Appointed by new client Mortimer/RE (formerly Aitchison Developments) to design and build phase two of Bourn Quarter, on behalf of Savills Investment Management, the development consists of Life Sciences, Research and Development, production, and storage facilities for a broad spectrum of businesses.
At a glance
- Project value: £28.5 million
- Client: Mortimer/RE
- Architect: Michael Sparks Associate
- Engineer: HDR Engineering Ltd
- Programme: 42 weeks
- Completion: March 2025
- BREEAM: Excellent
- Net Zero in Construction * In line with the UKGBC 2019 Definition Framework
The second phase of the development includes nine innovative facilities across six buildings. Of the six buildings, three are standalone industrial units:
- 19,857 sq ft
- 23,688 sq ft
- 29,442 sq ft
And six units connect in adjoining pairs, ranging from 9,097 sq ft to 23,688 sq ft. A single storey office space in each facility, with sizes ranging from 2,095 sq ft to 7,753 sq ft, fitted to a CAT A standard.
The development is on a plot of approximately 4.66 hectares (11.51 acres), designed to seamlessly integrate with the existing phase located on the northern boundary of the site.
Sustainability Features
Achieving both BREEAM ‘Excellent’ and EPC A+ ratings, the sustainable first-in-class scheme aligns with Mortimer/RE’s Net Zero in operation aspiration, which will allow the occupiers to manage their environmental impact. Sustainable features include:
- 3885 m2 Photovoltaic (PV) roof panels generate on site renewable energy
- 116 EV charging spaces are available to cut transport-related emissions and promote cleaner operations on site
- Battery back-up generators powered site cabins during construction, reducing fuel use and noise pollution
A key focus during procurement was the selection of lower embodied carbon materials, responsibly sourced through Winvic’s Green Supply Chain, involving 14 partners. Winvic achieved substantial embodied-carbon reductions with a 44% upfront carbon reduction (A1-A5).
Most notably, using a 50% Ground Granulated Blast-furnace Slag concrete mix in the pad foundations to cut emissions by 225 tCO2ee and sourcing product-specific Euroclad Elite 2 Environmental Product Declaration to provide accurate, product-specific data that delivered a further 54 tCO2e saving against baseline values. In addition, the use of up to 100% recycled-content rebar contributed to a 76 tCO2e reduction across the scheme.
The project delivered strong benefits for local wildlife:
- 34% increase in habitats with a net gain of 2.1 habitat units.
- 5 new hedgerow units added.
- 0.45 hectares of new woodland were created, providing long-term homes for wildlife.
These measures strengthened the site’s natural environment, creating lasting ecological value.
Bourn Quarter has been recognised as Project of the Year, Portfolio Category at the CIBSE Awards 2026, reflecting our commitment to delivering high-performing, sustainable environments at scale.
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£28.5 million
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BREEAM Excellent
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Net Zero in Construction
Social Value
A dedicated Employment and Skills Plan focused on creating opportunities for the local community, resulting in over 15% of the workforce to be local and supported five people into roles who had been previously been long-term unemployed, these included labourer, cleaner and gateman.
To support the next generation and help close the industry skills gap, the project hosted five new apprenticeships, providing firsthand experience in quantity surveying, engineering, and electrical roles. The project team also supported eight existing apprentices throughout the project, helping them progress and complete their qualifications.
Mortimer/RE and the Winvic team participated in the local 10km Bourn to Run event 2024. The project team also sponsored and fundraised in aid of Bourn Primary Academy and Bourn Sports and Social Club.
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