Whittle Laboratory at the University of Cambridge officially opened by His Majesty King Charles III

Large aircraft engine displayed inside a research and testing facility, showing exposed turbine blades, wiring and mechanical components. Several visitors, including King Charles III, are walking around the laboratory and viewing the engine from an elevated steel access platform, while additional testing equipment and industrial services are visible throughout the bright, high-ceilinged space.

The new Whittle Laboratory, in the Cambridge West Innovation District at the University of Cambridge, was officially opened on 20 July 2026 at the Frank Whittle Summit by His Majesty King Charles III. 

The laboratory is the UK’s integrated technology accelerator, a research facility that brings together researchers, students, industry partners and entrepreneurs around a shared mission: to transform the speed at which new propulsion and power technologies move from research to real-world application.

"The new Whittle Laboratory represents a step-change in how advanced propulsion research facilities function, rapidly compressing the journey from ideas to tested practical hardware. To realise this vision, our role has been to integrate high‑performance, low-energy engineering systems into a highly flexible building capable of supporting world‑leading experimentation while maintaining an efficient and comfortable working environment. 

It’s been a genuinely collaborative achievement, bringing together researchers, architects and engineers to create a facility that not only meets today’s demands, but is adaptable for the challenges of low‑carbon flight and energy in the decades ahead.”  

A headshot of Andrew Johnson wearing a blue shirt

MEng
Principal Engineer
Partner

Pioneering rapid test facility

The repurposing and expansion of the original 1970s Whittle Laboratory encompasses the Bennett Innovation Lab and the UK National Centre for Propulsion and Power (NCPP). The Bennett Innovation Lab (BIL) is a pioneering facility with a mission-driven model where elite, multi-disciplinary teams use Formula 1-style rapid testing and ruthless iteration to quickly discover what works – moving breakthrough ideas from imagination to execution and massively cutting costs. The laboratory has been built around this model, bringing thinking, making and testing under one roof, activities previously dispersed across international locations, and establishes a new benchmark for research in collaboration with the University’s Department of Engineering and industry partners Siemens, Rolls Royce, Mitsubishi and Dyson. The NCPP is a unique rapid test facility that accelerates years of development into months. Purpose-built for innovation and discovery, it brings together a community of the brightest minds to solve some of the world’s most complex problems.

Multi-storey atrium featuring a wide timber social staircase used as informal seating, framed by timber louvred walls, integrated planters and large rooflights. A group of people are gathered on the steps while others stand on the surrounding balconies.

©Hufton+Crow

Open-plan collaboration area with people gathered around a long communal table, while others use a whiteboard wall for discussion. The space features timber detailing, integrated planting, suspended lighting and exposed services.

©Hufton+Crow

Interior view of the Bennett Innovation Lab showing a timber staircase, glazed meeting and laboratory spaces, and timber acoustic wall panels. A person descends the stairs while researchers work and meet in rooms beyond the glass partitions.

©Hufton+Crow

Side elevation of the Whittle Laboratory building, featuring a white metal-clad façade with recessed windows and large signage reading “Whittle Laboratory – National Centre for Propulsion and Power”. A pedestrian walks along the pavement beneath tree branches framing the view.

©Hufton+Crow

Large laboratory testing hall containing a blue industrial research rig connected to extensive pipework and services. An overhead gantry crane spans the space, with access platforms and specialist equipment visible throughout.

©Hufton+Crow

Adaptable, low energy research environment

Sustainability has been embedded into the project from the outset. As part of the consolidation of the University’s Department of Engineering at Cambridge West, the design uses the Energy Cost Matrix, developed by Sir David MacKay, to prioritise whole-life energy minimisation, operational efficiency and long-term adaptability. 

The building incorporates air-source heat pumps with future provision for connection to Cambridge West’s district energy network, rooftop solar generation, a high-performance self-shading façade that balances daylight and cooling loads, and the reuse of materials from demolition including reclaimed raised floor tiles and low-carbon steel elements. Together, these strategies support a research environment designed to advance the technologies of a net-zero future while reducing the impact of the building itself.

 

"Just 50 years ago, at the opening of the current Whittle Laboratory, Cambridge and its industrial partners faced the challenge of making mass air travel a reality. Now the New Whittle Laboratory will enable us to lead the way in making it carbon neutral. We must do what Cambridge has always done, and step up to the challenge."

Professor Rob Miller Chair in Aerothermal Technology and Whittle Lab Director

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