Green light for conversion of retail space into urban labs

Cambridge Combined Authority have approved plans for the redevelopment of 2-14 Fitzroy Street into the city’s first ‘urban lab’ facility; part of a new network of spaces for the wider The Oxford-Cambridge Arc science community.

Designed by Scott Brownrigg for “journey”, a Brydell Partners portfolio company focused on innovation facilitation, proposals repurpose and extend a vacant two storey retail space into a new state-of-the-art life science facility and technology hub, helping to reanimate the high street by putting science on show.

Located within the Kite Conservation area, great care has been taken to ensure that proposals respect the privacy of neighbouring residential properties and create an appearance that is more sympathetic to the historic setting. Inside, flexible, well-connected and high quality workspaces will provide an environment where businesses can thrive and grow.

Approximately 28,000 square foot of new high quality office and laboratory space will be created across the refurbished two storey building with a new, lightweight timber extension on the roof. New angled oriel windows on the rear façade of the building will introduce natural light and improve the safety of the adjacent backstreet, without compromising the privacy of neighbouring properties.

An existing roof terrace will be refurbished to provide tenants with a high quality and private outdoor space for year-round use.

Much of the existing building structure and brick façade will be retained, with new elements introduced to improve operational efficiency, functionality, and aesthetics. The incorporation of new green features, including a brown roof, green screen and increased planting on the roof terrace, together with swift boxes integrated into the design will significantly improve biodiversity onsite. Car parking on site has been reduced to accessible spaces only and replaced with cycle spaces to encourage a more sustainable and healthy commute for occupants.

Ed Hayden, Director and Head of Life Sciences, said: “Repurposing vacant retail space on the high street for laboratories helps to breathe life back into high streets that have been hit hard by the decline in traditional retail.

“Attracting new businesses and footfall can stimulate local economies and create job opportunities. Locating life science laboratories in the heart of communities can help to foster collaboration between academia, industry, and the public - creating a rich ecosystem of innovation and discovery.”

The scheme not only demonstrates how vacant retail space on the high street can be repurposed into exciting new uses in order to help secure the future of our town centres, but also serves as example of how for the first time, science can be put on display for all to see and inspire.