The JV between Bruntwood, Legal & General and Greater Manchester Pension Fund will provide up to 390,000 sq ft of specialist lab and office space for up to 75 businesses.

The project will be delivered over several years and will help supercharge the UK’s science and technology sector, as well as provide additional economic return for the local area and wider region.

The proposals include the refurbishment of three existing and construction of six new buildings, which offer co-working, leased and managed lab and office space to accommodate the life science, tech and innovation sector, from startups through to international R&D centres of excellence.

There will also be new breakout spaces to support collaboration, and enhanced wellbeing amenities.

All new buildings within the science park’s masterplan are targeted to be net zero carbon in construction and operation within their communal spaces.

Retained buildings will be upgraded to maximise energy efficiency, and as much of their existing fabric will be kept where possible.

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Carbon emissions will be reduced through an energy efficient heating network that links heating and cooling between buildings and is connected to all-electric air source heat pumps.

The masterplan transforms the park into being 100% electric, targets EPC A ratings across all buildings, and includes 600 sq m of solar panels.

Andy Moffat, head of planning at Savills Cambridge, said: “We have a strong track record of working with and advising the science parks in and around Cambridge and are delighted to have secured this latest permission for Bruntwood SciTech.

“Bruntwood SciTech and their partners have some very exciting plans, and we look forward to supporting them as they bring them to fruition in the years to come.”

Daron Williams, building consultancy director at Bruntwood SciTech, the UK’s largest dedicated property platform serving the nation’s innovation economy, said: “Approval of our transformational plans for Melbourn Science Park means we can progress forwards with providing much needed, world-class lab and office space for high-growth science and tech businesses who want to be at the heart of Cambridgeshire’s innovation ecosystem.

“It is also a sign of our continued commitment to supporting the growth of the life science sector right across the UK, helping businesses to innovate, collaborate, grow, and compete globally.”