Railpen – Cambridge Tech Week Blog
We invest for returns, but for impact. Whether that be within communities, industries, or the UK economy, making Cambridge one of the most compelling cities in the UK to invest and develop in.
Cambridge has always been a city of breakthroughs, a real beacon of global innovation. For centuries, it has been home to discoveries that have reshaped how we live and think, from the structure of DNA to artificial intelligence, clean energy, and cutting-edge materials. Cambridge has a unique power, embedded in academia and research. With a growing population, high levels of productivity, and demand for quality infrastructure, Cambridge exemplifies the potential of Britain’s regional powerhouses, and yet, we believe there is untapped opportunity. As a city recognised globally for its world-class talent, cutting-edge research institutions, and thriving technology and life sciences sectors, we must harness this greatness to create an ecosystem of assets that deliver plentiful opportunities for those to stay, work, live, thrive, and grow.
The government has been vocal about its broader growth agenda for the UK, which seeks to boost productivity and ensure that the benefits of economic development are felt across regions. We are very much aligned with this, and by investing in places like Cambridge, we are helping to facilitate, grow, and build the infrastructure needed for the UK to compete on a global level. In Cambridge, this means creating forward-thinking environments that inspire long-term commitment and meaningful contribution.
Cambridge is the ideal location for thoughtful, future-facing investment. By enabling the delivery of modern and high-quality workspaces that meet the criteria across sustainability, experience, amenity, and public realm, we can support the foundations for continued innovation and economic expansion. We can create developments that respond to local needs while attracting businesses, fostering collaboration, and retaining talent.
Aligning with the UK growth agenda is a responsibility measured not in years, but in decades and generations, and we have already seen our impact come to fruition across the city. We have been embedded in Cambridge for nearly a decade and are now one of the largest real asset investors in the city. Our innovation cluster includes 11 assets totalling 1.9 million square feet of high-quality space that bring something new to the city. However, these are not just buildings. They are places designed for collaboration and sustainability, with green spaces, cycle hubs, community facilities, and learning centres. We want to make a positive contribution to the communities in which we invest, and that means not only creating spaces where businesses can thrive, but also places where people feel inspired, connected, and proud to belong.
Railpen’s investment in Cambridge goes far beyond bricks and mortar too. In partnership with Innovate Cambridge, we have created The Glasshouse, an innovation hub in the heart of the city that facilitates idea generation, collaboration and knowledge sharing.
Significantly, we have made direct investments in businesses in Cambridge and the wider Golden Triangle, including CMR Surgical, the second-largest soft tissue surgical robotics company globally; IP Group, a key investor in UK university spin-outs; and OXA, a UK-based autonomous vehicle software company. We are supporting growth and innovation at its very source, which provides us with a unique perspective and understanding of what academics, innovators and entrepreneurs need and want from the spaces and places that will help them thrive. Places like Railpen’s Botanic Place and Mill Yard, both of which are under construction, and which bring something new, different and needed to the city.
As we look to the future, our commitment to cities like Cambridge is stronger than ever. We believe that long-term, sustainable investment in knowledge hubs will be a key driver of national prosperity and resilience. At Railpen, we’re proud to play our part in building that future, responsibly and strategically, and with a view towards lasting impact.
Author: Matthew Howard, Head of Property, Railpen