A nationally significant research facility dedicated to advancing laser communications technology has officially opened at the University of Suffolk’s DigiTech Centre, marking a major milestone for the UK’s space and quantum communications sector.

Concertus was appointed by the University of Suffolk to deliver the new Laser Laboratory and Research Space, providing building surveying alongside mechanical and electrical design, coordination and quality management from inception through to completion in January 2026.

The project involved the refurbishment and remodelling of five rooms within Oberon House, transforming redundant office space into a state-of-the-art facility to support the University and its project partners, including the UK Space Agency, East of England Space Cluster and the University of Glasgow. Working collaboratively with stakeholders, the scheme was carefully designed to meet complex operational requirements while futureproofing the space for ongoing research funding and long-term teaching provision.

At the heart of the development is the UK’s largest indoor specialist laser laboratory, designed to test turbulence and moisture emulation for free-space beam propagation. Supporting facilities include adjacent changing areas, flexible workspaces, and upgraded incoming electrical infrastructure to accommodate specialist equipment.

Concertus also produced a fully costed viability study, aligning refurbishment options with both internal budgets and external funding requirements. The multidisciplinary team developed solutions to meet critical performance criteria, including specialist ventilation, airflow, lighting, heating and light reflectance levels, all within a constrained footprint. Designs were coordinated through a live collaborative model, with staged clash detection and regular engagement with end users to ensure the facility meets day-to-day operational needs.

The new facility forms part of the Quantum Optics Discovery (QOD) Lab within the Space East cluster and has been grant-funded by the UK Space Agency through its Space Cluster Infrastructure Fund, alongside match funding from commercial and academic partners. The £6.2 million development is the first of its kind in the East of England.

The laboratory enables advanced testing of laser communication systems, known as free space optics, within controlled and real-world atmospheric conditions. Capabilities include simulating rain, fog, temperature and wind, with the ability to test extreme environments, as well as facilitating live communication testing via satellite links between ground stations in Suffolk and Edinburgh.

The facility is expected to play a key role in supporting next-generation secure communications, reducing reliance on traditional cable-based infrastructure, and enabling future space missions. It will also provide commercial testing opportunities across sectors including emergency services, finance, security, and disaster response, while supporting academic research through PhD and postdoctoral programmes.

The facility was officially opened at a launch event attended by project partners and invited guests, led by University of Suffolk Vice-Chancellor, Professor Jenny Higham.