New Science Park for East Midlands

Loughborough has been officially announced as the location for a world-class science and technology park, as development of a former pharmaceutical research establishment continues undergoing transformation into the new Charnwood Biomedical Campus.

Jayplas, which last year acquired a 70 acre site previously home to pharmaceutical company AstraZeneca, is providing 450,000 sq ft of facilities including multi-purpose, specialist laboratories and equipment, stability cabinets, a pilot plant, offices, warehousing and car parking for up to 1500 vehicles when redeveloped.

The new campus is expecting to attract tenant businesses from sectors including pharmaceuticals, life sciences, healthcare, new technology, R&D, academia and the public sector, in turn creating opportunities to bring jobs back to Loughborough and the East Midlands.

Charnwood’s owners have confirmed ‘considerable interest’ already from a number of global plc’s, and that they are in ‘advanced talks’ with one tenant seeking capacity for 300-400 staff.

Building on the legacy of 43-years of pharmaceutical R&D the new science park will “create an innovative and collaborative environment where ideas come to life and thrive, as well as being a unique and exciting place to work that will add value and opportunity to the local economy,” said campus director Dominic Young, who is leading the redevelopment plans. Landscaped areas and facilities including sport and recreational areas, catering facilities, a nursery and conference and meeting rooms will also be available to the wider Loughborough community, he added.

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 are really pushing forward with their plans for the Charnwood Biomedical Campus and deserve lots of credit for firstly taking on the site, and now working very hard to attract new tenants.”