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VolkerFitzpatrick has been appointed to build the next phase of development at St John’s Innovation Park in Cambridge, delivering a new office building and transport hub by 2027.
Client St John’s College, part of the University of Cambridge, has given the green light for construction of the Dirac Building – an 7,900 square metre scheme R&D and office scheme targeting a BREEAM Excellent rating.
The project also includes a transport hub plus showers and gym facilities available to all occupiers across the park.
Construction is due to begin in November, with completion expected in the second quarter of 2027.
The contract is understood to be worth around £50m.
The new building has been designed by Sheppard Robson and will include column-free floor plates, external terraces and a double-height reception space.
Sustainability features will include rooftop photovoltaic panels, rainwater harvesting systems and a green roof on the transport hub.
VolkerFitzpatrick was appointed following a competitive tender managed by project manager Gardiner & Theobald.
The wider team includes Ramboll (civil, structural and highways engineering), Hoare Lea (building services), Stace (cost consultancy), OFR (fire engineering) and Savills (planning and commercial advisory).
St John’s College head of investment property Suzie Wood said the development would help deliver the college’s long-term vision for the north Cambridge R&D cluster, describing it as “much-needed sustainable workspace”.
The innovation park already hosts occupiers including PwC, Darktrace, Cambridge GaN Devices and Cambrionix.
VolkerFitzpatrick recently completed a separate job in the city for Cambridge City Council – the council’s new operational hub on Cowley Road.
Source: VolkerFitzpatrick announcement