Slough Estates will announce tomorrow (Wednesday) that it has acquired the 45.3ha (112 acre) Cambridge Research Park and plans to develop remaining land on the site as a science and hi-tech ‘cluster’.
The developer exchanged contracts today and is hoping to capitalise on occupier demand generated by Cambridge’s buoyant hi-tech sector.
There is already 12,694 sq m (136,650 sq ft) of mixed-use space on the site. NTL has taken a prelet of 5,880 sq m (63,300 sq ft) for its headquarters and call centre building while Diomed has taken a prelet for a 1,904 sq m (22,500 sq ft) building. On site facilities include a 150-bedroom four star hotel.
The move follows the recent budget announcement that trade and industry secretary Stephen Byers will be establishing a new working party to examine how to promote the formation of new clusters of hi-tech businesses throughout the UK.
Slough would not comment on the deal.
EGi News 04/04/00
