Illumina, an American manufacturer which markets integrated systems for the analysis of genetic variation and biological function, has signed a 15-year lease for a new 360,000ft2, state-of-the-art campus in Foster City, CA, US. The agreement is said to be one of the largest life science lease transactions in the US over the past ten years.
The campus development from BioMed Realty is expected to be a model design for life science companies to focus on their research and science. It will include two Class A laboratory and office buildings totalling 360,000ft2, which are expected to be opened in 2017; properties which are targeted to receive LEED Gold Certification by employing modern, creative design techniques, sustainable materials, and cutting-edge technology to provide the highest levels of sustainability and energy efficiency; flexible, adaptable building designs; amenities including a large central quad with an outdoor amphitheatre, playing fields, meeting spaces and other recreational features; and access to the primary transportation arteries in the area.
Illumina will lease all of the initial 360,000ft2. In addition, the company has an option to expand the campus with the development of a third building providing an additional 160,000ft2, which would bring the campus to a total of 520,000ft2.
Illumina's expansion at the Foster City campus further validates the San Francisco Peninsula as a key innovation district of the San Francisco Bay area, just north of Stanford University.
‘Employee collaboration and innovation are foundational to Illumina's success. In addition to our new Mission Bay location, this campus will provide us with an opportunity to bring together employees from several different sites as we continue to grow our presence in the Bay Area,’ said Marc Stapley, Chief Financial Officer at Illumina.
‘We also expect this campus will provide stronger ties with our customers and partners, while establishing a state-of-the-art work environment to retain and attract the most talented employees in our industry.’
