Insights | Creating a new R&D Centre and Corporate Headquarters in Cambridge for Abcam
The Opportunity
Abcam is a global leader in the supply of research tools to the life sciences and clinical communities in more than 130 countries. Abcam needed a new, bespoke, headquarters which united all business functions in an open, connected, collaborative workplace, to drive the efficiencies that help advance scientific research and support continued growth. Abcam chose Prologis as its trusted property partner to deliver its new headquarters, bringing more than 450 staff – in laboratories, production and distribution – together for the first time at Cambridge Biomedical Campus.
The Challenge
Essential to the successful operation of Abcam’s new headquarters was the ability to separate laboratory and Office/write-up areas – two physically different spaces to be seamlessly connected.
The Solution
To support the Company’s continued growth, the new building provides 75% more space, features fully flexible laboratory configurations, and has new instrumentation and technology for enhanced scientific capabilities. It has also been designed to support agile working and provide introvert and extrovert workspaces. In addition, the building has been developed to meet global sustainability standards, help protect the natural environment and enhance employee wellbeing. Separate laboratory and office spaces were seamlessly connected by a "waterfall" staircase which at the same time created break-out or "collision" space for Abcam employees. The bespoke design for Abcam illustrates our ability to create personalised real estate solutions in the Life Science sector.
Conclusion
Prologis understands that life science companies require space that’s as innovative and hardworking as they are. The bespoke design for Abcam illustrates our ability to create highly personalised real estate solutions in the Life Sciences sector. By bringing all employees together, including R&D, laboratory, logistics, corporate and commercial functions, the building facilitates open collaboration between teams to improve efficiency and innovation.