Pharma giant GSK has announced plans for a major new global research and development centre in Cambridgeshire, part of a £400 million investment.
The facility, set for the Cambridge Biomedical Campus, will be located at Discovery Drive and developed by property company Prologis.
It comes as the pharmaceutical giant announced it would be closing its main research and development hub in Stevenage, where around 1,800 members of staff work.
A phased relocation of staff is expected to be completed by 2029, with around 1,000 scientists at the Cambridge site.
Andrew Blevins, senior vice president of life sciences at 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."
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GSK announces closure of Stevenage centre that employs 1,800
The new centre will span 300,000 square feet and will become home to GSK’s R&D operations in the UK.
It will comprise three interconnected buildings: 2000, 3000, and 4000 Discovery Drive.
Construction is already under way on the first building.
The second has full planning permission and the third recently received planning committee approval, subject to formal planning permission.
The announcement marks what leaders have described as a significant milestone for the biomedical campus.
Jonathan Reynolds, Secretary of State for Business, Innovation, Science and Trade, said: "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."
Phase two expansion of the campus represents £500 million of foreign direct investment by Prologis.
The company said GSK’s commitment means that Phase 2 will be fully committed once the remaining buildings are delivered.
Prologis is also working with Cambridgeshire County Council on phases three and four, which could add 2.4 million square feet of life sciences space and a further £3 billion of investment over the next 20 years.
Mayor of Cambridgeshire and Peterborough Paul Bristow 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."
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