GSK is set to establish a 300,000 sqft global research and development (R&D) centre at Cambridge Biomedical Campus as part of a wider £400 million investment, with Prologis appointed as development partner for the new life sciences facility.
GSK has announced plans for a major new global R&D centre at Cambridge Biomedical Campus, bringing its UK R&D operations together at the site.
The 300,000 sqft centre will be located at Discovery Drive and developed by Prologis. It forms part of a wider £400 million investment by GSK.
The development is planned across three interconnected buildings – 2000, 3000 and 4000 Discovery Drive.
Construction is already under way at 2000 Discovery Drive, while 3000 Discovery Drive has full planning permission. The third building, 4000 Discovery Drive, has received planning committee approval, subject to formal planning permission.
The investment is intended to strengthen GSK’s presence at Cambridge Biomedical Campus, which brings together biomedical research, patient care, academia and industry to support the discovery and development of new medicines.
GSK’s commitment also represents a milestone for Prologis’ Phase 2 expansion at Cambridge Biomedical Campus.
With 1000 Discovery Drive already fully occupied, GSK’s commitment means Phase 2 will be fully committed once the remaining buildings have been delivered.
The phase represents USD$635 million (£500 million) of foreign direct investment by Prologis.
Prologis said its approach of investing ahead of demand in specialist laboratory and research facilities is intended to ensure infrastructure is available when life sciences organisations decide to establish or expand UK operations.
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, said: “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.”
