Investor-developer Voreda has exchanged contracts with Imperial College to build a £200m research and translation centre.
The 518,000 sq ft Research and Translation Hub forms part of the new Imperial West innovation district in White City, west London.
Voreda has secured a £73m development and investment facility from Santander Corporate Banking for a 248,000 sq ft translation centre, while Imperial College was awarded £35m from the Higher Education Funding Council for England towards the development of the 270,000 sq ft research centre in November 2012.
The translation centre includes 50 units for university and industry spinouts and new business, and will be run by Imperial College ThinkSpace, a team that provides support to entrepreneurs and large and small companies looking to relocate.
Laing O’Rourke has been appointed by Voreda as construction partner on the development. The buildings are slated for completion in 2016.
Professor David Gann CBE, vice-president, development and innovation, at Imperial College London, said: “Imperial West already hosts scores of innovative spin-outs and start-ups, and is highly connected to London’s TechCity and MedCity ecosystems. The Research and Translation Hub allows us to take this to the next level.”
sophia.furber@estatesgazette.com
