Morgan Sindall has been appointed to construct the new £60m Array Multiplex Science Research Centre at Granta Park in Cambridge.
The building is being constructed for BioMed Realty Trust, Inc., which owns, manages and operates scientific research centre Granta Park. It will act as the new European headquarters for biomedical company Illumina, a world leader in genomics focused on improving human health by unlocking the power of the genome.
The new three-storey concrete frame building will deliver of scientific research space, including a data centre capable of handling Illumina’s significant data requirement.
The facility will provide Illumina with a collaborative environment and access to the highly skilled workforce in the dynamic research cluster anchored by Cambridge University.
“Illumina and BioMed Realty’s commitment to building a new state-of-the art facility in Cambridge is great news for our area,” said George Freeman, UK Minister for Life Sciences. “This is a strong endorsement of the UK’s Life Science Industrial Strategy and leadership in driving forward better treatments for people with cancers and rare diseases.”
Douglass Cuff, Cambridge Market Lead for BioMed Realty said, “We are looking forward to working with Morgan Sindall to complete this new state-of-the-art 155,000 square foot facility for Illumina at Granta Park. This expansion of our Granta Park development reinforces Cambridge’s standing as one of the premier global core innovation districts for the life science industry.”
Bob Ensch, area director from Morgan Sindall said: “The Array Multiplex building is a key development on Granta Park and we’re very pleased to have been appointed to this significant project. The building will utilise next-generation ‘smart’ technology and help to ensure the building operates at optimum capacity throughout its lifetime. Our project team will draw on knowledge gleaned from its extensive experience delivering world-class research facilities and will be bringing that insight to bear on this development.”
Sustainable features including brise soleil vertical solar shading panels will help to maintain the building’s temperature and prevent overheating. The building will also feature a three-storey winter garden.
Morgan Sindall is currently on site at two projects for the University of Cambridge. The company is constructing the university’s £40.8 million Chemical Engineering and Biotechnology facility and is also delivering the University’s new £8.8 million Department of Engineering. This technology hub will provide the University of Cambridge’s brightest engineers with some of the world’s most advanced engineering laboratories.
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