I was seeking to expand the national footprint of a large technical consultancy firm and needed a comfortable office space (for 6 people) in South Cambridgeshire. I conducted a significant number of site visits in and around the Cambridge area before finally settling on Serendipity Labs within One Cambridge Square.
Pros:
Location, it is directly opposite Cambridge North station (train is ~1 hour from Kings Cross, 40 mins from Stansted airport) and only a 5 min drive from the A14. There is a bus station adjacent to the office building, making central Cambridge, St Ives, Huntingdon, Addenbrookes etc. also easily accessible by public transport.
It is in very close proximity (10 min walk) to Cambridge Science, Business and Innovation parks which has been extremely useful for collaboration and establishing new business partnerships.
The facility is very well presented. Our office is spacious and comfortable. The communal areas are modern and well maintained and the conference rooms are well equipped and comfortable. There is a members lounge which offers an alternative and equally as comfortable working/networking area.
All visitors to our office have commented very positively on the appearance, feel and functionality of the entire facility.
It is accessible 24/7 for key holders. There is a permanent security presence on site. Access requires use of an electronic fob, digital key and physical key when opening up, so feels very secure. Reception staff are available during normal working hours to assist visitors etc. Office cleaning is undertaken daily during the week.
Hot drinks and some snacks are included in the rent. There is a well-stocked Coop within the building. (accessible from an external door), which opens early and closes late, including weekends.
The Wi-Fi is fast and reliable.
The Serendipity Labs staff are on hand during normal working hours and very helpful and supportive.
I have a wheelchair user in my team who found the layout and facilities very convenient.
There is a hotel (Novotel) directly opposite.
The River Cam is only a 10 min walk, which offers some scenic walks/cycle rides for those wishing to stretch their legs during the day.
Compared to similar style offices in central Cambridge, it is considerably easier to access (with lots of car parking, albeit at cost) and less expensive. Compared to similar offices beyond the city boundary, it may be slightly more expensive but Serendipity Labs' location makes access to similar tech companies in Cambridge significantly more convenient
The area immediately to the north will be redeveloped and by 2030 is likely to be a community of similar office blocks, large laboratories and residential apartments.
Cons: None identified yet.
In summary, Serendipity Labs has provided us with an idyllic location and comfortable/modern working space for a tech consultancy firm. My team feel very well supported by the on site staff and the general vibe round the floor and communal areas is very positive.
Highly recommended and always happy to speak individually if independent verification is helpful.
