Science Minister Andrew Griffith MP took part in a groundbreaking ceremony for Nebula, a €46.8m research and development (R&D) scheme at Milton Park, Oxfordshire.
The 7432m2 development will combine high-tech, flexible R&D spaces with offices, in support of the UK’s ambition to become a scientific and tech superpower by 2030. Once complete, Nebula will offer stellar move-on space for science, technology and advanced engineering companies.
Attendees from the Milton Park team, construction firm Barnwood Limited and Park occupiers contributed lab and tech equipment to a ‘science superpower’ themed time capsule buried at the ceremony.
Following the groundbreaking ceremony, Science Minister Andrew Griffith MP, visited Milton Park occupiers for a tour around Evotec and Immunocore’s labs.
Science Minister Andrew Griffith said: “Breaking ground at Milton Park's Nebula development today is a tangible step in the future of scientific and technological advancement in the UK. This state-of-the-art facility will facilitate those achieving breakthroughs from engineering to life sciences, support skilled jobs here in Oxfordshire, and enhance the UK’s position as a science superpower."
Philip Campbell, Commercial Director at MEPC Milton Park, commented: “It was a real privilege to welcome Minister Griffith to Milton Park to mark the official launch of our stellar Nebula project.”
Kathryn Andrew, Development Manager at MEPC Milton Park, said: “Nebula will enable Milton Park’s occupiers to scale quickly when their innovation begins to skyrocket. We’re looking forward to providing more updates on the development’s progress over the coming year.”
Construction of the scheme’s seven buildings, ranging from 557m2 to 1,208m2, will see the substructure, structural frame and envelope delivered before the internal fit-out and finishing touches, with completion expected in Winter 2024.
Nebula’s occupiers will benefit from a €8.2m infrastructure investment to enhance the Park’s energy capacity, purchased by MEPC on a green tariff. The buildings’ 8m internal roof height will allow for greater flexibility for occupiers with larger space requirements.
Nebula will feature sustainably sourced glue-laminated timber instead of steel, reducing carbon levels. It will have large-scale laboratory or engineering equipment and meet BREEAM 'Excellent' sustainability standards. Plans for Nebula have been submitted via the Park's Local Development Order, simplifying the planning process.
Working alongside Milton Park and Barnwood Limited as part of the project team are SRA Architects, ASA Landscape Architects, Ridge & Partners LLP (BREEAM, cost management, M&E, principal design, project management), Stantec (civil and structural engineering), William Downie Associates (utilities), Cundall (carbon consultant), CBRE (letting agent) and ProVision (planning).
Image provided by Meeting Place.
Europe Real Estate — an overview of real estate developments in European countries.
