Breakthrough Properties has acquired The Vitrum Building, a 1.8-acre site in St. John’s Innovation Park in Cambridge, one of the region’s premier clusters for life science innovation.

The global developer of life sciences real estate is backed by a joint venture between Tishman Speyer and Bellco Capital, specialising in creating purpose-built, Class A office and laboratory spaces, whilst promoting elevated user experiences and providing companies with access to its world-renowned Scientific Advisory Board (SAB).

The 21-acre St. John’s Innovation Park provides a campus-style setting close to both the Cambridge town centre and major transportation routes. 

The Innovation Park and the adjacent Cambridge Science Park together form the Northern Cluster, Cambridge’s premier life sciences and technology district.  The Northern Cluster is home to many of the UK’s most dynamic life science companies, which are developing transformative drugs for patients around the world.

To help meet the growing demand for high-quality lab space in one of the UK’s most supply-constrained clusters, Breakthrough intends to work collaboratively with local stakeholders to reposition in a manner that respects and enhances the long-term plan for the St. John’s Innovation Park.

Daniel D’Orazi, EVP and chief investment officer of Breakthrough Properties said: “We have strong conviction in the future of the European life sciences market and are actively exploring opportunities to deliver best-in-class research and development facilities to support the continued advancement of life-changing discoveries. We are particularly excited about the prospects for continued growth throughout the Golden Triangle, where the majority of all UK life science investment occurs.”

Justin Woolf, managing director of Tishman Speyer said: “Backed by Tishman Speyer’s global development expertise and Bellco’s deep relationships with the world’s leading life sciences research and development firms, Breakthrough Properties is uniquely positioned to conceive, create and maintain premier ecosystems throughout the world.  We look forward to collaborating on a redevelopment of the Vitrum Building that aligns with the overall vision for St.  John’s Innovation Park.”  

This purchase is Breakthrough’s second U.K. acquisition in 2022.  In late January, Breakthrough purchased the 1.7-acre Trinity House site in Oxford, where it intends to create a purpose-built, Class A office and lab environment. 

With its latest acquisition, Breakthrough now has 4.6 million square feet in its under-construction and near-term development pipeline across the United States and Europe.

Image source: Carter Jonas

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