Arm, the renowned British semiconductor company, is significantly expanding its presence in Cambridge by signing a lease for new office and laboratory space. This development comes as part of the company’s ongoing commitment to the area, highlighting its growth within the UK tech ecosystem.
New Building at Peterhouse Technology Park
The new office space is located within the Peterhouse Technology Park, a prominent tech hub in Cambridge. The building, named The Optic, is currently under construction and is slated for completion in February 2025. Once finished, it will add to Arm’s existing footprint at the park, where the company already occupies all six buildings, totaling 330,000 sq ft (approximately 30,658 sqm).
The Optic: A Sustainable and High-Tech Facility
The Optic building has been designed with sustainability in mind, incorporating advanced technologies and green features. It will be fully electric and is set to meet the highest sustainability standards. With 94 EV charging points and solar panels, the building will contribute significantly to reducing carbon emissions. Upon completion, it is expected to achieve an ‘Excellent’ BREEAM rating, reflecting its environmental credentials.
The Role of British Land in the Development
British Land, one of the UK’s largest property developers, is behind the creation of The Optic. According to Michael Wiseman, head of workspace leasing and science & technology at British Land, Arm’s expansion is a strong indicator of the growing demand for high-spec office and laboratory spaces in Cambridge. He emphasized that the UK’s Golden Triangle – the area that includes Cambridge, Oxford, and London – is particularly suited for the growth of top innovation firms like Arm due to its world-class academic institutions and pool of highly skilled talent.
Arm’s Commitment to Cambridge and the UK
Arm’s decision to continue expanding in Cambridge underscores the company’s confidence in the UK as a hub for innovation and research. As a globally significant business, Arm’s growth in the region reflects the strength of the UK’s tech ecosystem and its increasing role in supporting cutting-edge technological advancements.
British Land’s Recent Data Center Activity
In addition to its work with Arm, British Land has been active in the data center market. In September 2023, the company sold a portfolio of data centers for £125 million ($152.2 million). Although the details of the portfolio and the buyer have not been disclosed, this transaction highlights British Land’s diverse property interests, including in the data center sector. The portfolio in question, known as the Network Portfolio, consisted of six facilities spanning a total of 260,000 sq ft (24,155 sqm) and was primarily occupied by Vodafone.
Arm’s Role in the Semiconductor Industry
Arm has long been a cornerstone of the global semiconductor industry, providing key technology for mobile devices, cloud computing, and edge computing. The company’s innovation and presence in Cambridge continue to shape the future of the tech landscape, making it a vital player in the global technology ecosystem.
FAQ
1. What is the Peterhouse Technology Park?
Peterhouse Technology Park is a prominent tech hub in Cambridge, known for housing numerous technology companies and offering office and laboratory spaces designed to foster innovation.
2. What sustainability features does The Optic building include?
The Optic is fully electric, featuring 94 EV charging points, solar panels, and is designed to meet the highest sustainability standards, aiming for an ‘Excellent’ BREEAM rating upon completion.
3. Why is Cambridge a significant location for tech companies like Arm?
Cambridge is part of the UK’s Golden Triangle, which boasts world-class academic institutions and a skilled workforce, making it an ideal location for innovative tech companies like Arm to expand.
4. What is British Land’s involvement in the data center industry?
British Land has recently sold a portfolio of data centers for £125 million. The company has been active in the property development sector, including significant investments in the data center market.
5. What is Arm’s role in the semiconductor industry?
Arm designs semiconductor technology that powers a wide range of devices, from mobile phones to cloud infrastructure, positioning itself as a key player in the global tech industry.