Groundbreaking held at 139,000 sq ft Merlin Place

Kadans Science Partner has broken ground on its new laboratory scheme at Merlin Place, Cambridge.

The new 139,000 sq ft building comprises containment level 2 (CL2) wet labs with extensive extract to atmosphere provision, dry labs and office space spread over six storeys.

The scheme includes a public café and social spaces.

Groundbreaking Wednesday, October 23 involved partners, contractors from SDC Builders, the Kadans team to celebrate the start of construction on site, following ground preparation.

Edward Joslin, country lead development UK & Ireland for Kadans Science Partner, said: “We are proud of the rapid development we have made at Merlin Place, progressing quickly to the build stage. The new state-of-the-art innovation building aims to address the current lack of available laboratory space in the Cambridge cluster, providing fully fitted lab and office space bespoke to individual company requirements.

“We would like to thank those joining us at this breaking ground ceremony to celebrate this exciting milestone as we lay the foundation for future success.”

Andy Shiner, director at SDC Builders, said: “SDC Builders are proud to begin construction of a facility designed to support scientific research and innovation. Our role is to bring Kadan’s vision to life, ensuring the highest standards of functionality and efficiency. Today’s groundbreaking marks the start of that commitment and the beginning of an exciting and unique building.”