SDC Completes landmark laboratory and office space at Cambridge’s North Cluster
SDC has successfully completed and handed over Merlin Place, a major new laboratory and office development for Kadans Science Partner, marking another significant milestone in the continued growth of the Cambridge North science and technology cluster.
Located opposite the entrance to Cambridge Science Park, the six-storey development delivers 139,000 sq. ft of high-specification laboratory and office accommodation designed to support the next generation of life sciences, health, deep tech and sustainable innovation businesses.
The project, which commenced on site in August 2024, involved the demolition of existing buildings and the full design and construction of the new scheme, including shell and core works alongside a Cat A fit out to accommodate a wide range of occupier requirements. The building provides premium wet, dry and tech laboratories, and office space, all capable of being tailored to tenant specifications, enabling occupiers to scale and pivot without relocation.
Technical features throughout the building include CO2, N2 and compressed air gas provision, a centralised LN2 cylinder installation, and dedicated clinical, chemical and hazardous waste storage facilities. Shared amenities have also been incorporated to encourage collaboration and community among occupiers, including central meeting spaces, breakout areas and an on-site café with outdoor seating.
Sustainability has been central to the development from the outset, and Merlin Place is targeting BREEAM Excellent, EPC A and WiredScore Platinum certifications. Environmental features include a green roof, significant photovoltaic panel coverage, electric vehicle charging points and 313 cycle bays, alongside showers, changing rooms and maintenance facilities designed to support active travel.
Reflecting on the Project, Board Director, Andy Shiner, said:
“The completion of Merlin Place reinforces Cambridge’s standing as one of the world’s leading science and technology hubs, providing pioneering organisations with flexible, high-quality research and innovation space at the heart of the Cambridge North cluster. We are proud to have partnered with Kadans Science Partner to bring this landmark development to life.”
Edward Joslin, Development Director, Kadans Science Partner, added:
‘We are very grateful for SDC’s support in delivering Merlin Place – one of several recent developments they have worked with us on. With highly specialised facilities including CL2 wet labs, dry and tech labs, and office space, Merlin Place will bring together innovative companies from knowledge-intensive sectors, providing its occupiers with the tools to address some of the biggest global challenges.’
