Next-generation advanced manufacturing facility powered by Harwell’s Smart Grid

A new 70,000 SQF advanced manufacturing and industrial innovation development at Harwell Science and Innovation Campus has reached practical completion. Tech Foundry 3 is the latest addition to the Tech Foundry scheme and is connected to Harwell’s pioneering Smart Grid, enabling occupiers to benefit from reliable, low-cost, low-carbon energy as part of the campus’s next-generation infrastructure.

Project Managed by Bidwells, with a Design Team led by Scott Brownrigg and constructed by Glencar, Tech Foundry 3 is a striking, next generation sustainable facility created to support the growing community of leading scientists, engineers and innovators based at Harwell Campus.

The scheme brings six high-quality tech units to the market, each with its own private entrance, grade-level access loading doors, a minimum clear internal height of 10 metres, and views across a newly landscaped exterior. Flexible by design, units from 5,800 SQF upwards can be adapted to accommodate wet and dry laboratories, R&D space, and advanced and industrial manufacturing. Mezzanine floors can be introduced to expand the space from 70,000 SQF up to 135,000 SQF, to meet individual occupier needs.

Tech Foundry 3 incorporates photovoltaic panels and is connected to Harwell\’s Smart Grid, which uses artificial intelligence, solar generation and battery storage to deliver a more resilient, lower-carbon energy supply. By harnessing unused capacity, storing excess solar power in communal batteries and optimising demand through advanced monitoring and AI, the system provides the campus community with immediate access to scalable, cost-effective energy, supporting faster growth with a reduced carbon footprint and reinforcing Harwell’s position as a leading hub for UK research and innovation.

Jason Stafford, Development and Construction Director at Harwell Campus, said: “We’re delighted to complete the latest addition to Harwell’s development pipeline. Tech Foundry 3 complements our existing portfolio while providing highly flexible, future-ready space for science, innovation and technology focused occupiers. Its high-quality design, significant sustainability achievements, including the connection to the Campus’ innovative Smart Grid, and its nature sensitive landscape setting is credit to the developer, consultant and contractor team that have worked hard on its delivery.”

As a nationally significant science and innovation destination, Harwell Campus is home to a growing ecosystem of world-class research and pioneering companies. The completion of Tech Foundry 3 marks a significant milestone in the expansion of the campus, reinforcing its growing influence as a catalyst for economic growth, high-value employment and world-leading scientific innovation.

Since 2020, more than 1 million SQF of new laboratory, advanced manufacturing and workspace has been delivered, creating high-value jobs. A further 4.5 million SQF is planned as part of the campus’s long-term, government-backed masterplan.