![Aurora Cambridge hero](https://www.isgltd.com/uk/-/media/images/isg/landing-pages/project/herobanner/aurora-cambridge-hero-v2.jpg?h=285&w=1560&hash=D4C69DAB8954158E35F78EDC73421C61&usecustomfunctions=1¢ercrop=1 )
-
- Customer
- British Antarctic Survey, NERC
-
- Procurement Route
- Single stage
-
- Completion Date
- March 2017
-
- Quantity Surveyor
- AECOM
-
- Value
- £3.4m
-
- Form Of Contract
- JCT 2011 Design and build
-
- Structural Engineer
- AKS Ward
-
- Area
- 5,400 sq ft
-
- Program Duration
- 48 weeks
-
- Architect
- ADP Architects (client) and Cartwright Pickard (ISG)
-
- ME Engineer
- Couch Perry Wilkes
![Aurora Cambridge media 1](https://www.isgltd.com/uk/-/media/images/isg/components/mediasection/image/aurora-cambridge-hero-512-x-328.jpg?h=328&w=512&hash=A2FDAFA3BC3FDD4DD2790BC06D76DE4C&usecustomfunctions=1¢ercrop=1 )
Introduction
ISG is helping to pioneer scientific discovery through delivering British Antarctic Survey’s (BAS) state-of-the-art Aurora Cambridge Innovation Centre at its headquarters in Cambridge.
Funded by the UK Government through the Natural Environment Research Council (NERC) with support from Cambridge University, the new Aurora Cambridge Innovation Centre is an enabler to apply world-leading polar science and operations to issues of global importance, thereby helping society adapt to a changing world, and encouraging global collaboration in the field.
The centre will promote research and entrepreneurial activity into climate change, environmental stewardship and technologies for challenging environments.
![Aurora Cambridge media 2](https://www.isgltd.com/uk/-/media/images/isg/components/mediasection/image/aurora-cambridge-hero-512-x-328-v2.jpg?h=328&w=512&hash=78E6775B4464780E411F8EF319AD4A06&usecustomfunctions=1¢ercrop=1 )
The project
The scheme involved the refurbishment of the organisation’s existing building and construction of a new 5,400 sq ft two-storey extension.
A 150-seat lecture theatre, two 40-seat seminar rooms, four meeting rooms and a 40-desk Collaboration Space were installed on the first floor of the new extension, with a new library and reception area at ground level.
We worked closely with the client to create a collaboration area that provides work and study space for those with an interest in the organisation’s environmental research.
Additional works included upgrading the building’s mechanical and electrical services infrastructure, existing welfare amenities and access. We also created a new staircase and carried out landscaping and planting works.
“We look forward to unlocking potential and adding value to many industry sectors and society through collaboration at our new flagship Innovation Centre.”
Dr Beatrix Schlarb-Ridley, Director of Innovation, British Antarctic Survey
“This new Innovation Centre will bring together great minds from different backgrounds to tackle environmental change and pioneer world-leading Polar research”
Jo Johnson, former Minister for Universities and Science speaking at the official opening of the scheme