Kadans Science Partner is excited to today announce the official opening of their new state-of-the-art laboratory building MAYDE, 5-10 Brandon Road.   Located in King’s Cross, London, MAYDE is the most recent high-specification office and laboratory building to join the world-famous Knowledge Quarter. This new laboratory scheme of 114,000 sq ft includes high-quality good-manufacturing-practices (GMP) pilot plant facilities and is the only space in London offering GMP manufacturing facilities alongside R&D and office space. This includes one floor of fully fitted lab and office space ready to occupy immediately.   The building was officially opened with a ribbon-cutting ceremony, guided tours for guests, and speeches from Steve Bates, CEO BioIndustry Association (BIA) and James Sheppard, International Head of Asset Management at Kadans Science Partner.   Will Fogden, Senior Development Manager at Kadans said:  “We are thrilled to announce the official launch celebration of MAYDE, 5-10 Brandon Road. The space offers a unique opportunity for tenants to expand from R&D into commercialisation all under one roof with GMP manufacturing facilities alongside R&D and office space. It has been an exciting journey to reach this stage from inception all the way through to completion and we look forward to welcoming in new tenants.  MAYDE is the first of four buildings within Kadan’s ownership at Tileyard, in King’s Cross providing over 350,000 sq ft of science innovation space. We are excited to continue our expansion and building on this already vibrant Science and Innovation ecosystem.”  Construction began in 2022 with the intention of creating a space that boasted a high technical specification.   Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals

ENHANCING science education, work on the UK’s newest planetarium for more than a decade is progressing rapidly at its Nottinghamshire site, with the £6.8 million project set to complete by the end of November. Funded by the UK Government, the National Lottery Heritage Fund, the Garfield Weston Foundation, Wolfson Foundation, the Foyle Foundation and numerous other donors, the new planetarium forms part of the Sherwood Observatory, which is being transformed into a leading regional education and exhibition space off Coxmoor Road in Sutton-in-Ashfield. The internal fit-out is now well underway, with equipment including a ten-metre diameter hemispherical screen and projectors being installed that will show tours of the solar system and beyond. The planetarium will feature 59 seats and will be disability accessible. Multi-disciplinary consultancy Pick Everard is behind the scheme, delivering project and cost management services. Nick Hanson, associate cost manager at Pick Everard, said: “This is an exciting project that is contributing positively to the local area with a world leading science and education facility. “The Sherwood Observatory is of huge historical significance and draws on our expertise of delivering high quality visitor attractions, with protected elements sensitively treated and managed through robust stakeholder management plans. “Our team is fully invested in helping deliver this unique undertaking, which will have a transformative impact on regional tourism and economy drives.” Midlands contractor G F Tomlinson delivered the construction works for the multi-million pound planetarium – completing pre-construction design and planning through SCAPE’s Beyond the Public Sector Framework. Jason Ainsworth, framework construction manager at G F Tomlinson, said: “We feel very privileged to be part of such an exciting and unique project in the region, and once finished, the state-of-the-art centre promises to be a pivotal tourism and educational hub. “Alongside attracting thousands of visitors to the region and raising awareness of the local area and history of the site, it also provides opportunities for STEM careers for future generations to come. This was made possible due to our early involvement and collaborative working with the client team and consultants, facilitated through the SCAPE Beyond the Public sector Framework”. The new planetarium design incorporates the existing Victorian subterranean reservoir, which will see its original features, such as the intricate brick arches, kept to preserve the history of the building. The ambitious plans for the site aim to create a unique, world-class facility that will rival those elsewhere in the UK. Councillor Matthew Relf, executive lead member for regeneration, growth and local planning at Ashfield District Council, said: “It is wonderful to see construction of the new planetarium and science centre nearing completion. It has been a monumental effort by all involved. “It will be a fantastic place for schools and youth groups as well as individuals and families to come and see shows about space and science. We know this will light the fire and passion for future scientists and engineers in the area. “It has been a privilege to be part of the journey of seeing this move from an initial pitched idea while walking around the dark Victoria water tank, to securing the funding and now seeing the space transformed into a modern and exciting facility. I could not be more excited to see my first show in the finished planetarium. “This really will be an incredible asset for the district and broader region and will inspire so many people with the wonders of space and inspire many onto new and exciting careers.” Steve Wallace, planetarium project manager and chairman at Sherwood Observatory, said: “This is going to be a cutting-edge facility and it has been fascinating to work on. We are now moving to the next stage where a specialist planetarium creator is on site transforming the dome. “It is a very unique bit of software that offers theatrical shows and give visitors an immersive tour of the solar system where they can go from planet to planet and then out into the wider Milky Way and Universe.” The planetarium at Sherwood Observatory is the latest development Pick Everard has worked on in the region, following the recent opening of a new ‘Green Heart’ space as part of the £2 billion Broad Marsh regeneration project in Nottingham city centre. For more information on Pick Everard and the services it provides, visit: www.pickeverard.co.uk/ Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals

A new season of construction is underway in Antarctica for the British Antarctic Survey (BAS). Specialist teams are arriving at Rothera, the UK’s largest research station and gateway for international science and collaboration. The season’s focus is completing the Discovery Building, a new, purpose-built scientific support and operations facility which will support the whole of Rothera research station.  Work now in progress The construction teams arriving in Rothera will first clear the large amount of snow which has accumulated over the Antarctic winter. From November, they will be completing the inside of the Discovery Building, and externally, the wind deflector and the roof.  This purpose-built facility will undergo testing of critical systems so that it is ready to hand over to BAS in April 2025. Essential work will also be taking place across the rest of the station.  Delivering Antarctic modernisation The Discovery Building is the latest project in a programme of modernisation which is transforming the way BAS operates in Antarctica. Modern facilities The Discovery Building provides up to date operational facilities designed to support the evolving needs of scientific research at Rothera, both now and in the future. Teamwork in extreme conditions With fluctuating temperatures and periods of extreme cold ranging from minus 22 to plus 15 degrees Celsius, Rothera Research Station is the one of the world’s most extreme construction sites. Working alongside partners, BAM, Ramboll, Sweco, GA Barnies, Turner and Townsend and Hugh Broughton Architects brings together the specialist expertise essential for completing this challenging project.  Investment in polar science Elen Jones, Programme Director at the British Antarctic Survey, said: “As we gear up for this important construction season, we’re excited to see everyone’s hard work come together to complete the Discovery Building and bring it into operational use. This latest milestone is part of our programme of modernisation in Antarctica which will enable scientific operations and research on the continent for years to come.” Johannes Smit, Construction Manager at BAM, said: “We’ve made significant progress in the Antarctic to bring this building to completion. Our dedicated team even worked through the winter season to prepare for commissioning, and we’re now focused on connecting and fine-tuning all systems. This hub will drive safe, efficient, and sustainable operations as the heart of the wider facilities at Rothera.” Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals

Leading property investor and developer Prologis has announced a £500 million investment in Cambridge Biomedical Campus (CBC), a move that aligns with the Chancellor’s recent commitment to the life sciences sector in the Autumn Budget. With the completion of Phase 2, Prologis’ total investment in the campus now stands at £500 million ($635 million). In addition to expanding CBC, Prologis will also host a pavilion at the UK Real Estate Investment and Infrastructure Forum (UKREiiF), the UK’s largest investment and infrastructure conference. This pavilion will provide a platform for discussions around sustainable development and networking with potential partners, reinforcing Prologis’ dedication to advancing the UK property landscape. State-of-the-Art Life Sciences FacilitiesAt the heart of Prologis’ latest development is 2000 Discovery Drive, a new six-storey facility designed for life sciences, offering a blend of laboratory and office space across 115,000 sq. ft. This cutting-edge building will serve as a launchpad for scale-ups and research-driven life sciences firms, enhancing CBC’s globally recognised ecosystem that unites clinical, academic, and commercial leaders. The project is a product of a longstanding public-private partnership, which previously delivered 1000 Discovery Drive—home to key tenants like Cambridge University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust and a major European biotech firm. Infrastructure and Community BenefitsThe development of 2000 Discovery Drive includes significant shared infrastructure enhancements for the campus and surrounding community. Planned additions include a semi-sunken CycleParc with 450 spaces, multistorey parking, and extensive landscape-led design, creating improved public spaces and expanded cycle paths. Furthermore, the opening of the new Cambridge South station in summer 2025 will bolster connectivity for campus users. Currently, CBC contributes £4.2 billion in annual gross value added (GVA) to the UK economy, a figure projected to grow as Prologis and CBC continue to expand. Prologis’ investment is expected to directly and indirectly support over 4,000 skilled jobs in the life sciences sector. Future Expansion PlansPlanning consent has also been granted for 3000 Discovery Drive, a speculative 100,000 sq. ft. development that will form part of CBC’s Phase 2 expansion, providing further high-quality space for the life sciences industry. Government and Industry SupportChancellor of the Exchequer Rachel Reeves commented on the importance of Prologis’ investment: “This commitment from Prologis—so soon after the government’s first Budget—underscores confidence in our vision for the UK economy.” Science and Technology Secretary Peter Kyle added, “Major investments like this bring global leaders in life sciences under one roof and underscore the UK’s strategy for sustained growth.” Andrew Blevins, Head of Life Sciences at Prologis, reinforced this sentiment, stating, “Our work at Cambridge Biomedical Campus exemplifies the impact of public-private partnerships in the UK life sciences sector. With developments like 2000 Discovery Drive, we’re advancing spaces that support job creation, foster innovation, and contribute to both the local and national economy.” Blevins added that providing sustainable, modern spaces for life sciences and associated supply chains is essential to the UK’s Industrial & Logistics sector. This investment forms part of Prologis’ broader strategy, which spans over 25 years, to deliver specialised infrastructure and green energy solutions for high-growth sectors, including data centres and manufacturing facilities, highlighted in the government’s latest Industrial Strategy Green Paper. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals

Investment in the UK’s data centre sector is facing serious delays due to a shortage of electricity supply, according to David Sleath, CEO of leading property developer Segro. Speaking on Times Radio, Sleath shared his concerns about extensive wait times for grid connections, with delays stretching over several years, which he says has blocked Segro from channelling “hundreds of millions and more” into new data centres. Segro, already operating 35 data centres nationwide, has significant expansion plans that are stymied by what Sleath calls a “bottleneck” in the national grid’s ability to provide power. “The single biggest constraint is access to power,” he remarked, emphasising that this challenge is holding back not only Segro’s growth but also the UK’s progress in digital infrastructure. Data centres are critical to the UK’s digital economy, supporting services from e-commerce and streaming to advanced AI projects. However, their high-energy requirements demand specialised grid connections, and the current queue system for these upgrades is proving a major obstacle. Sleath described the grid connection process as “archaic,” with developers often waiting years to secure the necessary upgrades. Looking ahead, Sleath also voiced concerns over the UK’s long-term energy strategy. While he recognises the importance of wind and solar in reducing carbon emissions, he suggests that additional investment in nuclear power and advancements in battery storage technology will be necessary to meet future energy demands. In a positive step for the industry, the government has recently designated data centres as critical national infrastructure. Technology Secretary Peter Kyle’s classification move aligns with several American companies’ plans to invest £6.3 billion in new UK data centres, underscoring the need for reliable power access to fuel this digital expansion. The National Grid has acknowledged the challenges and committed to improving the grid connection process, pledging collaboration with the National Energy System Operator (Neso), Ofgem, and government bodies to prioritise projects supporting net-zero objectives and economic growth. A government spokesperson confirmed ongoing efforts to streamline connections for data centres and clear project backlogs, aiming to make the UK’s grid infrastructure more accessible. With the demand for data centres rising, the UK stands at a critical juncture, needing strategic grid reforms to support both immediate digital needs and long-term economic ambitions. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals

Exciting new details have emerged for Project Edison, a high-tech data centre proposed by Elite UK REIT, which aims to transform a 39-acre site near the Department for Work and Pensions’ (DWP) Peel Park campus in Blackpool. With plans submitted to Fylde Council earlier this month, the project includes the construction of two data centre buildings and a 400-space multi-storey car park, paving the way for cutting-edge infrastructure that could redefine Blackpool’s role in the digital economy. The ambitious plans detail two 20-metre-tall data centre buildings covering a combined 157,000 square feet, which will house “multiple data halls accommodating approximately 600 racks” of server infrastructure each. These facilities will replace an existing surface-level car park at the site, creating a need for new parking solutions for DWP staff. To address this, Elite UK REIT has proposed a multi-storey car park that would support the data centre and DWP employees, though demand is expected to drop as around 1,000 DWP staff are scheduled to relocate to Blackpool’s town centre next year. Elite UK REIT selected this location for its prime connection to the North Atlantic Loop, a high-speed subsea fibre optic cable linking the USA, UK, and Ireland. This connectivity promises fast and reliable internet speeds, boosting Blackpool’s appeal to data-centre operators and tech firms. The project is expected to make a significant contribution to Silicon Sands, a 40-acre tech cluster planned within the Blackpool Airport Enterprise Zone, designed to attract data-driven industries to the Fylde Coast. According to consultancy Cassidy + Ashton, Project Edison “will position the Fylde Coast at the cutting edge of AI development, supporting the economic ambitions of the Blackpool Enterprise Zone.” To find out more, search reference number 24/0516 on Fylde Council’s planning portal. The project team includes Cassidy + Ashton, KeySource, TTSP, Murphy Geospatial, SLR, GEA, and Bowland Ecology, all working to bring this landmark development to life. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals

Timelapse footage released yesterday shows the construction progress on Nebula, the £40m research and development (R&D) scheme at 190–192 Park Drive, Milton Park. With construction due to finalise in Q1 2025 and with finishing touches on external cladding and internal fitouts now underway, the development will offer circa 80,000 sq ft of R&D workspace for startups and companies across science, technology or advanced engineering industries. Featuring sustainably sourced glue-laminated timber (glulam) beams in lieu of steel, the timelapse shows the scale of Nebula’s structural frames. With Nebula targeting a BREEAM Excellent rating, the installation has helped to significantly reduce the project’s embodied carbon. With construction delivered by Barnwood, the new development of seven properties across three buildings provides high-tech research and development (R&D) workspace with offices, ranging from 6,000sq ft up to a single building of 30,000sq ft. The 8m internal height and 5m openings for large-scale laboratory or plant equipment provide space to grow for a diverse range of companies, including those working in the UK’s space industry. The plans for Nebula were delivered under Milton Park’s Local Development Order (LDO), which, through a partnership with the Vale of White Horse District Council, simplifies the planning process to just 10 days. Occupiers will also benefit from MEPC Milton Park’s £7m investment into its own electrical infrastructure, which provides enhanced power supply for R&D uses and future developments. Tom Booker Commercial Manager at MEPC Milton Park, said: “With Nebula nearing completion, there has been strong demand and we will shortly be announcing the first letting to a well known international brand. “We’re also in discussions with existing Milton Park occupiers looking to expand operations. Not only are they attracted to Nebula’s flexible space, sustainable features and high-quality materials, but also the wider benefits of being based at the Park.” Working alongside Milton Park and Barnwood Limited as part of the project team are SRA Architects, ASA Landscape Architects, Ridge & Partners LLP (BREEAM, cost management, M&E, principal design, project management), Stantec(civil and structural engineering), William Downie Associates (utilities), Cundall (carbon consultant), CBRE (letting agent) and ProVision (planning). For more information or to enquire about Nebula, please visit: https://www.miltonpark.co.uk/availability/nebula-190-192-park-drive Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals

Bicester Motion, the 444-acre future mobility estate in Bicester, Oxfordshire has appointed Kier as its construction partner to deliver YASA’s new UK HQ at The Ranges, its new name for its innovation quarter. Kier has been appointed to construct Bicester Motion’s next phase of development to create YASA’s new HQ, a substantial bespoke development that will total 90,000 sq ft (8,361 sq m). The Ranges’ remaining four buildings will be part of phase 2 which together has a construction value of £60 million. Practical completion is targeted for summer 2025. Daniel Geoghegan, chief executive, Bicester Motion said: “I offer my congratulations to Kier in securing The Range’s phase 1 contract. We look forward to boosting construction jobs and the wider local supply chain in delivering this important project.” Andy Bolas, regional director, Kier Construction Western & Wales, said: “We are delighted to be marking the start on work at The Ranges – it’s an incredibly exciting project to be delivering. We are establishing a real expertise and experience for delivering projects in the science and technology sector – particularly in Oxfordshire region – and we look forward to continuing to build upon that here.” Adalta Real and Bidwells are the commercial leasing agents. Acting on Bicester Motion’s behalf are: 3DReid, Edgars, IKS Consulting, Stantec, Macgregor Smith, Nicholsons, and Motion Consultants. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals