The project will be delivered by Readie Construction — which has been appointed main contractor for the development works — which will deliver up to ten individual, flexible suites spread over three floors, ranging from 2,226 sq ft to 8,409 sq ft.

It is designed to be fossil fuel free upon completion and use renewable sources for ongoing energy needs — including an array of photovoltaic solar panels on the roof — whilst also targeting a BREEAM ‘Excellent’ rating.

Each laboratory suite will include open plan office areas, whilst the laboratory spaces themselves will comprise benching, sinks and fitted fume hoods, as well as heating and cooling systems. 

The new building at Chesterford Research Park will also include a dedicated floor of communal meeting rooms.

Externally, the facility will include for the provision of a new pond, new tree planting, while the installation of bird and bat boxes will provide an ideal habitat for wildlife.

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Julian Cobourne, head of regional investment management at Aviva Investors, commented: “We are really pleased to increase the breadth of facilities on offer at Chesterford Research Park, with this latest phase of expansion reinforcing our growth ambitions for the park. 

“The Sidney Sussex Building will add more high-quality, flexible research and discovery space to the Park, enabling our existing community to expand and grow here as well welcoming new occupiers. 

“This project reflects the strong demand we continue to see across the life sciences sector, one of the UK’s most dynamic markets.”

Paul Stephens, managing director at Readie Construction, said: “We are delighted to have been awarded the contract to deliver the Sidney Sussex Building at Chesterford Research Park.

“This new building will provide much-needed space for life science companies in the Cambridge area, and we are committed to delivering a sustainable building that meets the needs of our clients and future occupiers.”