Strategic partnership to develop innovation hub in Cambridge to accelerate scale up and growth

South Cambridge Science Centre

Frontier IP, a specialist in commercialising intellectual property, today announces it has entered into a strategic partnership with Abstract Mid-Tech Limited (“Abstract”), an associate company of Abstract Securities Limited, a specialist in commercial property development, investment and venture capital financing, to create a new innovation hub in Cambridge.

The partnership will see the Group take a 20-year lease on a facility dedicated to start up and early- stage science and technology companies at Abstract’s newly developed South Cambridge Science Centre (“SCSC” or the “Centre”) in Sawston, Cambridge.

Frontier IP intends to sublet space to its portfolio companies and other innovative companies aligned with the Group’s focus on deep technology and life sciences. The Group will also move its commercialisation team, currently based in Duxford, Cambridge, into the facility. In return for becoming an anchor tenant, Abstract has paid Frontier IP an upfront cash payment of £1 million and will provide the space rent free for the first 12 months of Frontier IP’s occupancy.

Developing a facility at the SCSC will enable Frontier IP to cement and strengthen its presence at the heart of a world-leading Cambridge science and technology ecosystem and, by extension, within the UK’s innovation golden triangle of Cambridge, Oxford and London. 

The SCSC is strategically located close to the Cambridge Biomedical Campus, which includes Addenbrookes Hospital, GSK, AstraZeneca, the Babraham Research Campus, Granta Park and Unity Campus. It is close to road and rail links and the city centre. This means it is easy to reach for our networks of industry partners, investors and capital providers in Cambridge and those from further afield in the UK and internationally. The Centre will also provide a base to support Frontier IP’s other portfolio companies from elsewhere in the UK, Italy and Portugal.

The Group believes the innovation hub has the potential to launch a step change in the Group’s scale up and growth since a central, physical location will have the potential to:

• Make it easier to identify and access new deal flow. As well as raising Frontier IP’s profile in the Cambridge ecosystem, the space will offer prospective companies high-quality space and networking opportunities and regular interaction with Frontier IP;

• Accelerate development and growth of new and existing portfolio companies and improve operational efficiency. The Group provides hands-on commercialisation services to start-up and early-stage companies. Direct contact between Frontier IP’s commercialisation team and portfolio companies day-to-day should help to reduce costs and drive projects forward at pace;

• Improve access to funding for the Group and the portfolio. The Centre will enable Frontier IP to showcase companies from across the portfolio to leverage relationships with existing investors and attract new investors; and 

• Accelerate exits and realisations. A central location for Frontier IP and its portfolio companies to support marketing and promotion to corporate partners, funders and acquirers. The Group intends to use the facility as a base for regular events.

Under the terms of the agreement, Frontier IP is taking one floor of 18,000 square feet in the SCSC. The Group will be responsible for the costs associated with the innovation hub, including investment in expanding or improving facilities, but will profit from any rental income above a conservatively modelled breakeven point.

Cambridge is one of the world’s leading centres for innovation and is a magnet for scientists, engineers and technologists. There is strong demand for space in the city and its environs. Frontier IP believes its offering to prospective tenants will be competitive.

It is anticipated that the Frontier IP innovation hub will open by the end of 2025.

Frontier IP Chief Executive Officer Neil Crabb said: “I am excited by the possibilities offered when our innovation hub opens. I believe it will provide the basis to transform Frontier IP’s growth potential. We anticipate that a number of our portfolio companies will move in and that it will prove highly attractive to other potential start-ups and early-stage companies because of its place at the centre of Cambridge’s investor and science and technology networks.

“Our business model is based on identifying promising IP and providing hands-on commercialisation services to build successful businesses. Having a much closer physical presence between our commercialisation teams, portfolio companies and potential portfolio companies will enable us to accelerate their development and scale-up, and, eventually, successful exits.”

Abstract Chief Executive Officer, Mark Glatman, said: “We are delighted to welcome Frontier IP as our first occupier at the SCSC so soon after completing the first phase of development.  This commitment is one of the most significant lettings in the wider Cambridge science market during 2025. It provides a very complementary offering within the space we have developed, creating synergies for a range of potential future occupiers from startups to more established life science and technology companies. They stand to benefit from close proximity to Frontier IP, investors, their portfolio companies and some of the specialist technology they will have in their facilities.”

ENQUIRIES

Frontier IP Group Plc

T: 020 7332 2338

Neil Crabb, Chief Executive

Andrew Johnson, Communications & Investor Relations

Company website: www.frontierip.co.uk

neil@frontierip.co.uk

M: 07464 546 025

Abstract Securities Limited

Mark Glatman T: 07765 231 555

mark.glatman@abstractsecurities.com

Allenby Capital Limited (Nominated Adviser)

Nick Athanas / Daniel Dearden-Williams T: 0203 328 5656

Singer Capital Markets (Broker)

Charles Leigh-Pemberton / James Fischer T: 0207 496 3000

ABSTRACT COMPLETES PHASE ONE OF SOUTH CAMBRIDGE SCIENCE CENTRE IN SAWSTON, CAMBRIDGE

Abstract's completed Phase One building of the South Cambridge Science Centre, finished on April 29, 2025. This flexible laboratory accommodation provides 138,454 sq. ft. of much-needed lab space for life sciences and biotechnology companies in Cambridge.

Mark Glatman's Abstract Securities has announced that its associated company, Abstract Mid-Tech Limited, has completed the first phase of South Cambridge Science Centre (SCSC). The facility is a new state-of-the-art development, aimed at life sciences and biotechnology occupiers.

The three-storey science centre comprising 138,454 sq. ft. – the highest specified space of its kind in Cambridge - was completed on time and within budget to an advanced shell and core specification; enabling the space to be quickly fitted out to the specific requirements of occupiers.

The South Cambridge Science Centre is purpose-built to support the full range of scientific and laboratory applications, offering market-leading vibration control and fume hood capabilities.  The facility is a highly sustainable, net zero carbon development designed to evolve alongside changing scientific needs over its significant design life.

There is parking for 395 cars and 245 bicycle spaces. A fully consented second Phase of 44,650 sq. ft. is planned to follow. 

Mark Glatman, Chief Executive of Abstract, said: “We have seen a lot of activity in Cambridge from building owners looking to refurbish and repurpose older property stock from offices to laboratory use to try and exploit changing market dynamics when demand for offices has been weak. Inevitably, this compromise approach cannot come anywhere close to the performance or indeed the lifespan of a well thought through, purpose-built science scheme designed to provide many years of flexibility such as SCSC. 

“I am confident that there is no better specified science building than SCSC in Cambridge.  The building can be subdivided in a number of ways and accommodate the full range of occupier requirements.

“Not only have we delivered much needed new science and technology lab space within the South Cambridge Cluster but, our very low land price means we have created the best accommodation at a much lower rental than competing developments across the Cambridge market. 

“A complex planning regime, and difficulties in parts of Cambridge with provision of water, power and suitable highways infrastructure  will continue to limit supply and so we anticipate that SCSC will be very well received.”

Christopher McPherson, Development Director of Abstract Securities, said: “We are very proud of SCSC which has been a collaborative design effort from our highly experienced team to ensure we maximise the flexibility of our speculative development.  We can accommodate the full spectrum of science occupiers, and all their needs.  This includes wet labs or dry labs, biology or chemistry, or any other related uses.  In addition, the leading vibration standard across the development, allows the operation of very sensitive or heavy equipment at all levels in the building, and we can offer significant fume hood provision if needed.

“Alongside the completion of SCSC, the adjacent ‘mid tech’ scheme at Accelerator Park completes shortly and provides further evidence of the transition of the wider Dales Manor area into a new science destination in South Cambridge providing a viable and cost-effective alternative to traditional locations in Cambridge.’’

Michael Laird are architects for the development and Bowmer & Kirkland are the main contractor. 

DTRE,  Bidwells, and Newmark are retained letting agents for the South Cambridge Science Centre.

For information about the building or the second phase, please contact: 

Mark Glatman (mark.glatman@abstractsecurities.com) or 

Christopher McPherson (christopher.mcpherson@abstractsecurities.com ) 

www.scambssc.com 

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For media information, please contact:

Pauline Gregory, Pauline@skylarkpublicrelations.com /07833 490964 or

Lisa Mennie, lisa@skylarkpublicrelations.com/  07825 225414  

Editor’s notes:- 

The South Cambridge Science Centre received detailed planning consent in March 2023, was developed on a 5 acre brownfield site in Sawston with construction commencing on 4th September 2023 and completed on 29 April 2025. SCSC offers easy access from Cambridge City Centre (just six miles away) and close to Babraham Research Park, Granta Park and Unity Campus - an established cluster of South Cambridge life science, biotechnology, pharmaceutical and research occupiers. Addenbrooke’s Hospital and Cambridge Biomedical Campus are within a 15 minute drive. The new building is Net Zero Carbon in operation; BREEAM ‘Excellent’ and has an EPC rating of ‘A’.  It also achieves WiredScore Platinum, CyclingScore Platinum and is SmartScore Enabled.

Established in April 2000 by Mark Glatman, the Abstract Group of Companies specialises in commercial property development and venture capital financing. The management team at Abstract is highly experienced at working directly with major property owners and corporate end users, and has developed in excess of 1.6 million sq ft of new office buildings across the UK in the last 7 years, providing new offices for companies including Babcock plc, KPMG, Aker Solutions, Virgin Atlantic, Pension Protection Fund, Zurich UK, and Wood plc, amongst others.  

www.abstractsecurities.com  

ABSTRACT DISRUPTS SOARING RENTS IN LIFE SCIENCE MARKET AND PROVIDES INVESTOR BOOST IN CAMBRIDGE

PLANNING APPLICATION SUBMITTED FOR NEXT PHASE OF SOUTH CAMBRIDGE SCIENCE CENTRE

Abstract, developer of South Cambridge Science Centre (SCSC) located in the 'Golden Triangle' (Cambridge, Oxford and London), has submitted a new planning application for a further 44,650 sq.ft. laboratory building.

This new building would bring Abstract's total development footprint at SCSC to 182,900 sq.ft. of world-class lab space.

Cambridge has become a global centre for the science sector but is currently restricted by a significant lack of 'best-in-class' lab space. This shortage has caused rents to soar, deterring businesses from moving their operations to the City.

With escalating rents eating into business' funding, leaving the sector ill-equipped to attract and retain the best talent, this lack of new lab space leaves organisations marooned in out-of-date, tired spaces that neither support their work or represent the future-facing, innovative research these organisations are doing.

Recent figures from commercial property specialists Cushman & Wakefield show that demand for science space in the Golden Triangle has surged to its highest level since 2015. There is now a real shortage of laboratory space in Cambridge, which heavily relies on the sector for employment and investment. 

Rents have risen to around £70 per square foot, a new record high, leaving science firms unable to move, expand or attract new talent and inspire existing teams.

Mark Glatman, Chief Executive of Abstract, commented:

"In addition to soaring rents and a lack of new space being built, there are several developers sitting on land that they bought at the peak of the market, for upwards of £7 million per acre, at a time when building costs and interest rates were much lower. These developers continue to hold the land, inactive, while they wait for improved economic conditions.

"As a result, several large-scale laboratory schemes that were due to be completed in 2025/2026 have stalled, with developers and investors having decided not to build.

"We are now seeing a perfect storm, with less available space and exponentially higher rents, making the search for affordable lab space more challenging than ever before. The demand on the very small amount of space currently available is exceptionally high."

Abstract are well advanced with the first phase of its top-class laboratory development – where the specification will be equal to, or better than, the very best competing buildings.

The first phase of 140,000 sq. ft. of labs will be completed by the first quarter of 2025, with works to the second phase to commence in June 2025.

Mark Glatman continued: "Vitally, thanks to strategically and well-timed land purchases, this lab space will be available, fully fitted and operational, for only £55 per square foot.

For a business taking 50,000 square feet, this will represent an extraordinary saving of at least £1 million per year, compared to other local science parks.

"From the perspective of a life science sector investor, the ability to save £1m per annum in operational overheads is hugely attractive, as this saving can instead be spent on the research and development of products, rather than on over-inflated real estate.

"A company moving into our first phase would be fully operational, with a bespoke fit-out, in early 2025."

Abstract may also consider direct investment into science organisations, understanding the challenges of sourcing funding.

Life Science Park - Research & Development Site | South Cambridge Science Centre (scambssc.com)

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Image shows: Abstract's South Cambridge Science Centre

For media information, please contact Lisa Mennie at Skylark PR, lisa@skylarkpublicrelations.com, 07825225414

For investment enquiries please contact Christopher.mcpherson@abstractsecurities.com

ABSTRACT STARTS FIRST PHASE OF SPECULATIVE LABORATORY CENTRE IN SAWSTON, CAMBRIDGE

A CGI image is attached of Abstract's forthcoming South Cambridge Science Centre scheme. Abstract has now started on site at the first phase of flexible laboratory accommodation aimed at life sciences and biotechnology occupiers, which will eventually comprise around 190,000 sq. ft. of much needed new laboratory space in Cambridge.

Mark Glatman's Abstract Securities has announced that its associated company, Abstract Mid-Tech Limited, has today speculatively started work on site at the first phase of its state-of-the-art development, aimed at life sciences and biotechnology occupiers, named South Cambridge Science Centre (SCSC).

The first building to be delivered at the Science Centre, a three-storey R&D development of c145,000 sq. ft. with parking for 269 cars and 225 bicycles, will be completed and fully operational by early 2025. A subsequent phase comprising an additional c45,000 sq. ft. building is planned as part of a repositioning of the wider Dales Manor Estate into a new Life Sciences destination in Cambridge.

SCSC, which received detailed planning consent in March 2023, is being developed on a brownfield site in Sawston, which offers easy access from Cambridge City Centre (just six miles away) and sits close to Babraham Research Park, Granta Park and Unity Campus - an established cluster of South Cambridge life science, biotechnology, pharmaceutical and research occupiers.

The new building will be Net Zero Carbon in operation; BREEAM ‘Excellent’ and offer an EPC rating of ‘A’.

Mark Glatman, Chief Executive of Abstract, said: “Having been granted detailed planning consent, we are delighted to have now started on site to create much needed new science and technology lab space within the South Cambridge Cluster. Furthermore, our very low land price means we can create top quality accommodation at a much lower rental than competing developments across the Cambridge market.

“South Cambridge Science Centre is in an established region of Cambridge where the availability of quality laboratories is extremely limited, whilst there is huge demand from fast growing companies in this sector. Tight land supply and a complex planning regime has contributed to this lack of supply and so we anticipate that delivering our speculative development to this market will be very well received.

‘’We are creating laboratory space suitable for a wide range of organisations, offering maximum flexibility in a landscaped setting, and sitting alongside the proposed Cambridge South-East Transport route (CSET), which will eventually link the neighbouring science and research parks, Biomedical Campus and Cambridge City Centre.

“With current rents in this market pushing towards £70 per sq. ft, we will be delivering best in class space at a significant discount.”

Christopher McPherson, Development Director of Abstract Securities, said: “We are committed to delivering buildings of the highest quality that are also operationally Net Zero Carbon and that meet and surpass multiple environmental benchmarks.

“To our knowledge, no other building in the Cambridge market has higher environmental standards than SCSC. Given the requirement for world-class yet affordable laboratory space in the area, we anticipate high demand for SCSC, which will be available for occupation in around 16 months in early 2025 and we are in early discussions with several organisations who recognise the need to move early to satisfy their growth ambitions. We are also developing designs for the next phase of development and would envisage submitting planning shortly.’’

Michael Laird are architects for the development and Bowmer & Kirkland are main contractor.

DTRE, Bidwells, and JLL are retained letting agents for the South Cambridge Science Centre.

For information about the proposed development please contact:

Mark Glatman (mark.glatman@abstractsecurities.com) or

Christopher McPherson (christopher.mcpherson@abstractsecurities.com)

www.scambssc.com

/Ends-

For media information, please contact Pauline Gregory, Pauline@skylarkpublicrelations.com /07833 490964
or Lisa Mennie, lisa@skylarkpublicrelations.com/ 07825 225 414

Editor’s notes:-

Established in April 2000 by Mark Glatman, the Abstract Group of Companies specialises in commercial property development and venture capital financing. The management team at Abstract is highly experienced at working directly with major property owners and corporate end users, and has developed in excess of 1.4 million sq ft of new office buildings across the UK in the last 7 years, providing new offices for companies including Babcock plc, KPMG, Aker Solutions, Virgin Atlantic, Pension Protection Fund, Zurich UK, and Wood plc, amongst others.
www.abstractsecurities.com

ABSTRACT GRANTED DETAILED PLANNING CONSENT FOR AFFORDABLE LABORATORY CENTRE IN SAWSTON, CAMBRIDGE

A CGI image is attached of Abstract's proposed South Cambridge Science Centre scheme.  Abstract has received detailed planning consent for the first phase of flexible laboratory accommodation aimed at life sciences, and biotechnology occupiers, which will eventually comprise around 180,000 sq. ft. of much needed new laboratory space in Cambridge.

Mark Glatman's Abstract Securities has announced that its associated company, Abstract (Mid Tech) Limited, has obtained detailed planning consent for the first phase of a brand-new development, aimed at life sciences and biotechnology occupiers, which will be named South Cambridge Science Centre (SCSC). The first building of c140,000 sq. ft. will be ready for occupation in early 2025. 

SCSC will be developed on a brownfield site in Sawston, approximately six miles south of Cambridge City Centre and close to Babraham Research Park, Granta Park, and Unity Campus and an established cluster of South Cambridge life science, biotechnology, pharmaceutical and research occupiers.

Mark Glatman, Chief Executive of Abstract, said: “We saw a fantastic opportunity to acquire and reposition around five acres of land, to create much needed new science and technology lab space at a sensible and affordable rental.  The scheme is in an established location in the Cambridge market where the availability of quality laboratories is almost zero against unprecedented demand for this type of space. Tight land supply and a very difficult planning regime means that there are huge barriers to providing the type of accommodation that is in so much demand.  We are delighted to have the ability to get on and deliver and will be breaking ground soon.

‘’We can deliver great quality laboratory accommodation for a wide range of different user types and the building is designed to offer maximum flexibility in a landscaped setting, which will eventually sit alongside the proposed Cambridge South East Transport route, linking the neighbouring science and research parks, biomedical campus and Cambridge City Centre.

“Potential end users in the market are currently faced with rents in the high £60’s per sq. ft. but we have deliberately positioned the project to offer the best quality flexible laboratory space, aiming for rents under £50 psf. We feel that companies that are focused on growth will be looking for more affordable accommodation and we have been able to assemble a scheme to achieve this pricing point.’’

Abstract are working up plans for a second phase of development on the site for a further building of c40,000 sq. ft. and planning will be submitted in coming weeks.

Christopher McPherson, Development Director of Abstract Securities, said: “As with all Abstract schemes, we are focused on providing buildings of the highest quality, with great environmental credentials, but we also aspire to ensure that this scheme is operationally Net Zero Carbon.   We believe that there is no other building in the Cambridge market that  has a better carbon footprint than SCSC.  A great deal of thought has gone into designing space that will meet the exacting requirements of several different occupier types whether biology or chemistry biased, and we have a high degree of flexibility in how we can accommodate different users.  Given the supply demand imbalance and the more affordable pricing of our scheme, it won’t be a surprise that we are already at the early stage of discussions with a number of parties.’’

Matt Smith of retained agent, DTRE, commented: ‘’With the named tenant demand for laboratory space in the highly competitive Cambridge market currently totalling in excess of 1.2m square feet and vastly outpacing supply, it has left existing and potential new occupiers with limited options for purpose-built laboratory space.

“The decision by Abstract to deliver the scheme speculatively is an exciting development in the Cambridge market and will allow occupiers to have access to the same highly specified but more competitively priced CL2 laboratory space without having to face the costs of other schemes, where rents are now trending towards £70 psf.

“In addition, the South Cambridge Science Centre has been designed with sustainability at the forefront, including the use of renewable energy sources and will be delivered as a Net Carbon Zero scheme which is becoming an increasingly important consideration for occupiers.’’

It is understood that Peterhouse retains the freehold ownership of the land and has granted a 175 year ground lease which will attract a ground rent after buildings are completed and let.

With its extremely competitive and potentially highly reversionary rental, Abstract is also in early discussions about forward funding their project.

Abstract have retained Michael Laird Architects to design their proposals for the site. Bowmer & Kirkland have been appointed to build out the scheme with a start on site in early June.

Bidwells represented Peterhouse. Abstract were advised by DTRE.  Bidwells, DTRE and JLL are retained letting agents for the South Cambridge Science Centre.

For information about the proposed development please contact:

Mark Glatman (mark.glatman@abstractsecurities.com) or

Christopher McPherson (christopher.mcpherson@abstractsecurities.com )

Website:  www.scambssc.com

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For media information, please contact Pauline Gregory,Pauline@skylarkpublicrelations.com/07833 490964 or Lisa Mennie,lisa@skylarkpublicrelations.com/  07825 225 414