GSK has unveiled plans to open a new 300,000 sq ft global research and development centre at Cambridge Biomedical Campus.
The £400m centre on Discovery Drive, which will become home to GSK’s R&D operations in the UK, will be delivered by development partner Prologis.
The centre will comprise three interconnected buildings – 2000, 3000 and 4000 Discovery Drive. Construction is underway on 2000 Discovery Drive, 3000 Discovery Drive has full planning consent and 4000 Discovery Drive recently received planning committee approval, subject to formal planning permission.
Andrew Blevins, SVP, life sciences, Prologis, said: “GSK’s decision is a powerful endorsement of Cambridge Biomedical Campus and the unique ecosystem that has been created here. Prologis invested ahead of demand at Discovery Drive because we believed global life sciences organisations would continue to choose Cambridge. Having the right specialist infrastructure available allows companies to establish world class facilities more quickly and strengthens the UK’s ability to compete for internationally significant life sciences investment.”
Jonathan Reynolds, secretary of state for business, innovation, science and trade, added: “The UK is a genuine world leader in the life sciences, an industry providing life-saving new treatments to patients, while creating and supporting jobs in postcodes across the country. This announcement from GSK is yet another vote of confidence in the sector and demonstrates the success of the government’s Industrial Strategy in unlocking vital private investment into the UK, one year on from the launch of the Life Sciences Sector Plan.
“This is great news for the sector and Prologis’ multi-billion pound future investment ambitions at Cambridge Biomedical Campus, demonstrating the success of the life sciences sector in the UK in attracting investment and supporting innovation which will drive discoveries that save and improve lives.”
Paul Bristow, mayor of Cambridgeshire and Peterborough, said: “Cambridge Biomedical Campus has become one of Europe’s leading centres for life sciences because it brings together pioneering research, outstanding healthcare and ambitious businesses in one place. GSK’s expanded presence is another vote of confidence in our region and demonstrates the continued appeal of Cambridgeshire as a place where global organisations choose to innovate and grow.”
