Our Projects

316 Cambridge Science Park

Bidwells, on behalf of Trinity College, tasked us with breathing new life into this dated office space at Cambridge Science Park – home to some of the world’s leading life science and tech businesses. Repurposing from office to labs was a sustainable choice by the client to increase energy efficiency and create a fully flexible CAT-A open plan office space with eight containment level 2 labs ready for life science tenants.

Build | Maintain

22,000 Sq Ft

Cambridge Science Park, Cambridge

SEE ALL PROJECTS

Major structural and architectural upgrades

As part of this extensive transformation for Bidwells, we undertook a full strip-out, allowing us to modernise and enhance the building’s structural integrity and overall functionality. This included installation of a new reinforced concrete suspended slab to create a durable and high-performing ground floor, extensive roofing works and the complete renewal of the curtain walling and windows, giving the building a sleek, modern exterior while improving thermal efficiency.

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Bidwells have partnered with COEL across Cambridge Science park projects for a number of years. There’s a real can do attitude and expertise in the wider team that just works on these types of projects.

Jonathan Wright
Bidwells, Partner and Chartered Commercial Building Surveyor at Bidwells

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This has been a really enjoyable office-to-laboratory repurposing project to work on in Cambridge Science Park. Following dilapidations and structural alterations, this newly invested workspace is now housed in a low-energy, decarbonised building that offers CL2 Fitted lab space and an open-plan office ready for occupation.

Alistair Rumbelow
CEO at COEL

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Acting as principal contractor on this high-value office and lab fit-out, our construction and technical site teams and surveyors have done a fantastic job bringing this outdated commercial property to life. Traditionally, our clients don’t tend to think of COEL working on external construction works, in terms of roofing and landscaping, but having such skilled project managers and quality contractors has made the build seamless.

Hugh Daniels
Commercial Director at COEL

Building for a sustainable future

Upgrading the insulation throughout was crucial for enhancing the sustainability of this two-floored building. Integrating high-performance materials within the roof and flooring, along with upgrading the drainage systems to meet modern infrastructure requirements, also played a significant role. EV chargers and extensive roofing works which included replacing all mechanical and electrical systems to ensure long-term reliability and energy efficiency, resulted in a high-quality, future-proofed workspace that offers a refreshed and efficient environment for prospective occupants.

A lab space that’s move-in ready

To achieve the client’s brief, our M&E team worked extensively on completely rebuilding the mechanical and electrical systems of the building and making it fit for labs. Some of the work carried out included a new supply and extract air system controlled by variable air volume, installation of fume extract hoods, fan coils and AC split units and a full electrical system switch room upgrade. For the office overall, a new Building Management System was added in addition to bespoke lighting

Space for groundbreaking research and innovation

This new CAT A workspace has been inspired by the future potential of its tenants. Cambridge is a hub for science and tech innovation due to its world-class university which attracts top talent to foster cutting-edge research. Cambridge also hosts numerous science parks and research institutes, creating a collaborative environment between academia, industry, and government. Significant investment from venture capitalists and government grants further fuels the growth of tech and biotech companies in the region, and this new workspace will fuel the potential further.

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Landlords are responding to market demand by converting office spaces into labs, driven by the growing needs of the biotech and pharmaceutical sectors. With many office buildings underutilized due to the shift to remote work, repurposing these spaces is a practical solution. This conversion is often more cost-effective and sustainable than building new labs, maximizing the utility and profitability of prime real estate, particularly along the Oxford-Cambridge Arc.

How we are
maintaining the space

As the landlord’s agent, Bidwell’s manage this new addition to Cambridge Science Park, which requires extensive building maintenance to retain it’s longevity and ensure a safe-working environment for their tenants. Maintenance services include:

Electrics including Monthly Emergency Lights and 3-hour Soak Test, Panel Heater Controls (annual), Distribution Board (annual), Lightning Protection (annual), BMS System (annual), EV Charging (annual)
Fire & Security including Fire/ Smoke Dampers (annual), Fire Alarm System (weekly), Disabled Refuge & Assisted WC Alarm (annual), Access Control and Fire Door Checks
Mechanical Servicing including Infrequently used outlets (weekly), Domestic hot & cold water (monthly), Electric water heaters (annual), Shower Heads (quarterly), Scubatank Booster Sets (Bi-annual), Fume Cupboards (annual)
Legionella Samples (bi-annual)
HVAC Maintenance including Air Handling System (bi-annual) and AC System