Fathom Architects

Previous project:

Hauxton Mill SciTech Park, Cambridgeshire

  • LocationCambridgeshire
  • UseScience & Masterplan
  • Size11,500sqm, 124,000sqft
  • Cliento2h
  • Date2018 - ongoing

New life science and tech incubator campus, re-purposing a Grade II listed water mill, establishing a new laboratory building and co-working space over 2.8 acres.

The redevelopment of Hauxton Mill is creating a new Life Science campus and tech start-up incubator in Cambridge – the o2h Mill SciTech park. 

Fathom were appointed to masterplan the formerly derelict 2.8 acre site, which is traversed by the River Cam and a popular local public footpath, creating an accessible and inclusive asset for innovative entrepreneurs with a range of disciplines from AI and gene therapy to collaborative research.

Designs re-purpose a 19th Century Grade II listed water mill as a 550sqm research facility and establish a new state of the art laboratory building along with upgraded entrance routes, landscaping and public café.

Positioning and orientation of buildings is carefully considered to promote transparency between research disciplines as well as the wider community, with public spaces including riverside footpaths and cafes.

With Phase I complete, the Mill SciTech Park is already establishing itself as one of the region’s most exciting communities of entrepreneurs in life-science, technology and social enterprise.

Design development is progressing in close collaboration with the local planning team.

‘I’ve been working with Fathom for 3 years on a masterplan to unpick a heritage site with all its incessant issues and complications. It requires a very methodical and rigorous process in which all the alternatives are carefully tested.

Creativity can come from a flash or it can come from rigorously working through different directions and that’s what you get from Fathom. Jonathan is as easy to work with an architect as you will ever find, and our meetings are always interesting and constructive experiences.’

Prashant Shah, CEO o2h

  • Cliento2h group
  • Planning consultantCarter Jonas
  • Sustainability ConsultantElementa
  • M&EKJ Tait
  • StructureGraphic Structures
  • Heritage ConsultantJohn Selby
  • LandscapeLUC
  • Refurbishment architectFourth_space