British Land marked the topping out of The Optic, a new office and lab space at Peterhouse Technology Park, Cambridge, with a celebratory launch event to showcase the building. Due to complete in February 2025, The Optic will form a core element of Peterhouse Technology Park, boasting over 95,000 sq. ft of office and lab-enabled space.
Gareth Roberts, head of development for innovation and life science at British Land said: “Our topping out ceremony marks a significant milestone in the development of what will be an important centre for innovation and forward-thinking in Cambridge.
“Our work on The Optic forms part of our broader science and technology strategy and forms part of our circa 2m sq ft pipeline of science and technology space across Cambridgeshire, Oxfordshire, London, Bath, and Guildford.
“Demand for lab space in Cambridgeshire is significant.
“Many of the world’s leading tech and life sciences firms are right here on our doorstep, and we need to ensure that we’re providing them with the space and facilities that they need in order to be able to grow.”
The site, which has been developed by British Land, is set to become a hub for science and tech businesses.
Among the other occupants at the Peterhouse Technology Park are semiconductor leader, ARM plc.
Working in collaboration with architects Scott Brownrigg and contractor SDC, British Land has developed The Optic to the highest sustainability standards and is targeting an ‘Excellent’ BREEAM rating – a widely-recognised assessment system used to evaluate buildings’ environmental performance.
As part of this, the building will be fully electric, host 94 EV charging points and have solar panels fitted to the roof.
The Optic will also include more than 2,500 sq ft of roof terrace space for socialising and enjoying the Cambridgeshire scenery.
The Optic is located 2.5 miles from its nearest rail station and benefits from easy access to the M11 and the A14, as well as being served by local cycle lanes and a regular bus service to the front of the park.
As part of the development at The Optic, British Land has also commissioned a new, permanent piece of public art.
Artist and sculptor, Nathaniel Rackowe, is working on the piece, which will reflect the building’s position as a leading hub for innovation, tech, and science.
Set as a landmark beacon to welcome visitors, the perceived shape and mass of this highly optical installation will evolve and shift on approach, creating a dynamic and seeking dialogue between viewer and sculpture.
Referencing Scott Brownrigg’s architectural design, the parallel vertical planes of steel are designed to trap colour and reflection, moving upwards as the work bisects the open rolling landscape.
As part of the inspiration process and to help refine the design, Nathaniel also worked closely with pupils at the local Fulbourn Primary School. As well as learning about the concept of public art and what a career in art and design entails, students provided their feedback and unique perspective on the concepts for the installation itself.
The session was facilitated through Greater Cambridge Shared Planning’s “Youth Engagement Service” who help to bring education and learning into the built environment sector.
Nathaniel Rackowe, said: “Having grown up in Cambridgeshire, with ongoing family links to the area, I’m also delighted that the sculpture will form the focus for a community workshop with Greater Cambridge’s Youth Engagement Services, feedback from which will be fed into the final design of the work.”
Letting agents for The Optic are Bidwells.
