Loughborough is to be the location for a world-class science and technology park as development of a former pharmaceutical research and development site gets underway.
Jayplas acquired the site in 2012 and have confirmed its plans to develop the site into a leading UK science park to be known as The Charnwood Biomedical Campus.
The 70-acre Campus will provide 450,000 sq ft of first-class facilities, including multi-purpose, specialist laboratories and equipment, stability cabinets, a pilot plant, offices, warehousing and car parking for up to 1500 vehicles.
It is to be created on the former site of a large multinational pharmaceutical company, and will build on the location’s 43-year history to create a modern, unique place to work by providing an innovative and collaborative environment for both established and start-up businesses.
The Campus is expected to attract tenant businesses from a range of sectors including pharmaceuticals, life sciences, healthcare, new technology, R&D, academia and the public sector, in turn creating opportunities to bring jobs across these sectors back to Loughborough and the East Midlands.
“Charnwood Biomedical Campus will build on the legacy of 43 years of pharmaceutical research and development on the site in Loughborough,” explains Dominic Young, Director at Charnwood Biomedical Campus, who is leading the site’s redevelopment.
“It will create an innovative and collaborative environment where ideas come to life and thrive, as well as being a unique and exciting place to work that will add value and opportunity to the local economy.
“The Campus will attract tenant businesses from new start-ups through to established enterprises that are looking to grow and develop in a dedicated and relevant environment. It will be the ideal location for businesses across a range of sectors including pharma, biotech, academia and government organisations.
“The masterplan builds on the existing facilities at the Park and will see further investment and expansion as it grows to create a unique environment for businesses to base themselves,” he adds.
“In addition, demolition of some of the old buildings and laboratories will make way for new landscaped areas and facilities that will be available to the wider local Loughborough community, including sport and recreational areas such as sports pitches and a gym, a cafe with catering facilities, a nursery, and conference and meeting room facilities.”
Commenting on the news of the Park, Nicky Morgan, MP for Loughborough, said “I know many people in Loughborough and nearby have a connection with the former AstraZeneca site and most of us want to see it regenerated and reoccupied. I am delighted that Jayplas are really pushing forward with their plans for the Charnwood Biomedical Campus. This site offers a great opportunity for the Loughborough economy and our reputation as a great place to base your business.”
Past R&D activities on the site served to establish Loughborough as a global leader in pharmaceutical R&D excellence. Its legacy and heritage includes an extensive portfolio of marketed drugs and formulations used around the world.
Charnwood Biomedical Campus is a member of UKSPA (UK Science Park Association) and Medilink. It is easily accessible from the M1 and East Midlands International Airport.