Cambridge is poised to enhance its status as a life science and biotech hub with the approval of a new 125,000 sq ft facility by Gen Two. The family-run developer, specialising in life sciences, received unanimous approval from South Cambridge District Council for the project, named ‘Alchemy’, situated on a 5.2-acre site in Fowlmere, previously a brownfield site. Construction is expected to commence in the first half of 2024, with the hub’s completion targeted for 2025.

The Alchemy project will retain and repurpose two existing structures on the site, in an effort to reduce the carbon footprint of the development. The facility aims to achieve ‘BREEAM Excellent’ certification, reflecting its high environmental and sustainability standards. The new hub will feature eight self-contained laboratory suites, each ranging from 10,000 to 20,000 sq ft, with the flexibility to combine spaces for larger headquarters.

Designed primarily for biotech companies and scale-up enterprises, the labs will cater to a broad spectrum of research and development activities, from biology and chemistry to Good Manufacturing Practices. The location of Alchemy in the thriving southern Cambridge life science cluster ensures easy access to local transport links, including Foxton and Whittlesford train stations, through a comprehensive travel plan that includes shuttle bus services.

The demand for such facilities in Cambridge is underscored by a report from property consultancy Bidwells. At the end of the first half of 2023, a third of office and lab space requirements in Cambridge originated from local businesses, with a significant 74 percent of lab space demands coming from existing Cambridge-based companies looking to expand.

Ariel Levy and Daniel Sterling, co-founders of Gen Two, expressed their commitment to fulfilling the growing need for adaptable R&D spaces in Cambridge’s life science ecosystem. The project, which has garnered considerable support from the local community, was shaped through extensive engagement with stakeholders, including parish meetings and public consultations.

Sterling highlighted Gen Two’s broader vision, which includes building a portfolio of life science real estate assets in Cambridge, Oxford, and Leeds. The company is in discussions with numerous biotech firms and capital partners, reflecting the supportive environment for high-quality and flexible life science spaces in the UK.

The planning approval for Alchemy is seen as a significant endorsement of Gen Two’s development approach, with the team looking forward to delivering this cutting-edge project within the next two years.