Global life science real estate development company Breakthrough Properties has unveiled development plans for Vitrum by Breakthrough, a five-story, 132,588-square-foot research and development facility at St John’s Innovation Park in Cambridge, England.
Breakthrough Properties, a joint venture between Tishman Speyer and Bellco Capital, will transform the existing 1.8-acre site into a flexible, high-performance laboratory.
Working with world-renowned architectural studio Henning Larsen, Breakthrough has designed the building for maximum flexibility and adaptability for a wide range of scientific uses.
Construction is expected to begin in 2024, with occupancy anticipated in 2026.
“Vitrum by Breakthrough will further enhance the vitality of the local Cambridge market by offering an innovative and collaborative scientific environment for companies to advance life-changing research,” said Breakthrough Properties Chief Investment Officer Daniel D’Orazi. “The development will appeal to R&D companies across the industry spectrum looking to establish a presence in the North Cambridge cluster where there is limited availability of purpose-built, Class A lab space.”
The building is designed to function free of fossil fuels, with all-electrical heating and cooling systems. Built-in climate resilience will be achieved through passive design and reduced water consumption, mitigating flood risk and reducing the urban heat island effect. The facility will include more than 102 parking spaces and on-site electric vehicle charging stations, as well as dedicated bicycle storage.
“Vitrum by Breakthrough reflects our signature eye for design, landscaping, and wellbeing elements, with our uncompromising approach to specification, lab efficiency and functionality,” said Thomas Renn, Breakthrough Properties Vice President of Acquisitions and Development for Europe. “More than ever, clients are seeking developments that offer best-in-class environments within world leading ecosystems. The planned Vitrum by Breakthrough delivers on both of these fronts with unrivaled work spaces, labs and amenities.”
St John’s Innovation Park sits on 21 acres with access to both the Cambridge town center and major transportation routes. Breakthrough intends to work collaboratively with local stakeholders to reposition Vitrum by Breakthrough in a manner that respects and enhances the long-term plan for the campus.
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