Two tier one contractors have been appointed to deliver major developments in Cambridge, with a total value of £277 million.
Railpen has awarded Skanska UK the £200 million contract to build Botanic Place, a 540,000 sq. ft office scheme.
Elsewhere in the city, the railways pension manager has also awarded Morgan Sindall Construction the £77 million contract to build Devonshire Gardens, a 120,000 sq. ft mixed-use development.
Both projects are being developed by Socius on behalf of Railpen.
Botanic Place, by main contractor Skanska, has been designed by architect AHMM to achieve BREEAM ‘Outstanding’, WELL and Wired Scored ‘Platinum’ ratings.
The project will also involve preserving the historic pub on site, The Flying Pig.
Devonshire Gardens, by main contractor Morgan Sindall, will deliver up to 150,000 sq. ft of commercial space, 70 flats, 8,500 sq. ft of F&B space, and 1.55 acres of public open spaces.
Morgan Sindall is set to begin works in April, and Skanska is due to start in July, with estimated completion dates of April 2026 and March 2027 respectively.
Doug Higgins, development director at Socius, said: “Botanic Place and Devonshire Gardens will be fantastic additions to the community of Cambridge, with Skanska and Morgan Sindall driving forward our shared vision with Railpen to deliver inspiring, sustainable and valuable assets for the city.
“With their expertise and proficiency, we are on track to provide a new benchmark for other developers and investors to follow, paving the way for an enhanced future within Cambridge and the wider area.”
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