Cambridge City Council has given the go ahead to plans for 600,000 sq ft of lab space after initial proposals were thrown out last year.
The facility will be a part of the forthcoming International Technology Park off Fulbourn Road.
The U-turn follows an acquisition of the 15-acre site by Blackstone’s BioMed Realty from Abstract Land in September 2021, alongside 27-acre plot from the Welding Institute to expand its Granta Park campus.
The appeal was launched in early August this year, with approval granted on Monday this week.
The council’s decision comes amid heightened life sciences tenant demand in the UK for lab space, which has driven availability to essentially zero for functional lab and office space.
BioMed Realty chief executive Tim Schoen said: “BioMed remains committed to investing in the UK by providing the space that is needed to bring life-saving products and therapies to market and ensure the UK’s future success as a global leader in drug development.”
The development is expected to comprise up to five buildings, each targeting a BREEAM Excellent score. Construction is set to begin as early as next year, with the first phase, comprising one commercial building, car and cycle parks, to be delivered in 2024.
The scheme has been designed by architecture firm Scott Brownrigg.
Bidwells advised BioMed Realty on planning.
See more Cambridge planning information>>
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