The Assets and Procurement Committee at Cambridgeshire County Council has agreed its partnership with Prologis to support the future expansion of Cambridge Biomedical Campus.
The committee heard that 67 acres of land, owned by Cambridgeshire County Council, is being put forward to allow the Campus’ next phase of growth, aligned with delivery of the UK’s Modern Industrial Strategy.
Councillors approved the land deal with Prologis, as development partner, for the next two phases of expansion at the Cambridge Biomedical Campus (CBC), marking an important milestone in the long-term evolution of Europe’s foremost life sciences campus. The proposed expansion would significantly increase its scale and capability, strengthening its international role as one of the most important centres for biomedical innovation.
The decision enables Prologis to progress preparatory work on Phases three and four of CBC, representing up to £3 billion ($4 billion) of private investment over the next two decades. The ambition is to double the size of CBC, whilst delivering significant economic, social and infrastructure benefits for Cambridgeshire.
Phases three and four will deliver up to 2.4 million sq ft of life science research, development and innovation space, designed to support organisations at every stage of growth. The emerging vision includes an innovation hub with co-working laboratories, learning spaces, a skills and training centre, keyworker serviced apartments and offices for life science support companies. Proposals include investment in transport infrastructure, green spaces and a community fund.
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 NetZero and investing in our communities.”
New amenities under consideration include a café, community rooms, event spaces and educational facilities. Land may also be made available for the two new hotels, providing leisure and conferencing facilities and offering affordable accommodation for staff, visitors and NHS patients, subject to planning approval.
Infrastructure and connectivity form a central part of the proposals. Subject to approvals, the investment could support the early delivery of a Southern Access Road and enhanced public transport and active travel initiatives to improve access to the campus. An on-campus nursery and new central Plaza are being explored support the creation of a vibrant, inclusive campus environment.
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.”
A £4m community-focused investment fund is proposed to support local initiatives and deliver long-term social value. Life Sciences and Placemaking Advisory Boards will be established to support inclusive governance and ensure that decision making regarding Phases three and four reflects local priorities.
CBC is already home to leading institutions including AstraZeneca’s global headquarters, Cambridge University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, the Wellcome Trust and Cancer Research UK.
The County Council agreed to grant an option to specialist developer, Prologis UK Ltd, to acquire its land interests, on a long leasehold basis, conditional on Prologis securing planning consent required for the expansion of the campus.
