Bouygues UK has broke ground on a new £300 million state-of-the-art physics laboratory and shared facilities hub at the University of Cambridge.

The contractor was joined by members of the university to celebrate the beginning of construction.

Located at the West Cambridge campus off Madingley Road, the development will provide a purpose-built centre for world-leading physics research, bringing together all of the Cavendish Laboratory's research groups under one roof.

The flagship building of the development will be named the Ray Dolby Centre to recognise a £75 million gift from the estate of sound pioneer Ray Dolby. It will house a range of laboratories, offices, clean rooms, workshops and multiple lecture theatres.


Fabienne Viala, Chairman of Bouygues UK and UK Country Manager for Bouygues Construction, said: "Bouygues UK and our sister company Bouygues Energies & Services have been involved from the start on this exciting scheme, working alongside the University of Cambridge's existing project team to develop proposals for a new world-class laboratory. It is exciting to break ground on this project that will see us bringing innovation, a collaborative approach and our technical expertise to create a new home for major academic research."

Professor Andy Parker, Head of Department of Physics at the University of Cambridge, added: "This is a great step in the development of physics research and learning at the University of Cambridge. We look forward to moving in to our new facilities and opening our doors to the wider research community and the public to increase understanding and foster discovery."

The new facility is expected to be completed in 2022.

(CM/MH)