Loughborough is the location for a new 70-acre science and technology park, which is being developed on a former AstraZeneca pharmaceutical research and development site.
Jayplas acquired the site in 2012 for an undisclosed sum and the creation of Charnwood Biomedical Campus has already begun.
The Campus will provide 450,000ft2 of multi-purpose, specialist laboratories and equipment, stability cabinets, a pilot plant, offices, warehousing and car parking for up to 1,500 vehicles.
Created on the former AstraZeneca site, which the company vacated in 2010, with the loss of 1,200 jobs, the Campus will build on the location’s 43-year history by creating an innovative and collaborative environment for both established and start-up businesses.
In recent years the Campus has benefited from investment of approximately £400m, including the construction of a £42m safety assessment laboratory in 1996; a £31m process R&D plant in 1998; a £34m pharmaceutical and analytical laboratory facility in 1999; £17m on general infrastructure; a £45m pharmaceutical development facility in 2001; an £11m clinical building; and a £16m biology building in 2006.
Charnwood's owners expect the Campus to attract tenants from a number of sectors including pharmaceuticals, life sciences, healthcare, new technology, R&D, academia and the public sector, creating opportunities to bring jobs back to Loughborough and the East Midlands.
The Campus will attract tenant businesses from new start-ups to established enterprises
Previous 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.
Dominic Young, Director at Charnwood Biomedical Campus, who is leading the site’s redevelopment, commented: 'The Campus will attract tenant businesses from new start-ups 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. We have been overwhelmed by the interest so far and negotiations are in the advanced stages with a number of potential tenants.'
The masterplan builds on the existing facilities at the park and further investment and expansion will be made as it grows, he added.
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, a cafe with catering facilities, a nursery, and conference and meeting room facilities.
Nicky Morgan, MP for Loughborough and Economic Secretary to the Treasury, 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 is really pushing forward with its plans for the Charnwood Biomedical Campus and deserves lots of credit for first taking on the site, and now working very hard to attract new tenants. This Campus offers a great opportunity for the Loughborough economy and our reputation as a great place to base your business. It is also perfectly located at the heart of the Midlands, supported by the region’s excellent air, rail and road links.'