Cambridge, 27^th June 2024: Leading regional property investor and developer Howard Group, is delighted to have been awarded ‘Commercial Project of the Year’ for its flagship science and technology hub, Unity Campus, at the Eastern Echo Awards on Wednesday 26th June.

Held at Homerton College, Cambridge and now in its third year, the well-respected Eastern Echo Awards showcase and celebrate the best of the East of England’s property industry. Unity Campus was shortlisted in three categories - ‘Commercial Project of the Year’, ‘Deal of the year’ (submitted by Mills Reeve for the letting of the Orion Building to Welbeck Health Partners) and ‘Architect of the year’ (Nicholas Hare Architects for Unity Campus). Against exceptional competition Howard Group came away victorious in ‘Commercial Project of the Year’ and were highly commended in ‘Deal of the Year’.

Achieving this accolade recognises Unity Campus’ rising reputation as a location perfectly positioned for both established and emerging life science organisations. The judges valued Unity Campus’ personal and collegiate approach, which sets it apart from larger science parks, creating a genuine sense of togetherness and community from its members.

The campus aesthetic has an urban cool vibe, reflecting the industrial heritage of the site and a footprint which encourages collaboration and socialising. Its buildings - the most recently completed of which are Sigma (occupied by Domainex), Orion (let to Welbeck Health Partners) and the multi-occupancy Cadence, which is about to welcome ViaNautis - have been designed and built to exceptionally high environmental standards and offer highly flexible options to configure for laboratory, write up and associated uses, ideal for life science companies wishing to locate at the heart of this vibrant sector.

In addition, the campus engagement team based on site works hard to organise and facilitate a variety of social events, training opportunities and charitable endeavours to encourage and build collaboration.

The most recent addition to the campus, UnityCafé, is now also open and provides a range of snacks and drinks throughout the day; ideal for grabbing a quick coffee with colleagues or an opportunity to refuel having taken advantage of the range of classes organised by on site health and fitness specialists, Bridge Fitness.

Nicholas Bewes, CEO, Howard Group, said: "Thank you to Matthew Battle and the team at Eastern Echo for another excellent awards evening. Howard Group is delighted to have been awarded Best Commercial Project.  We are grateful to the judging panel, our dedicated project team and the many member companies who all play such a critical part in delivering our vision for Unity Campus.”

Katherine Friend, Director - Investment and Asset Management, Howard Group,  added: "We are incredibly proud of what we have achieved so far at Unity Campus. The latest phase of the development has been a real testament to true collaboration across the entire project team, including our agents and contractors. The space created enables us to offer existing and new member companies the ideal environment within which to reach their full potential.”

The rapid pace of uptake across the new buildings at Unity Campus highlights the significant demand for high-quality, purpose-built laboratory and office spaces in Cambridge. Of the three new buildings a total of just 20,000 sq ft remains in Cadence across the ground and second floors. Across the entire campus, 86% of the space is now occupied.

Each available suite accommodates a high-quality 60/40 lab-office split and Howard Group has just completed a high quality fit out of the second-floor suite, which is now ready for immediate occupation. The building has attained a BREEAM score of ‘Excellent’.

Prospective occupiers are advised to act promptly to secure the remaining space within this burgeoning and exciting campus. To discuss requirements in detail please contact Unity Campus’ joint agents, Rupert Dando (07813 624 276) and Izzy Vyvyan (07977 757 382) at Savills - Paddy Shipp (07469 155 531) and Bridget Partridge (07921 309 816) at JLL.