Glencar Completes New Life Sciences Research and Development Facility at Chesterford Research Park

Glencar has completed the Sidney Sussex Building, a 56,000 sq ft life sciences research and development facility at Chesterford Research Park, one of the UK’s foremost centres for scientific innovation. The multi-occupancy building provides high-quality laboratory and write-up space across three storeys and has been purpose-designed to support demand from the Cambridge life sciences cluster.

Located approximately 13 miles south of Cambridge, at the heart of the UK’s ‘golden triangle’, the Sidney Sussex Building represents a significant addition to the built environment of the 250-acre Chesterford Research Park. Delivered by Glencar as main contractor, the scheme demonstrates the successful delivery of complex, high-specification scientific infrastructure within a live research environment.

The project comprised the construction and fit-out of a three-storey speculative science laboratory and office building, arranged as two wings connected by a central atrium and full-height reception space. A reinforced concrete frame was selected to provide inherent vibration resistance, ensuring suitability for precision scientific equipment and laboratory use. The external envelope combines rainscreen cladding, curtain walling, structural glazing and a high-performance cold roof system.

Internally, the building provides ten fully fitted R&D suites ranging from approximately 2,200 sq ft to over 8,300 sq ft, with the flexibility to combine units to accommodate larger occupier requirements. Each suite includes wet laboratory space with fitted fume hoods, laboratory benching, sinks and specialist flooring, alongside Cat A open-plan office / write-up areas. Dedicated plant rooms, high-performance HVAC systems, passenger and goods lifts, communal meeting rooms, showers, changing facilities and storage areas support efficient day-to-day operation.

Externally, the scheme includes a new HV substation, waste management facilities, overflow car parking, EV charging infrastructure, cycle parking and external storage and loading areas, all seamlessly integrated within the wider research park landscape.

Innovation has underpinned both the design and delivery of the Sidney Sussex Building. The building has been engineered for long-term adaptability through modular façade elements, lightweight steel framing systems and demountable internal partitions, enabling future reconfiguration as occupier requirements evolve. Raised access floors and surplus MEP capacity further allow tenants to scale their operations without major structural intervention.

The delivery approach also demonstrated a high level of resilience, Glencar undertook a comprehensive reassessment of sequencing, procurement and risk management. Advanced BIM coordination, revised construction methodologies and proactive supply chain engagement were instrumental in maintaining momentum and safeguarding quality across the site.

Sustainability has been central to the scheme, which has achieved BREEAM Excellent and an EPC A rating. A fossil fuel-free energy strategy incorporating photovoltaic panels and efficient building services supports low operational carbon performance, while a low-carbon concrete specification, including 50% ground granulated blast furnace slag, has significantly reduced embodied carbon. The building achieved an upfront embodied carbon figure of 659kgCO₂e/m².

The development also delivers strong environmental and wellbeing benefits, achieving a 24% biodiversity net gain through wildflower meadows, new planting, bird and bat boxes, wildlife-sensitive lighting and the creation of new ecological habitats.

Project Team

Client: Chesterford Research Park: Aviva Investors
PM / EA / QS: Hollis / Castons
Architect: BCRi
Engineer: HTS