Key Takeaways
- Sector: Biotechnology & Life Sciences, Materials, Chemicals & Natural Resources, Real Estate, Technology, Software & Gaming.
- Geography: United Kingdom.
Analysis
The innovation real estate specialist Mission Street, in partnership with global investment manager BGO, has finalized two significant leasing agreements at The Press, a repurposed printing facility in Foxton, Cambridge. These new tenancies, totaling 15,000 square feet, fully occupy the initial phase of this ambitious science and innovation campus, signaling robust demand for advanced research and development facilities within the Cambridge Southern Cluster.
HoriZn, a company pioneering advanced polymer-based battery technology, has committed to 10,000 square feet. The firm, which leverages expertise from contact lens materials for its water-based zinc battery systems, is relocating to scale its commercial and industrial applications. This move is expected to accelerate the commercialization of their novel energy storage solutions, addressing market needs beyond the capabilities of traditional lithium-ion batteries. HoriZn's CEO, Jane Hunter, highlighted the company's progress in preparing for customer testing and pilot production, emphasizing the timely breakthrough in battery chemistry.
Joining HoriZn is Syndex Bio, a biotechnology firm focused on early disease detection through its proprietary mcPCR technology. Having quadrupled its team since establishing a presence at The Press 18 months ago, Syndex Bio is expanding its footprint by an additional 5,000 square feet. The company, founded by former Illumina executive Geoff Smith, recently secured an oversubscribed seed funding round, fueling its growth trajectory and the expansion of its diagnostic capabilities.
The full occupancy of the first phase of The Press, a 100,000 sq ft development, underscores the strategic importance of its location. Situated near the newly opened Cambridge South station, the site offers an efficient 8-minute train journey to the Cambridge Biomedical Campus, a hub for life sciences innovation. This connectivity is a key draw for companies like HoriZn and Syndex Bio, aligning with the broader trend of major organizations, such as GSK, consolidating their presence in the area.
Artem Korolev, Founder & CEO of Mission Street, expressed enthusiasm for welcoming HoriZn and supporting Syndex Bio's expansion, reinforcing The Press's position as a prime location within the South Cambridge Cluster. The development offers a spectrum of high-quality environments, from fitted laboratories to mid-tech spaces, catering to diverse innovation requirements. The recent completion of campus amenities, including a new café, further enhances the collaborative and productive atmosphere for its occupants.
The success at The Press reflects a wider market trend favoring specialized, well-connected innovation real estate. As the life sciences and deep tech sectors continue to expand, driven by significant investment and technological advancements, the demand for purpose-built facilities capable of supporting rapid growth and cutting-edge research remains exceptionally strong. This development by Mission Street and BGO exemplifies a strategic response to these evolving market dynamics.