February 4, 2010
The Broers Building, a new office and R&D development on West Cambridge Research and Development Park was launched today (February 4, 2010) by Turnstone Estates and Burall Developments’ Nafield Properties and the University of Cambridge, at a reception attended by over 50 members of the local and property community.
A rent from £26.75 per sq ft is being quoted by letting agents Bidwells and Januarys on a leasehold basis for the four-storey building, which offers total office/R&D space of 42,236 sq ft.
Designed by award winning architects Wilkinson Eyre in contemporary style, the building has been awarded a ‘Very Good’ BREEAM rating and an EPC grade B. It comes with raised access flooring for flexibility throughout the offices and ample car parking and cycle space.
The fully air-conditioned building includes an impressive reception area and entrance. Conveniently located near the city centre and adjacent to the M11, the building also offers spectacular views of the countryside.
The building, named in honour of former University Vice Chancellor, Lord Broers, is designed to attract private organisations engaged in the fields of commercial research, entrepreneurship and development.
Nokia has already taken a 7,700 sq ft letting in the building, for a major research facility and solicitors are instructed on two further lettings.
Part of the Hauser Forum, the building will offer companies opportunities to form closer partnerships with Cambridge Enterprise, the university’s science and technology commercialisation office and the growing number of academic researchers located at West Cambridge.
The West Cambridge Research and Development Park houses some of the most renowned centres in the field of scientific research, including The Microsoft Research Centre, the University’s Cavendish Laboratory, Schlumberger Research Centre among others.
“It is the first time that the University of Cambridge has provided space in this manner for commercial concerns in their 800 year history,” said Chris Goldsmith, director, Napier Properties, adding, “there is therefore considerable pent-up demand from those with formal collaborations with the University as well as those seeking simply to sit alongside world leaders in academic research.”
Nafield Properties, a joint venture between Turnstone Estates and Burall Developments, has developed the building on a speculative basis with funding provided by Dunbar Bank. The letting agents are Bidwells and Januarys.
