VolkerFitzpatrick Wins £50 Million Cambridge Science Park Expansion, Dirac Building Sets the Pace for UK R&D

VolkerFitzpatrick has been appointed by St John’s College to deliver the latest phase of expansion at Cambridge’s famous Science Park with the £50 million Dirac Building project. Designed for high-tech research and flexible office use, the 85,000 sq ft building and transport hub will anchor the Park’s growing North Cambridge innovation ecosystem. The scheme targets top sustainability standards and is backed by a strong consultant team. Construction begins in November 2025, with completion due by Q2 2027.

Project Overview

• Main building: 85,000 sq ft (7,900 m=) Dirac Building, new office/lab spaces

• Additional facilities: New "Transport Hub" to improve on-site movement and access

• Location: St John's Innovation Park, in the heart of North Cambridge's science cluster

• Budget: £50 million

• Features: Low-carbon construction, flexible workspace layouts, shared collaboration areas, cutting-edge building services

Conceptual – A visualisation of the planned Dirac Building, designed to offer flexible, modern office space for science and technology companies.

Delivery Partners & Key

Stakeholders

• Developer/Owner: St John's College, Cambridge

• Main Contractor: VolkerFitzpatrick

• Architect: Sheppard Robson

• Project Manager: Gardiner & Theobald

• Civil/Structural Engineer: Ramboll

• Building Services Engineer: Hoare Lea

• Cost Manager: Stace

• Town Planning/Commercial: Savills

• Fire Engineering: OFR

• Employer's agent: St John's College, representing Park partnership

Enhancing Connectivity with the New Transport Hub

Alongside the Dirac Building, a new transport hub will enhance access to the Cambridge Science Park. This hub is not just a logistical upgrade; it is a gateway that encourages connectivity between various stakeholders, including businesses, researchers, and visitors.

Artistic expression – Illustration of the future transport hub, set to improve access and connectivity across Cambridge Science Park.

The importance of a conveniently connected work environment cannot be overstated. Improved transportation options will facilitate collaboration, making it easier for businesses and researchers to partner in innovative projects, ultimately fostering growth in the science and technology sector.

Collaboration With Leading Consultants

The project brings together an exceptional team of consultants and specialists. Project management is being overseen by Gardiner & Theobald, with architectural design produced by Sheppard Robson.

Ramboll is responsible for structural, civil, and highways engineering, ensuring that the building will be structurally sound and efficient. Additionally, Hoare Lea will manage building services, while Stace will oversee cost management. To top it off, Savills will provide planning and commercial advice, and OFR will ensure fire safety engineering is up to standard.

This collaboration represents a model of how various parties can come together to create a shared vision for a project that meets current needs while anticipating future challenges.

Construction Details

• Sustainable construction methods, BREEAM Excellent target, on-site renewables planned

• Steel frame, high-performance "fabric first" façade for energy performance and comfort

• Green roofs and landscaping integrated with site's ecology

• Full transport hub with EV charging, cycle storage, staff amenities

Timeline

• Enabling works: October 2025

• Main construction: November 2025

• Practical Completion: Q2 2027

Conceptual – Projected layout of the park after expansion, highlighting green spaces and sustainable infrastructure.

Meeting the Demand for Flexible Office Space

The expansion project also highlights the growing demand for modern, adaptable office spaces in the UK’s science and technology sector. As organisations increasingly seek to locate in innovation hotspots, the construction industry must continuously adapt to deliver projects that meet high standards of quality and sustainability.

Flexible office designs not only provide essential functionality but also foster a culture of innovation and collaboration. For businesses, being part of an innovation cluster can create unparalleled opportunities for partnerships and growth, making attractive workspaces even more vital.

This expansion will ensure Cambridge Science Park remains at the forefront of innovation, equipped to accommodate diverse companies looking to benefit from its resources and collaborative environment. As we move toward the project's groundbreaking next year, the Dirac Building and transport hub will soon be the nucleus of a dynamic business community.

Creating Environments for Innovation to Flourish

The significance of the Dirac Building and the new transport hub extends beyond their physical structures; they represent a commitment to cultivating an environment where ideas, talent, and entrepreneurship can thrive.

Investing in high-quality office space and transportation infrastructure encourages businesses to relocate to Cambridge, attracting talent while retaining the region’s status as a leading destination for science and technology.

In conclusion, the investment in the Cambridge Science Park expansion reflects a shared vision among all stakeholders involved and honors the legacy of innovation that characterizes this historic location. As we anticipate the start of construction in November 2025, we look forward to watching how this landmark project will shape Cambridge’s future as a technology and science hub.

The combination of sustainable practices, flexible office space, and enhanced connectivity will undoubtedly turn the Cambridge Science Park into a shining example of modern commercial development, where the next generation of innovators can pursue their groundbreaking ideas.

This expansion is not just about constructing buildings; it’s about laying the groundwork for a vibrant ecosystem conducive to innovation, collaboration, and success.