A world-leading biomedical research site in Cambridge is set for a £3bn expansion thanks to a partnership between the county council and a developer.
Cambridgeshire County Council has put forward 67 acres of land in a new deal with its development partner Prologis, paving the way for two new phases of expansion to Cambridge Biomedical Campus.
In all, the £3bn of private investment will deliver up to 2.4million sqft of life science research, development and innovation space over the next 20 years.
A CGI walkthrough of the plans. Credit: Prologis UK
Cllr Karen Young, Chair of the Assets and Procurement Committee at Cambridgeshire County Council, said: “The Cambridge Biomedical Campus is Europe’s largest centre for medical research and health science, and this decision represents an important step in supporting its long-term growth.
“This is a once-in-a-generation opportunity for Cambridgeshire and the UK more widely. It will deliver fantastic facilities, thousands of jobs, accelerate scientific innovation and will be a huge boost to Cambridgeshire’s economy.
“We had 20 acres of land allocated in the 2018 South Cambridgeshire District Council Local Plan, and we’re now asking Prologis to continue to promote a further 47 acres of land.
“This will give the council a future commercial return, subject to planning permission, that will be used to help deliver our key services, support our ambitions, with a focus on reducing health inequalities, promoting growth, achieving net zero and investing in our communities.”
Features of the expansion will include a new innovation hub with co-working laboratories, learning spaces, a skills and training centre, offices and serviced apartments for keyworkers.
Other additions being explored include new hotels, a cafe, on-campus nursery and a central plaza.
A southern access road could also be built to improve access to the site, alongside enhanced public transport and active travel initiatives.
Paul Weston, Regional Head of Prologis UK, said: “Our partnership reflects a shared commitment to the long-term success of Cambridge Biomedical Campus.
“Phases 3 and 4 are about taking a thoughtful, place-led approach to future growth, working with Cambridgeshire County Council and the campus’s world-leading institutions.
“We are proud of our long-standing role at the campus and look forward to progressing these proposals, to support Cambridge’s global position in life science innovation.”
Institutions already calling the campus home include AstraZeneca, Cambridge University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, the Wellcome Trust and Cancer Research UK.
More details on the projects will be made available once planning applications are submitted by Prologis.
