Cambridge, renowned for its prestigious university, has become a powerhouse of scientific innovation and technology. At the heart of this transformation are the city's science parks. These parks have played a crucial role in establishing Cambridge as a global research and development hub. This article explores the world of Cambridge science parks, their history, location, facilities, and the groundbreaking work being conducted within.
The Rise of Cambridge Science Parks
Cambridge Science Park: The Pioneer
The story of Cambridge science parks begins with the establishment of Cambridge Science Park in 1970 by Trinity College. It holds the distinction of being the oldest science park in the UK. Located on the northern fringe of Cambridge, this 152-acre site was conceived to bridge the gap between academia and industry.
History and Development
Cambridge Science Park's inception was inspired by the success of similar ventures in the United States. The park's early years were challenging, with slow uptake from businesses. However, by the 1980s, it began to gain momentum, attracting a diverse range of technology-focused companies.
Notable Occupiers
Today, Cambridge Science Park is home to over 130 companies, ranging from startups to global corporations. Some of the notable occupiers include:
AstraZeneca
Huawei
Roku
Broadcom
Mogrify
Facilities and Specifications
The park offers a range of facilities to support its occupants:
Modern, flexible office and laboratory spaces
Conference and meeting rooms
On-site cafes and restaurants
Fitness centre
Nursery
Future Plans
Cambridge Science Park continues to evolve. Recent developments include:
The opening of the Bradfield Centre, a collaborative space for tech startups
Plans for a new 40,000 square foot building
Babraham Research Campus: Biotech Powerhouse
Located just south of Cambridge, the Babraham Research Campus has established itself as a leading hub for bioscience research and innovation.
History and Focus
Founded in 1993, the Babraham Research Campus is a joint venture between the Babraham Institute and the Biotechnology and Biological Sciences Research Council (BBSRC). Its primary focus is on early-stage bioscience companies.
Size and Facilities
Spanning 430 acres, the campus offers:
100,000 square feet of laboratory and office space
State-of-the-art research facilities
Incubator space for startups
Conference centre
Notable Occupiers
The campus is home to over 60 companies, including:
Kymab
Definigen
Mission Therapeutics
PhoreMost
Future Development
Babraham Research Campus has ambitious plans for growth:
A £44 million expansion project to add 12 new buildings
Additional 108,000 square feet of laboratory and office space
Granta Park
Situated in the picturesque village of Great Abington, Granta Park offers a blend of cutting-edge research facilities and natural landscape.
History and Location
Established in 1997, Granta Park covers 120 acres of landscaped grounds. It's located 10 miles south of Cambridge city centre.
Facilities and Amenities
Granta Park boasts an array of facilities:
Over 600,000 square feett of high-quality laboratory and office space
The Apiary, a central hub with a gym, restaurant, and meeting rooms
Sports facilities including tennis courts and a cricket pitch
Nature trails and wildlife areas
Notable Occupiers
The park has attracted a mix of established pharmaceutical companies and innovative biotechs, including:
MedImmune (AstraZeneca)
Illumina
Pfizer
Gilead Sciences
Expansion Plans
Granta Park continues to grow, with recent developments including:
The completion of Unity Campus, adding 260,000 square feet of space
Plans for further expansion to accommodate growing demand
Cambridge Biomedical Campus
The Cambridge Biomedical Campus (CBC) is the largest centre of medical research and health science in Europe. The campus brings together world-class hospitals, research institutes, corporate headquarters and biotechnology companies.
History and Significance
Established in 1962 with the relocation of Addenbrooke's Hospital, the campus has become a powerhouse of medical research and innovation. Its unique ecosystem allows for rapid translation of scientific discoveries into patient care.
Size and Location
CBC covers 170 acres in the southern part of Cambridge. The campus continues to expand and when fully developed, is estimated to cover approximately 345 acres.
Key Facilities and Institutions
The campus is home to several world-renowned institutions:
Addenbrooke's Hospital
Royal Papworth Hospital
Cancer Research UK Cambridge Institute
AstraZeneca's global R&D centre and corporate headquarters
Notable Occupiers
In addition to the major institutions, the campus hosts numerous biotech and pharmaceutical companies, including:
Abcam
GlaxoSmithKline
Astra Zeneca
Microsoft Research
Future Development
The Cambridge Biomedical Campus has ambitious plans:
Phase 2 expansion, adding 14 hectares of developable land
New facilities for companies and research institutions
Improved transport links to accommodate growth
The West Cambridge Site
The West Cambridge Site is a major research and technology park focused on physical sciences and technology.
History and Focus
Founded by the University of Cambridge in the 1960s, the West Cambridge Site has become a hub for physics, engineering, and computer science research.
Key Facilities
The site offers a range of specialized facilities:
Cavendish Laboratory (Department of Physics)
Computer Laboratory
Institute for Manufacturing
Maxwell Centre for industrial collaboration
Notable Occupiers
The West Cambridge Site hosts a mix of university departments and private companies, including:
Microsoft Research
Schlumberger
Nvidia Research
Future Plans
The University of Cambridge has plans to further develop the site:
New shared facilities for start-ups and SMEs
Improved public spaces and amenities
Enhanced transport links
Cambridge Research Park
Located just north of Cambridge in Waterbeach, Cambridge Research Park offers a sustainable environment for businesses to grow.
History and Development
Established in the late 1990s, Cambridge Research Park has grown steadily, attracting a diverse range of technology and life science companies.
Facilities and Specifications
The park offers:
112 acres of landscaped grounds
Modern, flexible office and laboratory spaces
On-site amenities including a cafe and gym
Good transport links
Notable Occupiers
Cambridge Research Park hosts a variety of innovative companies, including:
Bayer CropScience
Horizon Discovery
Biochrom
Sustainability Focus
The park places a strong emphasis on sustainability, featuring:
Energy-efficient buildings
Electric vehicle charging points
Extensive green spaces and wildlife areas
The South Cambridge Science Centre
The development is being undertaken by Abstract Group. The first phase is due to complete in April 2025.
Location
The South Cabridge Science Centre is in Sawston Village. The site is about 6 miles south of Cambridge city centre and just 4 miles south of Cambridge Biomedical Campus. The future CSET route to the northeast boundary will connect the science park to the surrounding Life-science and Bio-tech cluster.
Unique Commercial Development
Embracing the principles of the Life Sciences and Biomedical parks, commercial development integrates harmoniously with the natural landscape. Uniquely the South Cambridge Science is approximately 30% less expensive than competing schemes around Cambridge whilst offering best in class facilities.
Key Facilities
The first phase comprises 138,000 square feet of highest specification laboratory and office space. The science park offers:
· Highest specification wet and dry laboratories
· Min VC-A Vibration criteria suitable for NMR & Sensitive Equipment
· Net carbon-zero
· Flexible floor-plates
· An innovative water harvesting and storage facility
· Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) rating of A
· BREEAM Excellent
· 269 Multistorey Car park spaces.
· E-charging points provision
· Direct access to loading bay and goods lifts from all floors
Occupiers
The specification, facilities and location of the South Cambridge Science Centre appeal to wide range of uses including Microbiology, PCR, Chemistry, Flow Cytometry, Viral Vector and GMP.
Future Plans
In October 2024, Planning Consent for the second phase of the development was secured, comprising approx. 44,650 square feet (GIA). Construction is scheduled to commence in July 2025 with completion anticipated Q3 2026.
The Impact of Cambridge Science Parks
The Cambridge science parks have played a crucial role in establishing the region as a world-leading technology and innovation hub. Often referred to as the "Silicon Fen," the area has become a powerhouse of research, development, and entrepreneurship.
Economic Impact
Cambridge science parks contribute significantly to the local and national economy. They generate billions in revenue and create thousands of highly skilled jobs.
The parks attract substantial foreign investment, enhancing the UK's position as a global leader in science.
Innovation and Collaboration
The proximity of academia, industry, and healthcare institutions fosters high levels of collaboration and knowledge transfer.
This collaboration has led to numerous breakthrough discoveries, particularly in the fields of biotechnology, artificial intelligence, and clean energy.
Talent Attraction and Retention
Cambridge science parks have created a self-sustaining cycle of talent, drawing top researchers and entrepreneurs from around the world.
The parks provide an environment where skilled professionals build long-term careers, moving between academia, startups, and established companies.
Challenges and Future Outlook
Despite their success, Cambridge science parks face several challenges:
Housing affordability: rapid growth has led to increased pressure on local housing market.
Transport infrastructure: Improved transportation links are needed to support the growing workforce.
Competition: Other global tech hubs are vying for talent and investment.
However, the future looks bright for Cambridge science parks:
Continued investment in infrastructure and facilities
Focus on emerging technologies such as quantum computing and synthetic biology
Emphasis on sustainability and green technologies
Enhanced collaboration between parks to create a more integrated innovation ecosystem
Conclusion
Cambridge science parks have transformed the area into a global centre for innovation and technological advancement. From the pioneering Cambridge Science Park to the cutting-edge South Cambridge Science Centre, these hubs of creativity and collaboration will continue to push the boundaries of scientific discovery.