The Press - a new science and innovation campus in Foxton - has reached a major construction milestone as the second phase of development is complete.

Artem Korolev, CEO and founder of developers Mission Street, and architect Richard Warwick took part in a 'topping out' ceremony on Tuesday, July 11, filling the last structural concrete in the building.

The ceremony was also attended by the parish council, members of the community and those involved with the scheme.

A CGI aerial view of The PressA CGI aerial view of The Press (Image: Montfort)

Completion of the 100,000 sq ft lab and office space is expected in the first quarter of 2025, with fitted labs and collaborative workspaces already available for potential occupiers.

The Press is being delivered in three phases. The recently completed phase one saw the refurbishment of the former Burlington Press, providing 16,000 sq fit of fitted lab suites across two units, while phase two delivers 65,000 sq ft of research and development space in a newly constructed two-storey building.

Phase three involves an additional 25,500 sq ft of refurbishment, with work expected to start in the autumn.

Artem Korolev said: "This is a significant development for the Cambridge Southern Cluster, home to the UK’s highest concentration of biotech companies.

"The Press responds to a persistent shortfall in fit-for-purpose lab and office space that has meant that many outstanding innovators have had to settle for second-best alternatives and suffered as a result."

A CGI view of The PressA CGI view of The Press (Image: Montfort)

The Burlington Press was originally constructed in 1909 as a printing works, alongside a series of workers' cottages.

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After the printing industry declined, the building was repurposed and extended with industrial units in the 70s and 80s.

The site will now include the new employment space, amenities open to both employees and the public, newly landscaped gardens and an improved environment for Foxton's war memorial.

Colin Brown, development director at Mission Street, said: “It was an absolute joy to work with the best of the existing buildings at the Burlington Press, and with phase two we had the opportunity to replace the lower quality buildings on site with industry-leading, purpose-built lab space, public space and additional amenity for the village of Foxton."