Kadans Sciences Partner Opens Merlin Place in Cambridge

Kadans Science Partner achieved substantial completion in May of 2026 on Merlin Place in Cambridge in the United Kingdom. Designed by HOK, the leading-edge facility provides 139,000 sf of Grade A lab and office environments for start-ups, scale-ups, and established companies in the life sciences, health, and deep tech industries. Purpose-built to amplify interdisciplinary collaboration and innovation, the six-story structure features containment level 2 (CL2) wet labs, dry labs, computational space, meeting rooms, and vibration-mitigated suites for sensitive instrumentation. Laboratories can flex to a CL3 standard and are supplied with CO₂, N₂, and compressed air directly from a central gas management system.

A rectangular research wing facing onto the main route into the city is balanced by a curvilinear office wing offering quieter workplace venues. Leasable settings are embedded within a modular layout with adaptable floor heights, ensuring they can be fully customized to accommodate tenant needs. On the ground level, social areas and a public café promote knowledge exchange and support Kadans’ broader program of community events. 

The sustainable building is targeting BREEAM Excellent certification, an EPC A rating, and whole-life net-zero carbon performance. With a photovoltaic array that can generate 147,000 kWh per annum, the all-electric development incorporates a biodiverse green roof, air-source heat pumps, rainwater harvesting, and graywater recycling. Robust mechanical and electrical infrastructure is augmented by smart technologies that continuously monitor resource usage. 

SDC Builders served as general contractor alongside mechanical and electrical engineer Hoare Lea, structural engineer AKT II, project manager PSK, and cost consultant CB3. Ground was broken in October of 2024. Merlin Place will function as a gateway for the Cambridge North Science & Innovation Cluster, a world-leading destination for precision medicine.