Cambridge Science Park

The client 

We were appointed by Bidwells who were acting on behalf of Trinity College. As the landlord, Trinity College plans to lease the commercial property on Cambridge Science Park, which is home to some of the world’s leading technology and life science businesses.

The brief 

We were commissioned to repurpose the existing 22,000 sq ft, 2 story office building into a CAT-A office and lab space.  

In the process of achieving this, we were to also improve the energy efficiency of the building and renew the mechanical and electrical services.  

Working alongside the Bidwells team we were able to, collectively, breathe new life into the building.  

The challenges 

Enhanced structural and architectural upgrades

As part of this extensive transformation, we undertook a full strip-out, allowing us to modernise and enhance the building’s structural integrity and overall functionality. The works carried out have significantly improved the building’s performance, efficiency, and aesthetic appeal, ensuring it meets contemporary workspace standards. 

Key enhancements included: 

• Installation of a new reinforced concrete suspended slab to create a durable and high-performing ground floor.
• Complete renewal of the curtain walling and windows, giving the building a sleek, modern exterior while improving thermal efficiency.
• Extensive roofing works, complemented by the replacement of all mechanical and electrical systems to ensure long-term reliability and energy efficiency.
• Upgraded insulation throughout, enhancing sustainability by integrating high-performance materials within the roof and flooring.
• Addition of a raised access floor on the first floor, optimising flexibility for future workspace configurations.
• New ceilings on both the ground and first floor, enhancing acoustics and aesthetics.
• Upgraded drainage systems to align with modern infrastructure requirements.

This redevelopment has resulted in a high-quality, future-proofed workspace, offering a refreshed and efficient environment for prospective occupants. 

Unpredictable weather conditions

This would ordinarily not constitute a challenge for our experienced team, however, as this project involved carrying out significant structural work during winter, measures had to be taken.  

To mitigate this, we put up a temporary envelope around the building and we also installed temporary heaters. This allowed us to ensure the work ran smoothly and on schedule but also created optimal working conditions for our staff and subcontractors. 

Complete overhaul of the existing mechanical and electrical systems 

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 purpose. 

Some of the work carried out included: 

• New supply and extract air system controlled by variable air volume 
• Installation of fume extract hoods, fan coils and AC split units 
• A full electrical system switch room upgrade 
• Upgraded M&E metering systems 
• A new Building Management System 
• Installed new bespoke lighting and EV charging points 
• Upgraded the external lighting and lightning projection. 

The outcome 

We successfully delivered eight level 2 containment labs and an open plan office ready to for tenants to move in and make the space their own. 

This was a great collaborative project, where the client and contractor teams all worked together to find solutions to site discoverable. The adopted open communication approach allowed us to tackle any issues efficiently and proactively resolve them.  

It was a great moment of recognition when during the final building inspection, the building inspector stated that “the building is not new, but it’s not far from it”. 

Alistair Rumbelow, CEO at COEL, stated: “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 offers CL2 Fitted Lab space and open plan office ready for occupation. 

Hugh Daniels, Commercial Director at COEL stated: “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.”