Contractor to build European headquarters for world-leading genomics company Illumina

Array Multiplex

Morgan Sindall has been appointed to build a £60m biomedical research building in Cambridge.

Client BioMed Reality Trust has chose the firm to build the Array Multiplex building at the city’s Granta Park science park.

It will act as the new European headquarters for biomedical company Illumina, a world leader in genomics focused on improving human health by unlocking the power of the genome.

The three-storey concrete frame building will deliver of scientific research space, including a data centre capable of handling Illumina’s significant data requirement.

Douglass Cuff, Cambridge market lead for BioMed Realty, said: “This expansion of our Granta Park development reinforces Cambridge’s standing as one of the premier global core innovation districts for the life science industry.”

Bob Ensch, area director from Morgan Sindall, said: “The building will utilise next-generation ‘smart’ technology and help to ensure the building operates at optimum capacity throughout its lifetime. Our project team will draw on knowledge gleaned from its extensive experience delivering world-class research facilities and will be bringing that insight to bear on this development.”

Sustainable features including brise soleil vertical solar shading panels will help to maintain the building’s temperature and prevent overheating. The building will also feature a three-storey winter garden.

Morgan Sindall is currently on site at two projects for the University of Cambridge. The company is constructing the university’s £40.8m Chemical Engineering and Biotechnology facility and is also delivering the university’s new £8.8m Department of Engineering.