexible workspaces designed for science and technology companies. The campus features The Works, a 60,000 square feet collaborative workspace building, alongside additional R&D facilities and laboratories. The site provides a mix of office, research, and light industrial spaces with excellent amenities and transport links. Its design emphasizes sustainability and wellness, featuring open spaces and breakout areas. The campus forms part of the wider South Cambridge life science cluster, attracting established companies and scale-ups.

* The Works - 60,000 square feet multi-let building

* The Quad - modern laboratory and office space

* Future development phases planned for additional research facilities

Notable occupiers include the following organisations: Summit Therapeutics, Domainex, PhoreMost, Cuttsy+Cuttsy,  Aqdot, Biocair, Liminal Biosciences, IONTAS and Sareum.

The South Cambridge Science Centre

A purpose-built 138,000 square feet facility ready for occupancy in April 2025. The development is by Abstract Group. The site offers high specification new laboratory space focusing on scientific research and development and commercial office space. The property claims the highest environmental standards in the region. It also boasts the lowest operating costs.

The South Cambridge Science Centre is strategically located in the heart of Sawston. It is less than 15 minutes’ drive to the south of the Cambridge Biomedical Campus; 13 minutes from Junction 9 on the M11; 30 minutes from Stansted Airport and 75 minutes train ride to central London.

Key features of the Science Centre include:

* Advanced wet and dry laboratory spaces

* Flexible low- cost office accommodation

* BREEAM “Excellent” EPC “A”

* 30% less expensive than competing commercial property

* Meeting and conference facilities

* Carbon neutral from zero fossil fuels

* Emphasis on collaborative networking

* Phase 2 development of 45,000 square feet scheduled for Q3 2026

Babraham Research Campus

Babraham Research Campus is technically just outside the South Cambridge cluster. However, the campus represents one of Cambridge's premier life science developments.  It comprises 430,000 square feet of laboratory and office space across a 430-acre campus. The site combines Grade A commercial properties with research facilities, purpose-built for the biotech and life science sector.

The campus features flexible laboratory configurations, from starter units to large-scale facilities. It supports early-stage companies and established enterprises. Modern office spaces complement the laboratory facilities, with buildings designed to meet stringent environmental standards.

Key commercial features include secure 24/7 access, advanced building management systems and specialized waste management facilities. The site utilities are suitable for bioscience operations. The campus offers extensive parking, conferencing facilities, and on-site catering services.

Notable occupiers include PetMedix, Mission Therapeutics, Artios, bit.bio, Inivata, Kymab/Sanofi, Benevolent AI, Alchemab and Abzena.

Granta Park

Established in 1997 and located in the heart of the Cambridge life sciences cluster, Granta Park is a premier research and development campus. This 120-acre site houses 600,000 square feet of high-specification laboratory and office space. Many renowned biopharmaceutical and technology companies are occupiers.  These include Illumina, Gilead Sciences, AstraZeneca, Sosei, Heptares, Bicycle Therapeutics, Altos Laboratories, Cancer Research UK, Pfizer, ThermoFisher Scientific, and Amphista Therapeutic.

The park features purpose-built facilities with flexible floorplates, advanced mechanical and electrical systems, and state-of-the-art laboratory infrastructure. On-site amenities include The Apiary conference centre, a fully equipped fitness centre and restaurant. The landscaped grounds incorporate walking trails, sports facilities, and designated wildlife areas.

Strategically positioned 7 miles southeast of Cambridge city centre, Granta Park offers connectivity via the A11/M11 corridor and is within easy reach of Stansted Airport

Capital Park

Capital Park is a Cambridge business park that was established in 1995. Situated on Fulbourn Road, the development comprises approximately 200,000 square feet of office and research space spread across multiple buildings.

The park features landscaped grounds with mature trees and a central water feature, creating an attractive working environment. On-site facilities include parking for tenants and visitors, a café, meeting rooms, and 24/7 security monitoring.

Major occupiers include technology companies and research organizations including Sygenta, Scientia Limited and ARM Holdings. The buildings are primarily two to three stories high, designed in a contemporary style with large windows to maximize natural light.

The park offers good transport links, being situated close to the A1307 and within easy reach of Cambridge city centre and the M11 motorway.

Notable Companies and Organizations in South Cambridge

The South Cambridge cluster hosts an impressive array of companies across various sectors, including:

Large Enterprises

·      AstraZeneca

·      Abcam

·      Illumina

·      GlaxoSmithKline (satellite facility)

·      Microsoft Research

·      ARM Holdings (satellite office)

·      Johnson Matthey

Medium-Sized Companies

·      Bicycle Therapeutics

·      Cambridge Epigenetix

·      PhoreMost

·      Storm Therapeutics

·      Mission Therapeutics

·       F-star Therapeutics

·       Microbiotica

Innovative Start-ups and Scale-ups

Mogrify- A cell reprogramming company that uses computational technology to convert any human cell      type into another without going through stem cell or progenitor cell states. Their platform aims to develop scalable cell therapies for various diseases.

Bit.bio - Develops technology for precise cell programming, converting stem cells into specific human cell types.

PredictImmune - Develops tools for autoimmune diseases, particularly inflammatory bowel disease. Their tests help physicians identify patients who need aggressive early treatment versus those who can manage with milder therapies.

Congenica - A digital health company specializing in genomic data analysis software. Their platform helps clinicians interpret complex genomic data to diagnose rare diseases and hereditary cancers more accurately.

NextRNA Therapeutics - Their technology platform enables the discovery of small molecules that can modulate disease-causing RNA.

Phoremost - They focus on "undruggable" protein targets in cancer and other diseases.

PolyProx Therapeutics - Develops biotherapeutics targeting previously "undruggable" proteins in cancer.

Precision Medicine Catapult - They work to accelerate the adoption of innovative diagnostics and treatments.

Riverlane - A quantum computing company developing operating systems and software for quantum computers.

Research Infrastructure and Facilities

The South Cambridge cluster boasts several significant commercial properties comprising research facilities and infrastructure elements:

Laboratory Facilities

*The Laboratory of Molecular Biology (LMB)

* The Cancer Research UK Cambridge Institute

* The Heart and Lung Research Institute

* The Jeffrey Cheah Biomedical Centre

* The Anne McLaren Building

Support Infrastructure

* The Innovation Centre

* The Entrepreneurship Centre

* Multiple core facility services

* Shared equipment facilities

* Conference and meeting spaces

Competitive Advantages

a.        Healthcare Integration

The proximity to Addenbrooke's Hospital and the Cambridge Biomedical Campus creates unique opportunities for:

* Clinical trials

* Patient engagement

* Translational research

* Healthcare innovation testing

* Medical technology validation

b.       Academic Connections

Strong links to Cambridge University provide:

* Access to world-class research expertise

* Student talent pipeline

* Collaborative research opportunities

* Shared facilities access

* Knowledge transfer partnerships

c.        Transport and Accessibility

The cluster benefits from:

* Direct access to the M11 motorway

* Proximity to Cambridge railway station

* Guided busway connection

* Planned Cambridge South railway station

* Extensive cycling infrastructure

Future Commercial Property and Infrastructure Developments

The South Cambridge cluster continues to expand with several significant developments planned or underway:

New Developments

* Extension of the Biomedical Campus

* Phase 2 at the South Cambridge Science Centre comprising 45,000 sq ft new build due to complete Q3 2026

* Phases 3-5 at the South Cambridge Science Centre in planning

* Additional phases at Unity Campus

* New laboratory and office spaces

Infrastructure Improvements

* Cambridge South railway station (scheduled completion 2025)

* Enhanced road connections

* Expanded cycling network

* Additional public transport services

Sustainability Initiatives

* Net-zero carbon buildings

* Green transport infrastructure

* Renewable energy installations

* Sustainable laboratory practices

Community and Ecosystem

The South Cambridge cluster has developed a vibrant community that supports innovation and collaboration:

Networking and Events

* Regular industry meetups

* Scientific conferences

* Innovation workshops

* Entrepreneurship programs

* Career fairs

Support Services

* Specialized legal firms

* Technical consultancies

* Patent attorneys

* Recruitment specialists

* Business development services

 Conclusion

The South Cambridge science cluster represents a unique convergence of healthcare, scientific research and innovative commercial property.  Its proximity to world-class academic and medical institutions, its diverse mix of multi-national to early-stage companies and access to excellent transportation make it strategically attractive. It is also a generally lower cost location for new laboratory and office space courtesy of new developments such as the South Cambridge Science Centre.  

The high-quality commercial property developments under construction and those due for completion in 2025 and planned for 2026 will provide the capacity to ensure the South Cambridge region is well-positioned for continued growth and success in the coming years.

Environmental credentials in Cambridge science parks

Environmentally sustainable design has become a key factor in the Cambridge laboratory market. Laboratories are typically energy-intensive due to high ventilation, equipment use, and environmental controls. Eco-friendly initiatives are regarded as essential to reduce carbon emissions, mitigate the local water shortage and support the green economy. 

 Here’s an overview of the science parks and labs in the Cambridge area that have the greenest eco credentials, based on their sustainable features, certifications, and initiatives.

1. South Cambridge Science Centre (Due for completion in April 2025)

• Key Green Credentials:

• BREEAM Certification: The South Cambridge Science Centre, aims to achieve a high BREEAM Excellent rating, a globally recognised sustainability standard. BREEAM (Building Research Establishment Environmental Assessment Method) measures the building's energy efficiency, water management, material sourcing, and ecological impact. A BREEAM Excellent rating indicates the facility operates in the top 10% of sustainable buildings in the UK.

• Energy Efficiency: The development is designed to minimise energy consumption with energy-efficient HVAC systems and natural ventilation.

• On-site Renewable Energy: The Science Centre will incorporate solar panels helping to reduce the park's reliance on fossil fuels.

• Water Management: Systems are in place to reduce water consumption, using rainwater harvesting and greywater recycling for non-potable uses.

• Facts and Figures:

• Size: 138,000 square feet of flexible lab space.

• Completion: April 2025.

• Focus on Labs: Primarily wet and dry lab spaces with flexible design to accommodate various scientific fields, including life sciences and biotech.

2. Cambridge Science Park

• Key Green Credentials:

• Sustainable Energy: Several buildings on the Science Park use solar photovoltaic panels to generate renewable energy.

• BREEAM Ratings: Multiple new and redeveloped buildings within the park have BREEAM Very Good or Excellent ratings, reflecting efforts to reduce energy and water use, and enhance biodiversity.

• Electric Vehicle (EV) Infrastructure: The park has expanded EV charging points, encouraging the use of electric vehicles among employees. A new sustainable transport plan aims to reduce car usage. 

• Green Spaces and Biodiversity: The park maintains green spaces within the development with landscaping that includes planting native species

• Facts and Figures:

• Size: Over 1.7 million square feet of office and lab space.

• Employees: Home to more than 130 companies, employing around 7,000 people.

• Focus on Labs: Wet and dry lab facilities primarily supporting biotech, pharma, and IT companies.

3. Babraham Research Campus

• Key Green Credentials:

• Sustainability Awards: Babraham Research Campus has received awards for sustainability for its new developments. This includes BREEAM Excellent ratings for various new buildings.

• Energy Efficiency: The campus has implemented high-performance insulation, energy-efficient glazing, and advanced HVAC systems

• On-site Renewable Energy: Solar energy is harnessed across several buildings. The campus is exploring renewable energy options, including ground-source heat pumps.

• Biodiversity Initiatives: Babraham places a strong emphasis on biodiversity and green spaces. Their Landscaping and Ecology Management Plan promotes wildlife corridors and preserves ancient woodland.

• Facts and Figures:

• Size: 430 acres.

• Employees: Around 60 companies and 1,500 staff.

• Focus on Labs: Primarily life sciences labs, especially focused on biosciences research, including cell and molecular biology.

4. Granta Park

• Key Green Credentials:

• BREEAM Excellence: New buildings in Granta Park, such as the Dame Mary Archer Building, have achieved BREEAM Excellent ratings.

• On-site Energy Generation: Granta Park has invested in solar power and energy-efficient lighting systems, in newer developments.

• Water and Waste Management: The park features rainwater harvesting systems, greywater recycling, and comprehensive waste management practices

• Sustainable Transport: There is an emphasis on sustainable commuting including shuttle buses to nearby stations and incentives for cycling, with dedicated paths and bike storage.

• Facts and Figures:

• Size: Approximately 120 acres.

• Employees: Hosts over 3,500 employees from more than 30 companies.

• Focus on Labs: A mix of research organisations in biotechnology, pharmaceuticals, and chemistry.

5. Chesterford Research Park

• Key Green Credentials:

• BREEAM Very Good: Several buildings are designed to meet BREEAM Very Good standards, with a focus on energy efficiency, water conservation, and sustainable materials.

• Green Spaces: The park’s landscaped grounds, include walking trails, ponds, and green areas designed to enhance biodiversity.

• Energy Efficiency: The park’s newer developments incorporate low-energy heating and cooling systems, and energy-efficient lighting and insulation to lower operational carbon emissions.

• Facts and Figures:

• Size: 250 acres.

• Employees: Home to around 25 companies.

• Focus on Labs: Primarily biotech and pharmaceutical labs, supporting companies in drug development and life sciences.

6. Melbourn Science Park

• Key Green Credentials:

• Sustainable Building Materials: The Park’s newer buildings are constructed using sustainable materials, including recycled steel and timber

• Energy Efficiency: Energy-efficient HVAC systems, along with smart building technologies, are used to monitor and reduce energy consumption.

• EV Infrastructure: The site has a number of electric vehicle charging stations, supporting sustainable commuting for employees.

• Green Transport Options: Melbourn encourages cycling with dedicated bike storage and improved pedestrian and cycling infrastructure.

• Facts and Figures:

• Size: Around 22 acres.

• Focus on Labs: A mix of labs and offices, focusing on electronics and life sciences.

Conclusion

The science parks and laboratories around Cambridge are making significant strides in sustainability incorporating renewable energy, with many achieving high BREEAM ratings.

Facilities like the South Cambridge Science Centre, and Babraham Research Campus are leading the way, ensuring their operations meet the growing demand for lab space and contribute to the region’s sustainability goals.

Relentless demand for new Laboratory Space in Cambridge

The biopharmaceutical industry has become one of the fastest growing sectors globally, and nowhere is this more evident than around Cambridge, UK. The combination of the world-renowned Cambridge University, cutting-edge research organisations, established pharmaceutical giants including Astra Zeneca, Pfizer and Bayer and the highly regarded Addenbrook’s Hospital has led to the development of a major science and technology hub in the region. In turn, this hub continues to attract early stage and start-up biopharma and life science businesses from all over the world. 

Facilities like the Cambridge Science Park, established in 1970, have long been instrumental in attracting biotech and pharmaceutical firms. The park boasts a range of state-of-the-art wet and dry labs, office space, and other infrastructure crucial for biopharma research. Other significant developments include the Babraham Research Campus, Granta Park, and Chesterford Research Park.  Each offers a blend of office space, wet labs—specially equipped laboratories for biological and chemical research—and dry labs, which support computational and theoretical work. 

Despite these existing facilities, demand continues to outstrip supply, largely due to the influx of new companies, the expansion of existing firms, and the long lead times required for new facilities to be constructed. The shortage is further exacerbated by Cambridge’s geographical constraints.

According to Bidwells' Summer 2024 Cambridgeshire Databook, there is a striking gap between demand and supply for new laboratory space. As of mid-2024, occupiers in the biopharma and related life science sectors were searching for approximately 690,000 square feet of lab space, versus only 128,400 square feet of availability. This shortage represents a significant challenge for companies aiming to establish or expand their presence in Cambridge, leading to heightened competition and the risk of slowing innovation.  

The availability of high-quality lab space around Cambridge has been a concern for several years, but Bidwells’ latest data shows the issue has reached a critical level. The result is fierce competition for the few available spaces, with some companies being forced to look further afield or delay their expansion plans. The scarcity of lab space is also playing a pivotal role in driving up prices, making it harder for early-stage companies to secure an affordable expansion.  

There is, however, some positive news on the horizon. Several new facilities are currently under development which should help alleviate the short-term and medium-term pressures on Cambridge’s lab space. One of the largest developments is Phase 1 of the South Cambridge Science Centre which is set to complete in April 2025. This new facility will provide 138,000 square feet of flexible wet and dry lab space and is situated close to Addenbrooke’s Hospital.

 Other developments at sites like the Genome Campus, additional phases at the Cambridge Biomedical Campus, redevelopment of the original 1-21 building cluster at Cambridge Science Park and further development phases at the South Cambridge Science Centre are all expected to add capacity over the next few years. However, these projects take considerable time, and the current bottleneck means that, for now, businesses will have to compete for a very limited amount of high-quality lab space.