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.”
“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, CFO 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.”
BioMed Realty owns, manages and operates Granta Park, a scientific research center, located eight miles from Cambridge University and currently comprising 472,200 square feet of laboratory and office space. Last year, the company acquired a 42,400-square-foot build-to-suit property in development for Takeda Pharmaceutical Co. in the Cambridge Science Park. With today's announcement of Illumina's new building, BioMed Realty's presence in the Cambridge, England market is approaching 700,000 square feet.
“BioMed Realty is delighted to announce that Illumina has selected Granta Park as its European headquarters and to be expanding our relationship with Illumina into Europe,” said Alan Gold, chairman, president and CEO of BioMed Realty. “Cambridge shares key common characteristics with our core U.S. markets which is why we decided to enter the market and why we continue to grow there.”
BioMed Realty delivers real estate solutions for biotechnology and pharmaceutical companies, scientific research institutions, government agencies and other entities involved in the life science industry. BioMed Realty owns or has interests in properties comprising approximately 18.3 million rentable square feet.
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David Phillips
David Phillips is a Chicago-based freelance writer and consultant with more than 20 years experience in business and community news. He also has extensive reporting experience in the food manufacturing industry for national trade publications.
