�100m Cambridge Research Park Wins Major Institutional Backing
14 December 2025 The �100m Cambridge Research Park has obtained major institutional financial backing with the purchase of the 112-acre site in Ely Road, Cambridge, by the Harmsworth Pooled Property Unit Trust. Following this deal, developer Suon Cambridge Ltd, is set to start construction on the 600,000 sq ft project in January 1998. Harmsworth, the pension fund of the Daily Mail & General Trust plc, has granted a 999-year ground lease back to Suon and a profit share rental will be paid to Harmsworth based on a percentage of the net proceeds once income or capital is created. Harmsworth, which is the Daily Mail Group's pension fund, has assets in excess of �1 billion making it more substantial than any individual Cambridge college. Nic Rumsey, a director of Carisbrooke Investments, which co-owns the project with Suon, says, "this is a tremendous deal for the park. With Harmsworth's support we have a common interest in bringing the park forward as soon as possible and we will now be able to finalise financing of the first 17-acre phase which could get consent in January 1998. Tenders for the new A10 roundabout giving access to the site have now been received from local contractors and we hope to let the contract soon to allow work to commence in January 1998. The overall scheme already has outline planning permission for B1 Research & Development, laboratory and office buildings together with a hotel with ancillary facilities, recreation area and wildlife refuge Interest from occupiers is strong and the developer is hoping to announce its first pre-let in the next few weeks. Gerald Eve acted for Harmsworth and Rumsey & Partners acted for Suon Cambridge Ltd.. Both agents are retained to find occupiers for the scheme with FPDSAVILLS.
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