Project Overview
The Special Projects division was selected to comprehensively refurbish the Magniac Building to create a state-of-the-art food and drink incubator that will house pioneering future food and beverage businesses.
Magniac, now re-named Gastronomica, is a cutting-edge refurbishment project at Colworth Science Park.
The refurbishment transformed the former Magniac Building into a vibrant food-tech innovation hub. The project involved full demolition and removal of ground floor services, along with the refurbishment of existing office spaces. The result is a dynamic environment offering six tenant suites, supported by shared facilities including a café and breakout space, conference and meeting rooms, and co-working areas.
The refurbishment was designed with collaboration at its core.
A shared lab model was introduced by upgrading labs along one of the building’s wings – designed to bring tenants together around shared resources and ideas. The rest of the building remained fully operational throughout construction, requiring careful planning to minimise disruption, particularly during the demolition and the upgrade of mechanical and electrical systems.
The reimagined interior reflects a hospitality-inspired design ethos, offering open-plan offices, write-up areas, breakout areas, a kitchenette, and a reception lobby, blending comfort with technical precision.
Gastronomica is a catalyst for creativity.
The building was recognised with the ‘Innovative Workplace Design’ award at the 2025 Property Week & Construction News Life Science & Research Clusters Conference and Awards 2025, with judges praising its clear vision and sector-specific design.
More than a lab, Gastronomica inspires connection and innovation, providing cost-efficient workspaces for food-tech businesses of all sizes.
Core Team
Gary Wykes
Board Director
Gary started his construction career at 16 as a Trainee Quantity Surveyor, combining hands-on experience with studies at Kettering and Northampton Colleges, where he earned ONC and HNC qualifications. He later obtained a part-time degree from Nottingham Trent University, completing it in five years thanks to his prior qualifications.
In the mid-1980s, Gary worked with a second company, managing projects in Hatfield and Aylesbury, before seeking a role closer to home. Joining SDC in the late 1980s, he progressed from Quantity Surveyor to Senior Quantity Surveyor and then Manager of the Special Projects Division. During the early 1990s recession, Gary played a key role in restructuring the division, which focused on smaller-scale projects. This effort helped position SDC for long-term success in a challenging economic climate.
Appointed to SDC’s Board of Directors in 2003, Gary oversees the Special Projects Division, manages key projects, and contributes to strategic and financial planning. Between 2004 and 2007, he played a role in transitioning SDC to an Employee Benefit Trust (EBT), ensuring stability and employee-centred governance. His leadership alongside the other Board Directors has been pivotal in navigating challenges and ensuring stability.
Gary has fostered enduring relationships with major clients like Jaguar Land Rover and the University of Cambridge, emphasising quality and client satisfaction. Over decades, he has supported SDC’s evolution from a more informal operation to a professional, structured organisation. As the company continues to grow and adapt, he remains committed to supporting its ongoing success and ensuring it is well-positioned to meet future challenges.
Graham Staughton
Special Projects Manager
Graham is one of SDC’s longest-serving employees, having joined the company in 1981. With over 40 years of experience, his career has evolved significantly, and he now leads the day-to-day operations of the Special Projects division. Since his appointment as Department Manager, his leadership and experience have been key drivers in the continued success and growth of the Special Projects Division
Paul Tither
Design & Preconstruction Lead
Paul joined SDC in 2014 and has become a key member of the design team, delivering practical, detail-driven solutions on complex projects. His expertise has been demonstrated repeatedly on several complex schemes where he has shown a keen eye for detail and an ability to meet clients’ requirements within budget and programme constraints. Recently Paul has worked on multiple projects for the University of Cambridge, reinforcing SDC’s client-focused approach.
