Leading property investment company, Prologis UK, acquired the development opportunity at CBC in 2020. The company has committed £45 million to build 1000 Discovery Drive, a speculative development for biomedical and pharmaceutical businesses, and to develop a further 300,000 sq. ft. at the site. Outline planning permission for the expansion of the site has already been secured.
At the event, held at CBC on The Green & Garden, in between Astra Zeneca’s HQ and the Royal Papworth Hospital, Prologis UK’s Head of Life Sciences, Andrew Blevins, told visiting dignitaries and property agents why 1000 Discovery Drive is an unrivalled opportunity for life science businesses looking for a base to grow in the UK. He said:
“Our journey into life sciences has been a rewarding experience so far and we are extremely excited about what is to come. Whilst Prologis is best known for logistics property, we have employed the same skills to construct this state-of-the-art building at 1000 Discovery Drive. We’re looking forward to welcoming businesses to the site next year.
”Our vision is to create spaces that meet the needs of early-stage and fast-developing biotech and pharmaceutical businesses; placing them in close proximity to some of the UK’s best-known hospitals and universities, so they can thrive together. We are also want to draw in the local community, so they feel part of the site’s expansion and have a vested interest in it.”
Recent news that a new cancer hospital is going to be developed at CBC has added to the sense of excitement at the site and its role in showcasing world-leading life sciences expertise. Backed by Cambridge University Hospitals and the University of Cambridge, Cambridge Cancer Research Hospital will provide a testbed for cutting-edge cancer treatments, bringing benefits for society as a whole.
Nick Kirby, director of strategy and major projects, at Cambridge University Hospitals NHS Trust said:
“Cambridge Biomedical Campus is a thriving community where the worlds of academia, industry, research and health meet, collaborate and work to tackle some of the significant healthcare challenges facing the world today. As the largest employment site in Cambridge, we are focused on ensuring patients benefit from the campus’ world-leading research. In 2023, the number of people working on the campus will grow to over 20,000 and the number of patients receiving care here exceeds 1 million per year.
”The international nature of the collaborations that take place here cut across traditional boundaries to allow us to work together on care, research and training. Our success is based on everyone’s willingness to unite to exert a powerful global influence as the campus attracts world class companies, investment and talent to Cambridge, with the aim of improving healthcare and knowledge.”
Prologis UK is committed to creating facilities that meet the needs of businesses now and in the future; with best-in-class sustainability and energy-efficiency features as standard.
Image: Andrew Blevins
