Morgan Sindall has started work on a flagship 217,000 sq ft science and innovation building at the heart of Manchester’s Knowledge Quarter. The £100m Plus Ultra Manchester scheme, led by Kadans Science Partner, sits within the Oxford Road Corridor and will act as the focal point of the wider £450m Upper Brook Street masterplan. That masterplan will deliver around 490,000 sq ft of mixed-use space, including laboratories, student accommodation and community facilities. Sustainability is a key feature of the project. The building will be fully electric and is targeting BREEAM Excellent, EPC A and WiredScore Gold ratings. Plans include extensive rooftop solar panels, advanced building management systems and high-performance façades to minimise energy use. Morgan Sindall’s North West area director, Steven Gregory, said the scheme represents a major step forward in Manchester’s development as a leading centre for life sciences and innovation. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals

Prologis UK and main contractor, SDC have marked a key construction milestone at the Cambridge Biomedical Campus today, with a Topping Out ceremony at 2000 Discovery Drive – the latest addition to Prologis’ growing life sciences presence on the campus. The ceremony was attended by representatives from Prologis UK, SDC and the wider project team and marked the placement of the final steel beam, which will be signed and commemorated with a memorial plaque. 2000 Discovery Drive follows the successful completion of 1000 Discovery Drive in 2024 – a project that has already attracted leading life sciences organisations to the campus. Most recently, the Cambridge University Hospital Trust’s relocated its Histopathology service to a newly commissioned lab, enhancing its diagnostic capability. Together, the two buildings form a vital part of Prologis UK’s long-term commitment to delivering modern, flexible space for the nation’s science and innovation sectors. The ceremony also reflects Prologis’ landmark £3 billion investment intentions at Cambridge Biomedical Campus which was announced in September. Andrew Blevins, Head of Life Sciences, Prologis UK: “Reaching this milestone at 2000 Discovery Drive is a testament to the exceptional quality of work delivered by SDC and our wider project team. With Discovery Drive now home to leading life sciences organisations, including the NHS, BioNTech and Abcam, our latest development builds on that momentum. With lab-enabled space completing in late 2026, it presents a rare opportunity for businesses looking to grow within the UK’s most dynamic life sciences research ecosystem.” Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals

The Oxford Science Park (TOSP), one of the UK’s leading locations for science and technology companies, has announced the acquisition of Northbrook House, a prominent three-storey building, comprising 23,500 sq ft, on the eastern side of the Park. Following refurbishment, Northbrook House will deliver flexible, high-quality laboratory and write-up accommodation designed to meet the needs of pioneering science and technology start-ups and growth businesses, with suites ranging from 3,600 to 23,500 sq ft. Originally designed by Ritchie Studio – formerly Ian Ritchie Architects – Northbrook House embodies the practice’s innovative and highly regarded architectural approach. The design provides a strong foundation for the building’s transformation, with the planned refurbishment enhancing and modernising the space, alongside an infrastructure upgrade that supports today’s science and technology companies. Situated close to the Park’s vibrant Magdalen Centre, Northbrook House benefits from immediate access to amenities including a café, conference suite, fitness classes, and a broad programme of networking and social events. The building also enjoys a picturesque setting overlooking Littlemore Brook, surrounded by mature landscaping, and offers allocated on-site parking and bike storage. A regular bus service is within a minute’s walk of the building, and the planned Cowley Branch Line station will offer even more connectivity with a fast rail link to the city centre and direct services to London every half hour. The station will feature a platform providing immediate access to The Oxford Science Park, making travel to and from the Park quick and convenient. Yong Shen, Director of The Oxford Science Park, said: “The acquisition and transformation of Northbrook House further strengthens our commitment to providing the best possible space for the UK’s most innovative science and technology companies. Northbrook’s flexible design and proximity to Park amenities make it an ideal location for organisations seeking both technical excellence and community connection.” The addition of Northbrook House forms part of TOSP’s ongoing development strategy to expand capacity and deliver exceptional laboratory environments for innovative early-stage companies in Oxford. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals

Plans are moving forward for the first data centre at Blackpool’s landmark Silicon Sands digital infrastructure site, marking a major milestone in the town’s ambition to become a leading hub for sustainable technology and data innovation. An application for planning permission is due to be submitted before Christmas for a 6MW carbon-friendly data centre alongside 20,000 sq ft of office and research space. The development has already attracted strong interest from private sector investors keen to be part of the Fylde Coast’s emerging digital economy. Located next to Blackpool Airport, the Silicon Sands project builds on the arrival of the transatlantic Aquacomms cable, which connects the UK to North America and Europe. The initiative is designed to position the region as a strategic location for high-capacity, energy-efficient data infrastructure. The proposed data centre will be powered entirely by renewable energy and will feature advanced liquid immersion cooling to maximise efficiency. Waste heat generated by the facility will also be captured and reused to provide energy for nearby properties — a key element of its sustainable design. Councillor Mark Smith, Blackpool Council’s Cabinet Member for Economy and Built Environment, said the project could be transformative for the area. “Silicon Sands is a transformational opportunity for Blackpool. It can create thousands of well-paid jobs, attract investment, and put us at the forefront of sustainable digital development. That vision is proven by the significant interest we have had from the private sector already. Silicon Sands is about so much more than just data centres though. We are carefully managing the programme so that we can create data centres which are carbon friendly and can even supply waste heat back to local communities.” The first phase of development will be located on the former fire station and engineering yard at Blackpool Airport, which was demolished in 2023, as well as the old administration offices and security point. If approved, the project will signal the start of an ambitious new chapter for Blackpool, establishing Silicon Sands as a pioneering example of how digital infrastructure and sustainability can work hand in hand to drive regional growth. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals

ILI Group has announced plans for three new hyperscale data centres across Scotland, creating what it calls The Stoics – A £15 billion Green Digital Network spanning the central belt. The projects, named after Stoic philosophers, are located in Fife (Cato), East Ayrshire (Rufus), and North Lanarkshire (Aurelius). The Stoics will stand among the largest hyperscale data centre clusters globally — more than double the size of many of today’s biggest recognised campuses. Each project has secured a grid connection, land rights, and has now entered the planning process. Collectively, The Stoics will form a digital corridor of opportunity, designed to power the rise of artificial intelligence (AI), advanced connectivity, and the broader technology economy while being anchored in Scotland’s abundant renewable energy resources. Named after Stoic philosophers, The Stoics embody the values these projects require: Economic & Strategic Impact: By linking Fife, East Ayrshire, and North Lanarkshire, The Stoics create a new strategic digital hub for Scotland, underpinned by renewable energy and positioned to meet the surging demand from AI and next-generation digital services. Mark Wilson, CEO of ILI Group, said:“With The Stoics, we are inspired by ancient wisdom to create modern innovation. These projects will provide the digital backbone needed to power the rise of AI and advanced technologies, while creating a Green Digital Network that delivers jobs, investment, and ensures Scotland leads in the global shift towards a sustainable digital future.” About ILI Group:Intelligent Land Investments Group (ILI) is a leading Scottish clean energy and infrastructure developer with a portfolio of over 4.1 GW of energy storage and digital projects, including: ILI Group achieved a major milestone with the sale of its first 450 MW pumped storage hydro project, Loch na Cathrach at Loch Ness, to Statkraft one of Europe’s largest renewable power generators. This landmark transaction underscores ILI Group’s expertise in developing large-scale infrastructure and its role in shaping the UK’s clean energy and digital future. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals

DC01UK today announced the sale of its South Mimms data centre site in Hertfordshire to Equinix, one of the world’s largest data centre companies and operators. The deal represents one of the largest infrastructure and real estate transactions in the world in recent years. This milestone transaction marks a defining moment for UK digital infrastructure. With a projected total investment value in the region of £3.9bn, the deal lays the foundation for one of Europe’s largest and most advanced data centre campuses – a project of unprecedented scale and ambition that will drive the next wave of cloud and AI innovation. The 85-acre site in South Mimms, Hertsmere – now named the ‘Hertfordshire Campus’ by Equinix – will deliver over two million square feet of cutting-edge data centre space. Designed to meet both current and future demand for data, storage, and AI-powered services, the campus will set a new benchmark for excellence in digital infrastructure. The sale reflects a strategic vision executed at pace by the DC01UK team, underpinned by collaboration with experts, local and national government and precision planning. Once operational, the development is expected to support thousands of skilled jobs nationwide through the wider digital supply chain and contribute billions to the UK economy. This pivotal sale also highlights the UK’s growing prominence in global digital infrastructure investment. It follows the Government’s designation of data centres as Critical National Infrastructure last year – an announcement that majored on the scale and ambition of the DC01UK project. James Craig, Director of DC01UK, said: “This is a landmark moment for the UK and a powerful example of local entrepreneurship driving national innovation. The ambition behind the DC01UK project is extraordinary and we are delighted that the vision for this project will be taken forward by leading experts committed to delivering it to the highest standards, maintaining our ambition, realising the community benefits, and embedding themselves in the growth and future of Hertfordshire. For us, it’s a proud moment that also marks the beginning of an exciting new chapter as we continue to progress other UK data centre development opportunities to drive further innovation and investment in this space across the UK.” Andy Brewer, Director of DC01UK, said: “This deal marks a significant step forward for this world-class project and for the UK’s digital future. It was born of local ingenuity and determination and aligns closely with the Government’s ambition for the UK to be a global leader in AI and advanced technology. With one of the world’s largest operators now taking our vision forward, the project is entering an exciting new phase, one that will help position the UK at the forefront of the data revolution.” Stephen Beard, Global Head of Data Centres at Knight Frank, who advised on the project, said: “This is a seismic moment for the UK’s infrastructure landscape. The scale, ambition and strategic value of this site are unmatched. It’s rare to find a location that ticks every box – power, connectivity, proximity to key markets – and this one does. Today’s announcement gives the UK a major leg up in the global AI infrastructure race.” Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals

The Crown Estate has announced plans for a £4.5bn science and technology district at Harwell East in Oxfordshire, following its acquisition of the 221-acre site adjacent to the renowned Harwell Science and Innovation Campus. The large-scale project is set to deliver up to 4.5 million square feet of new laboratory, office, and advanced manufacturing space, alongside around 400 new homes. Once complete, it will become one of the UK’s largest purpose-built research and innovation hubs. Harwell East is expected to generate an estimated £2.5bn for the economy and create around 30,000 jobs, reinforcing the site’s role as a central driver within the Oxford-Cambridge Arc’s growing science corridor. The development forms part of The Crown Estate’s long-term strategy to invest £1.5bn in the UK’s science, innovation, and technology sectors over the next 15 years. Chief executive Dan Labbad said the project reflects The Crown Estate’s ambition to help shape the UK’s future innovation landscape. “Our vision for Harwell East is to create the space where great science can thrive, ensuring the UK remains a world leader in research and innovation,” he said. Planning for the scheme is being led by Crucible, the company founded by former Harwell Campus director Angus Horner, who first conceived the Harwell East concept. The new district follows a series of science-focused initiatives by The Crown Estate, including developments at Cambridge Business Park, Oxford city centre, and Lendlease’s Euston regeneration project in London. Together, these schemes highlight The Crown Estate’s growing commitment to supporting the UK’s knowledge economy through the creation of sustainable, future-ready places for research and technological advancement. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals

Swedish company, which speeds up prostate cancer diagnosis, chooses Milton Park for its first UK laboratory  Milton Park has welcomed Inify Laboratories Limited as the second occupier at its award-winning Nebula development, with the Swedish digital pathology and AI cancer diagnostics company selecting the innovation community for its first UK laboratory. Inify’s custom-built, AI-enabled laboratory will help it to meet the UK’s rising demand for cancer diagnostics, while easing pressure on NHS pathology services. The company’s move to Milton Park aims to replicate its recent success in Sweden, which sees it handle around 80% of Stockholm’s and 10% of the country’s total number of prostate biopsies. Compared to NHS patients often waiting two to three weeks for results in the UK, Inify’s tests in Sweden guarantee an answer in five working days or less, with an average turnaround of just 3.5 days. As well as the speed of results, Inify says its proprietary AI software, INIFY® Prostate, has been proven in clinical studies to deliver world-leading accuracy, with >99% sensitivity and 97% specificity. Every case is then reviewed by a specialist pathologist before a final report is issued. The new facility at Milton Park’s Nebula development brings Inify’s clinical, laboratory and commercial functions together into a single building. The design of the new laboratory space allows the company to control every stage of its diagnostic chain, from sample logistics, tissue processing and preparation, through to digitisation, AI analysis and review by specialist pathologists. Named Best Commercial Building at the OxProp Awards 2025, Nebula’s flexible layout has also allowed Inify to create a more efficient digital workflow for its teams, which will help to optimise image quality, reporting speed and accuracy of its tests. Kate Bucknall, Managing Director of Inify UK, said: “Our new base at Milton Park is a real milestone in our mission to improving cancer care and reducing delays in patient pathways. Our recent success shows that digitised, AI-supported workflows can halve the time from biopsy to diagnosis, which has been transformative for both patients and clinicians in Sweden. “With around 120,000 prostate biopsy patients requiring support every year, the UK’s demand for diagnostics is around six times larger than in Sweden. In the UK, our ageing population, growing awareness and a national shortage of pathologists and biomedical scientists mean we have a significant bottleneck in prostate diagnosis.  “We want to tackle that challenge head-on in our new facility, by giving patients answers as soon as possible, while providing quality and efficiency gains across the pathway. The Inify lab will have capacity to handle a volume similar to the country’s total demand.” Kate added: “After an extensive search, we chose Milton Park based on its vibrant community, strong transport links and access to exceptional talent near Oxford and London. Nebula was also ideal for us to build a state-of-the-art lab from scratch. The buildings’ eco-friendly credentials, timber frame and light-filled design aligns with our Scandinavian aesthetic and sustainability approach. “The new space is welcoming, for both the Inify team and also for our clinicians and partners. From wellbeing events and sense of community to transport connections, the park is somewhere we feel people will want to come to work.” Tom Booker, Commercial Manager at MEPC Milton Park, commented: “We’re thrilled that Inify has chosen Milton Park as its UK home. The team’s decision to join the Milton Park community reinforces our position as a home for leading life science and med-tech organisations to collaborate, innovate and grow.  “Inify’s work in Sweden is a real example of how innovation can deliver meaningful impact in healthcare. We look forward to seeing the difference it can make on patient outcomes in its new UK base here at Milton Park.” Milton Park’s Nebula development offers flexible workspaces tailored to advanced engineering, R&D and technical operations. With 8-metre roof clearances, open-plan workspaces, mezzanine offices and large roller shutters designed to accommodate heavy machinery. Designed to BREEAM ‘Excellent’ standards, Nebula’s buildings have incorporated structural glulam timber beams, which reduced the project’s carbon footprint by 686 tonnes of CO2, equivalent to 196 return flights to Hong Kong. Occupiers can also benefit from enhanced power capacity, LED lighting, energy-efficient climate control and electric vehicle charging infrastructure. For more information on Milton Park, please visit: www.miltonpark.com Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals

Wates has formally signed the main works order with the Ministry of Justice (MoJ) to deliver a major expansion at HMP Wayland in Norfolk, marking a significant milestone in the government’s ongoing prison building programme. The project will deliver a new four-storey houseblock providing 247 additional Category C prison places, alongside a 1,200-capacity kitchen serving the entire prison. Additional facilities will include classrooms, a light industrial workshop, an all-weather sports pitch, and outdoor exercise areas, supporting prisoner rehabilitation and skills development to improve future employment prospects for prison leavers. The expansion forms part of the government’s Accelerated Houseblocks Delivery Programme, contributing to the wider target of creating 14,000 new prison places by 2031. In line with Wates’ commitment to social value, the project will directly employ 10 prison leavers, as well as create 10 apprenticeships and opportunities for upskilling both prisoners and onsite workers. The initiative will also prioritise investment in the local supply chain and SMEs, ensuring economic benefits are felt across the surrounding community. The new houseblock will feature a standardised, modular design using pre-manufactured components to enable efficient and high-quality delivery. It will be fully electric and is targeting BREEAM Excellent or higher, aligning with the Ministry of Justice’s sustainability objectives and supporting lower long-term operational costs. Key delivery partners on the project include SES Engineering Services, SES Manufacturing, FP McCann, and Aden Contracting, with design support from BakerHicks and Pick Everard. The scheme has been procured through the Crown Commercial Service (CCS) Framework. Construction of the new houseblock is expected to be completed by the end of 2028, while a separate £70 million fire safety improvement project across the existing prison is already underway and scheduled for completion in February 2029. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals