BioFocus signs agreement with Aviva Investors for construction of new laboratory and HQ building at Chesterford Research Park

BioFocus and Aviva Investors, the owners of Chesterford Research Park, have announced the signing of a pre-let agreement for the new Robinson Building, a 60,000 sq ft (5587 m²) state-of-the-art laboratory facility at Chesterford. BioFocus will unite the majority of its drug discovery groups within the new complex, affording the company a unique position amongst CROs for support of integrated projects.

Chris Newton of BioFocus explains the decision to move: “BioFocus has been expanding its research activities at Chesterford Park, bringing our expertise in different areas such as structural biology, complex cell assays, and medicinal chemistry closer together. Moving many of these teams into a single, modern and efficient building is an important step forward for the company and will bring added synergies to both our business model and to our scientists.”

Julian Cobourne, Asset Manager for Aviva Investors says: “Chesterford Research Park has provided significant support to BioFocus in meeting its property needs over the years and it has been great to work with them to design a much more efficient laboratory building to meet their future requirements.”

Martin Sylvester of Churchmanor Estates (the joint development partner of Aviva Investors at Chesterford Research Park) commented: “This is great news for Chesterford Research Park and also for the South Cambridge life sciences cluster. Aside from the AstraZeneca deal, this is the largest pre-let in the Cambridge area since 2011 and represents a very significant investment in the region’s economy.”

As the Robinson Building already has outline planning permission, construction is expected to start on site almost immediately. The building has been designed as two wings, linked by an impressive two-storey atrium and a landscaped courtyard.  It has an attractive curved profile which will be enhanced by extensive green landscaping.