Demolition of Cavendish II

The safe removal of asbestos and careful demolition of the six Cavendish II buildings is scheduled to start in summer 2026. 

The demolition programme will be designed to limit disruption, including noise and vibration, as far as possible. Consultation has taken place with neighbouring institutions, including the Institute for Biomedical Innovation (IBI) and the Magnetic Resonance Research Centre, to discuss and agree mitigation measures. 

The University has appointed leading asbestos removal company Rhodar Industrial Services as the main contractor for the demolition works. For those who would like to find out more about the planned demolition a staff and student drop-in event will be held at the West Hub from 10.30am to 2pm on Wednesday 24 June. 

The Estates Division has installed fencing around the perimeter of the Cavendish II site. This is as an additional security measure to prevent unauthorised entry into the area whilst decontamination works are ongoing, and ahead of the proposed demolition works. It will remain in place until it is replaced by a timber hoarding, by 20 June.

Following demolition there will be a cycle route across the Cambridge West site.  

Plans for future use of the site have not yet been finalised. These will be developed in the context of the wider ambitions to develop the Cambridge West Innovation District.

The move of University Physics staff, students and equipment from the Cavendish II site to the Ray Dolby Centre was completed in October 2025.

Please contact Cav2.Project@admin.cam.ac.uk if you would like any more information or have any queries.