Cambridge, UK, 3 September 2013: BioFocus and Aviva Investors, the owners of Chesterford Research Park, today announced the signing of a pre-let agreement for the new Robinson Building, a 60,000 square foot (5,587square metres) state-of-the-art laboratory facility at Chesterford. BioFocus will unite the majority of its drug discovery groups within the new complex, affording the company a unique position amongst CROs for support of integrated projects.
Chris Newton of BioFocus explains the decision to move: “BioFocus has been expanding its research activities at Chesterford Park, bringing our expertise in different areas such as structural biology, complex cell assays, and medicinal chemistry closer together. Moving many of these teams into a single, modern and efficient building is an important step forward for the company and will bring added synergies to both our business model and to our scientists.”
Julian Cobourne, Asset Manager for Aviva Investors says: “Chesterford Research Park has provided significant support to BioFocus in meeting its property needs over the years and it has been great to work with them to design a much more efficient laboratory building to meet their future requirements.”
Martin Sylvester of Churchmanor Estates (the joint development partner of Aviva Investors at Chesterford Research Park) commented: “This is great news for Chesterford Research Park and also for the South Cambridge life sciences cluster. Aside from the AstraZeneca deal, this is the largest pre-let in the Cambridge area since 2011 and represents a very significant investment in the region’s economy.”
As the Robinson Building already has outline planning permission, construction is expected to start on site almost immediately. The building has been designed as two wings, linked by an impressive two-storey atrium and a landscaped courtyard. It has an attractive curved profile which will be enhanced by extensive green landscaping.
For media enquiries concerning BioFocus, please contact:
Katie Odgaard
Zyme Communications
T: +44 7787 502 947
E: katie.odgaard@zymecommunications.com
For further press information concerning Chesterford Research Park contact:
Catherine Taylor
Communications Consultant
T: 07788 480123
E: ctaylor67@btinternet.com
About BioFocus
BioFocus provides integrated drug discovery that delivers pre-clinical drug candidates in all therapeutic areas with strong capabilities in neurodegenerative diseases, inflammatory diseases and rare and neglected diseases. BioFocus has advanced and comprehensive drug discovery capabilities that are applied to client projects to deliver targets, hits, leads and pre-clinical candidates. The company employs over 150 exceptionally qualified and industry experienced scientists at its research centers in the UK and the Netherlands. Since its foundation in 1997, BioFocus has produced high quality data for its clients, assured by ISO9001 qualification, validated by regular independent inspection of all BioFocus research centers. For more information, visit us at Twitter, LinkedIn and at www.biofocus.com.
About Chesterford Research Park
Chesterford Research Park has proved to be an ideal environment for life science companies to grow and prosper. Leading bioscience names that have located at Chesterford include Illumina Inc, Isogenica and a multitude of life science and start-up companies. The Park’s location close to Cambridge and M11 with London just one hour away by train from nearby Audley End station means occupiers enjoy convenient and easy access. Stansted Airport is also just 20 minutes’ drive away.
Chesterford Research Park has been developed by Churchmanor Estates and is owned by Aviva Investors. To find out more, visit www.chesterfordresearchpark.com
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