Project Overview
Located on the Cambridge Science Park, this project comprised the construction of a modern four-storey development which boasts state-of-the-art offices, cutting-edge laboratories, a spacious canteen, essential welfare facilities, and a communal terrace/entertaining space on the rooftop.
Following a review of their current facilities, CCL recognised the urgent need improve operational inefficiencies at their Cambridge Science Park location.
To tackle these challenges head-on, SDC was appointed to initiate a transformative redevelopment project which included an extensive office refurbishment and construction of two large-scale office and laboratory buildings. The focal point of this endeavour, however, was the demolition of the Banana Block and the construction of a modern, four-storey facility.
This new development boasts state-of-the-art offices, cutting-edge laboratories, a spacious canteen, essential welfare facilities, and a communal terrace/entertaining space on the rooftop. This contemporary space was meticulously designed to foster collaboration, innovation, and productivity among CCL’s employees.
The project included the construction of a multi-storey car park on the site, capable of accommodating 325 vehicles.
This addition not only addressed the parking needs of the growing workforce but also enhanced the overall accessibility and convenience for employees and visitors alike.
Richard Hall, Chief Operations Officer, Cambridge Consultants Ltd
“The new buildings that SDC have constructed for us have transformed our site, the facilities that they provide are world class and our staff are proud to work in the environment that they provide. The buildings are constructed to a high standard and the commitment from the SDC team to making them work for us has been first class. In the long term I expect that we will have further building projects to support the growth of the company and I would have no hesitation in working with SDC when we are ready to start these projects.”
Core Team
Adam Knaggs
Project Director
Adam has cultivated a celebrated career in construction management, culminating in his appointment as Managing Director in September 2021. His early exposure to the construction industry began with hands-on experience assisting his father in building agricultural structures. Following his GCSEs, Adam launched his own business, focusing on farming construction projects for a year. However, due to a decline in workload, he joined SDC in 1995.
Commencing his tenure as a Trainee Site Engineer, Adam has steadily advanced through a variety of site-based management roles, accumulating a wealth of experience and making substantial contributions to the company’s operations. In his capacity as Managing Director, he now plays a pivotal role in defining SDC’s strategic direction and ensuring the successful delivery of its diverse project portfolio. He also has overall responsibility for Health and Safety, and Quality departments.
Adam has led significant large-scale projects, including the Northampton College Redevelopment which, at the time, was one of the largest contracts in SDC’s history. His leadership on this project earned him recognition as a finalist in the Construction Manager of the Year Awards in 2009. Earlier in his career, Adam also received the Institution of Civil Engineers’ Site Engineer of the Year Award in 1999 for his innovative shuttering system design.
Beyond his project work, Adam has been an active participant in the broader construction industry. As Chair of the Cambridgeshire branch of the Chartered Institute of Building from 2016 to 2019, he promoted collaboration and professional development within the sector. More recently, he served as a trustee of the CFCI for three years. Under Adam’s guidance, SDC continues to advance its long-standing tradition of delivering quality construction projects, supported by a commitment to innovation, excellence, and community engagement.
Ian Riley-Brown
Contracts Manager
Ian joined SDC in 1996 as a Senior Quantity Surveyor and has since held key leadership roles, including overseeing projects up to £30m, and managing pre-construction from 2019-2023. In 2024, he was appointed Sustainability Manager, where he spearheads initiatives to improve energy efficiency, reduce waste, and enhance environmental performance across our fleet, plant and supply chain. Ian plays a pivotal role in driving SDC’s commitment to advancing sustainability practices and reaching our carbon goals.
Marc Huggins
Services Project Manager
Matt Wells
Planning Manager
Eddie Somekh
M&E Commercial Manager
Eddie joined SDC in 2013 and is an accomplished construction professional. He has advanced from Quantity Surveyor to Contract Surveyor and now holds the role of Commercial Manager in the Services department. Eddie manages sub-contractor accounts, coordinates project costs, and oversees self-delivery projects from inception to completion. He has a broad range of experience within different sectors, with projects ranging from the construction of student accommodation to state-of-the-art flexible workspace laboratories.
