Breaking Ground at Nucleus, Newmarket

Wilten Construction has commenced work at Nucleus in Newmarket, following the award of a design and build project for urban logistics property developer Chancerygate. This project marks Wilten’s first collaboration with Chancerygate, establishing a new partnership set to grow as the development progresses.

The ceremony has marked the official start of the works including 7,000m3 of cut and fill earthworks, preparation of the building footprint including vibro-piling, and retaining wall construction to fully prepare the site for the structures and external works.

The scheme will deliver 10 Grade A urban logistics, research and development space, totalling approximately 51,000 sqft, all targeting a BREEAM Excellent rating. Unit sizes will range from circa 3,595 sqft to 6,685 sqft, providing flexible, high-quality space for a variety of occupiers.

Working alongside Academy Consulting Solutions, Ian C King Associates, and I&L Consulting, Wilten will deliver a modern, sustainable development that enhances the local area while providing adaptable space for future businesses.

Early engagement with the local community and key stakeholders, including West Suffolk Council, has helped shape the design and construction of the project to minimise disruption and deliver lasting benefits for neighbours and future occupiers.

When complete, Nucleus will retain and enhance an existing employment site, offering flexible accommodation suitable for local SMEs and emerging industrial and R&D sectors, providing long term employment opportunities and a lasting economic asset for the region. The development will complement the surrounding area through high-quality design, carefully chosen materials, and landscaping that improves the street frontage and pedestrian environment.

Sustainability is a central focus of the project to provide occupiers with green energy, reduce CO2 emissions, and deliver social value benefits for the area, being achieved through:

• Solar PV panels, high-performance insulation, efficient LED lighting, low air-permeability building envelopes, electric vehicle charging points, and rooflights to maximise natural daylight

• Landscaped communal features which will form a wellness area along with secure cycle storage to support the wellbeing of employees

• Engagement with the adjacent local school and wider community, supporting educational initiatives, volunteering, and skills development

Matt Fry, Director and Co-founder of Wilten Construction, commented:

"It’s great to have begun work on this scheme, and we are looking forward to seeing Nucleus take shape. Hosting Chancerygate and our professional team on site for the ground-breaking ceremony was a positive way to mark the start of the project, and it highlighted the collaborative approach that will continue throughout delivery. Nucleus will provide modern industrial space that meets the needs of today’s businesses while contributing positively to the community."

George Dickens, Senior Development Director at Chancerygate, said:

“There is robust demand throughout Newmarket and the wider Suffolk and Cambridgeshire region for Grade A accommodation supporting a range of industrial uses, including R&D".

Nucleus will help meet this demand and, in doing so, could create up to 100 jobs. We have a strong relationship with the team at Wilten Construction, and are very pleased to be working with them to deliver a sustainable, high-specification scheme that will become a lasting economic asset for the locality and wider region".

Founded in 1995, Chancerygate is the UK’s largest urban logistics property developer and investment manager and the only one operating nationwide.

In the UK, Chancerygate currently has around 2.2m sq ft of urban logistics space under construction or ready for development across 15 sites ranging from Leeds to Croydon.