Cambridge planners have backed a massive expansion at St John’s Innovation Park. St John’s College and development manager Turnstone Estates have been given the go-ahead for two additional office and R & D buildings and a new transport hub to be located in the northwestern corner of the Park.
The two-phased development will comprise the construction of two 85,000 sq ft Class B1 office and R & D buildings and a new transport hub, to incorporate parking, landscaping and infrastructure. The transport hub will provide a gym available for all park occupiers to utilise, extensive cycle storage, showers and a cycle repair facility.
Designed with ‘intelligent building’ and ‘smart office’ best practice principles in mind, the development is targeting a BREEAM ‘Excellent’ rating. It has already achieved a WiredScore Platinum Certification. It is anticipated that the first phase of development – the construction of the Dirac Building and transport hub – will be delivered ready for occupation in 2023.
Chris Goldsmith, managing director of Turnstone said: “This is an important step in the development of St John’s Innovation Park and the continued growth of the Cambridge economy.
“These new architecturally striking workspaces will resonate with the next generation of innovators in technology and R & D and attract those looking for accessible, well-connected, best-in-class buildings in the northern Cambridge Cluster.”
Suzie Wood, investment property manager, St John’s College added: “This next phase of development is part of the college’s long-term strategic vision for St John’s Innovation Park to continue to both support our current dynamic and ambitious companies and welcome new organisations too.
“This approval not only marks an exciting chapter of fresh growth in the north Cambridge research and development cluster, but also benefits the health and well-being of all those at the Park with the provision of new open spaces for relaxation and interaction, and a fitness studio open to all tenants.”
The Park already provides a thriving working environment for R & D, technology and life science companies, including Samsung, Raspberry Pi, Darktrace, IESO Digital Health and PwC.
