New phase promises high-tech growth for Oxfordshire innovation hub Albion Land’s flagship technology park, Catalyst Bicester, is set for significant expansion following Cherwell District Council’s approval of the next phase of development. The green light paves the way for an additional 128,000 sq ft of premium employment space across three state-of-the-art, sustainable buildings along the A41. Planning permission for the project, part of Phase 4 of the Catalyst masterplan, was granted at a council meeting on Thursday, 16 January. With eight buildings already completed and fully let to advanced manufacturing, research and development (R&D), and design companies—including notable names such as Evolito, Tesla, and Yasa—Catalyst Bicester continues to establish itself as a hub for innovation and technology. The development also benefits from nearby amenities such as the Holiday Inn Express and David Lloyd Leisure, enhancing the appeal of the park for employees and businesses alike. Simon Parsons, Director of Albion Land, said:“This is fantastic news for Bicester, Oxfordshire, and the high-skills technology and engineering sectors in the region. These bespoke new buildings will provide exceptional workspace for companies eager to join the Catalyst Bicester success story and benefit from our efforts to strengthen Bicester’s tech ecosystem. We’re thrilled with the planning approval and are eager to move forward to meet the strong demand from occupiers.” Construction of Phase 3 is planned for 2025, delivering a further 110,000 sq ft across five buildings. Phase 4 will follow unless accelerated by tenant demand. Phase 4 represents a £55 million investment and could create around 500 additional jobs, depending on the eventual occupiers of the new space. Catalyst Bicester’s development began in 2021, with Phases 1 and 2 now fully built out and leased. The most recent addition, Unit 8 (38,710 sq ft), was completed last autumn and is already home to an international advanced-engineering and design business. Demand for space at Catalyst Bicester is driven by the growth of Oxfordshire’s innovation and technology sectors, as well as the park’s strategic location, high-quality amenities, and integration within the region’s tech and engineering ecosystem. The three new Phase 4 buildings will occupy a prime site fronting the A41, directly opposite the Holiday Inn Express. The site is designated in the Cherwell Local Plan for knowledge-based employment development. Albion Land was supported in the planning process by Quod (planning consultants) and Cornish (architects). Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals

Funds managed by Oaktree Capital Management, L.P., supported by LS Estates, have appointed construction services organisation Morgan Sindall Construction (Morgan Sindall) to be the lead contractor for the new life science development at 17 Columbus Courtyard (17CC), Canary Wharf. Morgan Sindall will begin work on site in January 2025 to oversee the transformation of the existing building into a new state-of-the-art life science and technology hub, catering to the evolving needs of current and future occupants from across the sector. Completion of the building is planned for Q3 2026, and marketing will commence early this year with a focus on a balanced mix of younger fast growing startups/scaleups and more established life science corporates. Designed by architects Scott Brownrigg and benefitting from direct connections to the Elizabeth Line, the high quality research facility will provide 190,000 sq ft of flexible laboratory and office space spanning nine upper floors, while the ground floor will feature a new communal amenity area with café, co-working space, and shared high-spec meeting rooms and conference facilities. Occupiers at 17CC will benefit from a dedicated on-site manager responsible for developing the facility’s research ecosystem and enhancing tenants’ experience. Rowan Jenkins, Managing Director – Development at LS Estates, said: “Morgan Sindall’s appointment as lead contractor for 17CC marks a significant milestone in the building’s transformation to becoming a cutting-edge life science and technology facility for Canary Wharf. “17CC has been designed to provide a collaborative environment throughout, with flexible floorspace and specification options available for a range of different occupiers, from late-stage start-ups to more established companies.” Mark Swetman, CEO at LS Estates, said: “Working in partnership with Morgan Sindall is a positive step towards the redevelopment of 17CC. We look forward to seeing the successful completion of this state-of-the-art research facility, which will form an integral part of the emerging Canary Wharf life science cluster.” 17CC will minimise both embodied and operational carbon, embracing the principles of a circular economy by retaining, repurposing and upgrading as much of the existing building as possible. This approach will minimise raw material usage, limiting the upfront embodied carbon for the project to just 337 kgCO2e/m2 and will divert at least 95 per cent of construction waste from landfill. Richard Dobson, Morgan Sindall Construction’s Area Director for London, said: “17CC will exemplify how existing buildings can be repurposed and adapted to accommodate the changing nature of the workplace, assisting occupants in meeting their sustainability objectives. “We’re looking forward to working alongside LS Estates to realise the potential 17CC has to offer for innovators working across the life science and technology sector.” Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals

Skyports Infrastructure, the leader in vertiport infrastructure for the advanced air mobility (AAM) industry and Bicester Motion, the 444-acre future mobility estate in Bicester, Oxfordshire, have celebrated the groundbreaking of the UK’s first vertiport testbed. The vertiport, which is a key output of the Advanced Mobility Ecosystem Consortium, an Innovate UK Future Flight Challenge project, is under construction on a plot of 0.42 acres (0.17 hectares) which will include a compact 160 sq m passenger terminal. Once complete, it will be a critical facility for testing electric vertical take-off and landing (eVTOL) flight operations, ground infrastructure, and air traffic management and will play a significant role in enabling the next generation of electric, low noise aviation in the UK. The vertiport is being constructed adjacent to Bicester Motion’s existing general aviation grass runways and is due to be completed in early 2025. The facility will launch with an inauguration event at which Advanced Mobility Ecosystem Consortium partners will test and demonstrate key outputs and findings from the project which will include demonstration flights by Vertical Aerospace. Daniel Geoghegan, chief executive officer, Bicester Motion said: “It’s great to see Skyports’ vertiport being built right here in Bicester. Once complete, it will support vertical take-off and landing aircraft testing as part of advanced air mobility innovation. We’re proud to support this vertiport testbed as part of our strategic vision to integrate both traditional and vertical aviation operations from our airfield and boost pioneering future mobility discovery.” Duncan Walker, chief executive officer, Skyports added: “With spades in ground and the site beginning to take shape, today we are one step closer to delivering our vertiport at Bicester Motion. Our thanks to the project and construction teams for their work so far and we look forward to opening the facility in a few months’ time to continue our efforts to develop and scale electric air taxi services.” Michael Cervenka, chief commercial and strategy officer, Vertical Aerospace added: “As a proud partner of the Advanced Mobility Ecosystem Consortium, Vertical Aerospace is excited to see this state-of-the-art vertiport come to life. Facilities like this are essential for enabling the seamless integration of electric vertical take-off and landing aircraft into our airspace and helping people better understand the benefits they will bring. We look forward to supporting this effort with demonstration flights next year and together advancing the future of aviation.” Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals

Pivotal works on the new £6.8 million state-of-the-art Sherwood Observatory Planetarium & Science Centre in Sutton-in-Ashfield are now finished ready to welcome the public. The occasion was celebrated with an official handover event on Friday 15th November. Works commenced in August last year and were delivered by midlands contractor, G F Tomlinson, and procured through SCAPE, one the UK’s leading procurement specialists. Using the SCAPE Venture framework, client Mansfield & Sutton Astronomical Society, supported by Ashfield District Council, accelerated the delivery of the scheme through early contractor involvement with G F Tomlinson – driving collaboration, time efficiency and cost savings. The landmark scheme which completed this month involved the transformation of a disused underground Victorian reservoir into a visitor attraction, and education centre for the general public, schools and group visits, breathing new life into the historic building which now features an exhibition hall, meeting room and café, alongside the cutting-edge planetarium. Works included building a new structure above the reservoir to increase the useable space, maintaining original and historical features such as intricate brick arches, while evolving the existing structure into a unique and functional building. Designed to inspire interest and careers and learning in science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) with a wraparound experience, the facility will also help to increase annual footfall to the location. G F Tomlinson concentrated on supporting the local community during construction, and multiple educational and employment opportunities were provided through a dedicated Social Value Working Group (SVWG). 76% of local spend took place within 20 miles of the construction site and 77% of labour was sourced within the same radius. Over 2,000 tonnes of excavated sand from the site were donated to two separate golf clubs close to the observatory at a value of £20,000. The contractor delivered 2,100 hours of educational value through school talks, visits, mock interviews and career fairs with local schools and colleges, and 10 work experience placements were also provided alongside six apprenticeships which totalled 30 weeks of onsite experience. T level students spent time weekly on site with the design management team, and the contractor also organised mental health visits with the Lighthouse Charity and two ‘Women in Construction’ events. Adrian Grocock, Group Managing Director of G F Tomlinson, said: “We are delighted to have completed works to this unique and significant Nottinghamshire landmark scheme – providing a world-class immersive facility for all ages in the heart of the Midlands. The Sherwood Observatory will inspire and entertain visitors, and for many years to come they will enjoy the learnings that come with understanding the wonder and science of space. “We’ve wholeheartedly enjoyed working alongside the Sherwood Observatory team, Ashfield District Council and other stakeholders who helped in bringing this incredible project to life.” Dr Steve Wallace, Chair of Sherwood Observatory and client project manager said “Right from the initial vision, this project has been about collaboration and teamwork.  The new Planetarium & Science Centre has exceeded expectations and the excitement that has been generated in the area as it has taken shape has been tangible.  We are really pleased to open our doors to visitors and show them the wonders of the universe.” Mark Robinson, Group Chief Executive at SCAPE said: “The Sherwood Observatory planetarium has been an excellent project to be a part of. Procured via the SCAPE Venture framework, we worked closely with our partner, G F Tomlinson to support greater efficiency, deliver cost savings and help embed social values initiatives. “Now open, the planetarium provides a one-of-a-kind attraction not only for the local community but for visitors from further afield. We are looking forward to seeing the next generation of scientists and astronomers that the planetarium inspires.” Cllr Jason Zadrozny, Leader of Ashfield District Council, said: “It really is spectacular, and it is something that will transform the lives of not just the people of Ashfield but also further afield. “It has been incredible to see the building through the various stages of construction and to see the vision really come to life. I am proud to have been some small part of the process. “The immersive shows really are incredible and I would encourage everyone to make sure they experience the Planetarium and all that it has to offer. This is something so unique and will see more visitors coming to Ashfield as they are transported through space. “It truly is an educational experience like no other and hopefully will see more young people develop an interest in learning more about space.” One of 16 projects being funded by the £62.6million Towns Deal which was secured by the council from the Government in 2021, the project benefitted from Levelling Up funding and grants from the Wolfson Foundation, Garfield Weston Foundation, Foyle Foundation and National Lottery Heritage Fund.  Solar panels at the scheme were sponsored by Mansfield Building Society and the Changing Places toilet by East Midlands Rail Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals

Cambridge Business Park is set to contribute to a new innovation ecosystem in Northeast Cambridge, providing a variety of office and lab spaces for start-ups and established businesses, alongside a residential, leisure and cultural offer for the wider community. It will greatly support the UK’s science, innovation, and technology ambitions.  Led by The Crown Estate, the mixed-use regeneration project worth £1.5bn will support the Government’s focus on keeping the UK at the forefront of global innovation. This builds further on The Crown Estate’s recent partnerships with Great British Energy to accelerate the deployment of renewable energy, and with Pioneer Group and Oxford Science Enterprise to deliver a new 100,000sq ft life sciences, technology and innovation space in the heart of Oxford.   As a major national landowner, The Crown Estate has a proven track record of enabling innovation and generating long-term social value, and is driven by its remit to create economic, social, and environmental value for the nation. Through redeveloping Cambridge Business Park, it intends to create an inclusive destination; connecting ideas, people, and industries that facilitate important science innovations with tangible social impact.   This is part of The Crown Estate’s wider long-term ambition to invest up to £1.5 billion in the science, technology, and innovation sectors nationally over the next 15 years. Supported by the creation of a globally significant Innovation District in Northeast Cambridge, the proposals will nurture homegrown skills and enable businesses to scale up in the UK and attract investment.  Cambridge is well-positioned to capitalise on this growth and support investment in innovation. Today it is firmly established as Europe’s largest technology cluster, with more than 60,000 people employed by around 5,300 knowledge intensive businesses in the area. With a raft of science and R&D-focused spaces within Cambridge, the curation of a national, innovation focused ecosystem will help to contribute to this growth and create further opportunities for Cambridge, the wider region, and the UK. The Crown Estate aims to deliver a scheme that will fulfil a wider mission-led purpose, fuelling meaningful social, environmental and economic change for the public good that connects top talent, research and funding to address urgent global challenges. The Crown Estate is well-positioned to play a key role in UK innovation through its unique combination of assets, customers, and partners which it intends to leverage for the benefit of the sector.   Initial proposals for the transformation of Cambridge Business Park will be shared as part of public consultation, due to commence later this month.   Dan Labbad, CEO at The Crown Estate, comments: “The Crown Estate is investing where it can have the most meaningful impact in addressing areas of national need, meeting local challenges and realising opportunities. Our vision for Cambridge Business Park is to create an inclusive and connected place that is industry leading in terms of sustainable and innovative workspace.  “Working with government and our partners, we intend to contribute to the UK’s science, technology and innovation sectors’ success on the global stage, acting as a catalyst for innovation and economic growth, while delivering a community of socially-conscious and environmentally-focused business leaders.  “We are confident Cambridge Business Park will play a pivotal role not only in enabling SMEs to scale up, but also in connecting and convening the brightest minds and organisations to innovate with impact, and support our wider aims of improving planetary health.”    The Crown Estate has a diverse national footprint, proven ability to bring together the public and private sectors, and a unique structure compelling it to act in the long-term national interest. It has identified science, technology and innovation as key sectors where it can have a meaningful impact to support regional economic growth.   The redevelopment of Cambridge Business Park is still in its infancy, with the new masterplan in very early stages of design and a wider public consultation planned for later this month to inform proposals. The site currently comprises 12 buildings across 20 acres, providing in the region of 325,000 sq ft of commercial office space only. The developing masterplan intends to create a thriving and biodiverse innovation-led destination comprising a mix of retail and leisure spaces, a brand-new high street, ‘science on show’ focused lab buildings and office space and homes. Central to proposals will be a ‘no borders’ ethos through the opening up of the site, creating improved accessibility and connectivity to Cambridge North station and surrounding science parks, as well as opportunities for young people and the local community to enjoy the facilities and access STEM focused educational opportunities.   Subject to planning, construction at Cambridge Business Park is anticipated to begin in 2026 through a phased approach, with the new destination open and operational by 2030.  Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals

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