CAMBRIDGE, England—BioMed Realty Trust, Inc., of San Diego says that, 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 155,000 square foot new and innovative scientific research building in Cambridge. The project will provide Illumina 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 70,000 square feet into a 225,000 square foot 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, England.

“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.”