Chesterford Research Park, which is owned by Aviva Investors alongside Uttlesford District Council, has announced it has begun construction of an additional 60,000 sq ft of facilities at its new Sidney Sussex Building. 

The project will be delivered by Readie Construction and it will see up to ten individual, flexible suites constructed spread over three floors, ranging from 2,226 sq ft to 8,409 sq ft.  

Julian Cobourne, Head of Regional Investment Management at Aviva Investors, said: “We are really pleased to increase the breadth of facilities on offer at Chesterford Research Park, with this latest phase of expansion reinforcing our growth ambitions for the Park. The Sidney Sussex Building will add more additional high-quality, flexible research and discovery space to the Park, enabling our existing community to expand and grow here as well welcoming new occupiers. This project reflects the strong demand we continue to see across the life sciences sector, one of the UK’s most dynamic markets. Working together with our trusted partners, we are looking forward to bringing this building to life.” 

Each fully fitted wet laboratory suite will include open plan office areas, whilst the laboratory spaces themselves will comprise benching, sinks and fitted fume hoods, as well as heating and cooling systems.

Beyond the extensive and high-class laboratory spaces on offer, the new building at Chesterford Research Park will also benefit from a dedicated floor of communal meeting rooms. Externally, the facility will include for the provision of a new pond, new tree planting, whilst the installation of bird and bat boxes will provide an ideal habitat for wildlife.

Paul Stephens, Managing Director, Readie Construction said: “We are delighted to have been awarded the contract to deliver the Sidney Sussex Building at Chesterford Research Park. This new building will provide much-needed space for life science companies in the Cambridge area.”