We’re delighted to share that COEL has officially commenced refurbishment works on the Darwin Building at Chesterford Research Park, one of the UK’s most prestigious life science centres located near our hometown of Cambridge.
This landmark project represents a significant investment in the future of scientific innovation. Originally constructed in 2004 as a Grade A laboratory and office facility, the Darwin Building was most recently occupied by AstraZeneca and has played a pivotal role in supporting cutting-edge research. Now, our team is leading a full-scale refurbishment to modernise the building’s infrastructure, enhance sustainability, and create a flexible, future-proof environment for new occupiers.
A Strategic Investment in Scientific Infrastructure
The two-storey building spans approximately 33,000 sq ft, with a 60/40 split between laboratory and office/write-up space. Our transformation of this iconic space will include:
- Upgraded mechanical and electrical systems
- Improved environmental performance and energy efficiency
- Enhanced entrance and arrival experience
- Flexible design to accommodate either single or dual tenancy
- Infrastructure improvements to support advanced research operations
When asked about the appointment, Hugh Daniels, Commercial Director at COEL commented: “We are incredibly proud to contribute to the transformation of the Darwin Building; an initiative that reflects our commitment to delivering high-quality, cost-effective spaces that empower scientific progress. A project of this scale is never without its challenges, but we have already built a great working relationship with the client team, and we are excited to work together to realise the client’s innovative vision for this iconic space.”
