BioMed Realty and Illumina announce new build-to-suit laboratory building in Cambridge, UK
New state-of-the-art building to be located in scientific research park and will serve as Illumina's new European headquarters
Illumina, a world leader in genomics focused on improving human health by unlocking the power of the genome, has signed a 20-year lease for a 155,000ft2 new and innovative scientific research building in Cambridge, UK.
The project will provide Illumina with a collaborative environment and access to the highly skilled workforce in the dynamic research cluster anchored by Cambridge University. The project advances state-of-the-art design, with plans to be able to seamlessly expand by 70,000ft2 into a 225,000ft2 building.
BioMed Realty acquired the land for the project from The Welding Institute under a long-term ground lease, enlarging BioMed Realty's Granta Park campus in Cambridge.
‘Illumina and BioMed Realty's commitment to building a new state-of-the art facility in Cambridge is great news for our area,’ said George Freeman, Parliamentary Under Secretary of State for Life Sciences at the UK Department for Business, Innovation and Skills and the Department of Health. ‘This is a strong endorsement of the UK's Life Science Industrial Strategy and leadership in driving forward better treatments for people with cancers and rare diseases.’
‘Illumina is proud of its heritage and presence in the Cambridge area, and welcomes the opportunity to continue our strong investment in the UK,’ said Marc Stapley, Chief Financial Officer for Illumina. ‘This new state-of-the-art European headquarters will provide enhanced collaboration opportunities for our growing employee base, which is so foundational to Illumina's innovation and success.’