VolkerFitzpatrick appointed to deliver next phase of development at St John’s Innovation Park, Cambridge
St John’s College, part of the University of Cambridge, has appointed VolkerFitzpatrick to deliver the next phase of expansion at St John’s Innovation Park. The 85,000 sq ft Dirac Building will provide new, premium office space of the highest quality, alongside an associated Transport Hub with showers and gym facilities accessible to all Park occupiers.
The appointment acts as the green light for construction of the ‘BREEAM Excellent’ targeted development at St John’s Innovation Park, the most established technology and R&D hub outside of the city centre. Work will begin on site in November this year, with completion scheduled for Q2, 2027.
The new building combines high-quality design with strong sustainability credentials, offering column-free floor plates, external terraces, and a striking double-height reception. It will also feature rainwater harvesting, rooftop PV panels, a green roof on the Transport Hub to boost biodiversity, and premium internal finishes throughout.
“We are proud to be working with St John’s College on the delivery of the Dirac Building and Transport Hub – the next phase in the development of St John’s Innovation Park. This development exemplifies our commitment to building sustainable, high-quality spaces that meet the needs of forward-looking businesses. With our strong track record and experienced team, we look forward to bringing this important next chapter of St John’s Innovation Park to life.”
Stuart Deverill Managing Director, Building Division, VolkerFitzpatrick
The project is supported by: Gardiner & Theobald (Project Manager), Sheppard Robson (Architect), Ramboll (Structural, Civil & Highways Engineering), Hoare Lea (Building Services Engineering), Stace (Cost Manager), Savills (Town Planning & Commercial Advisory), and OFR (Fire Engineering).
Charles Thomas-Davies, Partner, Gardiner & Theobald LLP commented: “Following a robust tender process, we look forward to working with VolkerFitzpatrick and the wider project team in supporting the continued evolution of St John’s Innovation Park as a destination offering modern, high-quality facilities for Cambridge’s occupier market.”
Suzie Wood, Head of Investment Property, St John’s College, said: “The appointment of VolkerFitzpatrick is a hugely significant milestone, enabling the College to deliver the next chapter in its long-term vision for this crucial hub - providing much needed, sustainable, forward-thinking workspace in the north of the city.”
Owned by St John’s College, St John’s Innovation Park is home to world-class science, technology, and knowledge intensive organisations including PwC, Darktrace, Cambridge GaN Devices, and Cambrionix. The Dirac Building marks the latest phase in a sustained programme of investment and development at the Park, which continues to play a leading role in the North Cambridge R&D cluster.
VolkerFitzpatrick recently delivered Cambridge City Council’s new Operational Hub on Cowley Road, underscoring our strong track record in the region.
