Dec 2007
CHESTERFORD CONTINUES ITS RAPID EXPANSION BY SECURING A WORLD CLASS OCCUPIER
In a major deal, signalling expansion in its Cambridge-based drug delivery research activities, Pfizer Inc., the world’s largest pharmaceutical company, has leased two buildings at Chesterford Research Park, totalling some 4,830 sq m (52,000 sq ft), as it extends its R&D operations at Chesterford.
Pfizer will take occupation of the brand new Emmanuel Laboratory at Chesterford Research Park, using additional space in the existing Building 17 at the Park on a temporary basis. The building comprises some 3,860 sq m (41,850 sq ft) with approximately 29 metre deep footplates able to facilitate adjacent laboratory, write-up and office space on two floors. Emmanuel incorporates all the latest shell and core design requirements for R&D occupation, including multiple dedicated separate loading accesses, an autonomous, extensive plant room and separate external stores.
Martin Sylvester, Director of Churchmanor Estates Plc, joint developers of the Park with Morley Fund Management, added, “Our objective is to set new standards for the sector, offering outstanding facilities in a stunning setting to attract leading research and development companies. We are delighted to welcome Pfizer to Chesterford Research Park in a move which not only seals the Park’s reputation as a leading R&D location, but reinforces Chesterford as a center of excellence for the Biotech Industry”.
Commenting on the deal, which has attracted widespread interest, Martin Garratt, Director of the Greater Cambridge Partnership said, “We are thrilled by this news. The announcement underscores the success of the region in not just attracting – but keeping - world-class companies here, with its combination of skilled labour, excellent communications links, a good working environment and, increasingly, its reputation as a specialist biotech hub. With Pfizer now committed to Chesterford Research Park, the region’s future as a global R&D location is going from strength to strength.”
Dr Jeff Solomon, Chief Executive of ERBI added: “As a committed supporter of the Cambridge region’s biotech companies, I am delighted to hear that Chesterford Park continues to attract premier companies which is a further indicator of the strength and attractiveness of this region for the sector.”
John Granger, Head of the Technology team at Carter Jonas, added: “The Emmanuel Laboratory is a high quality product on a premier Research Park. It is a natural home for R&D within the Cambridge biotech community.
With this move, Pfizer’s Pharmaceutical Development R&D team will be joining existing occupiers at Chesterford Research Park including, Illumina, BioFocus DPI, Cellzome, Biotica, Medivir, Cellcentric, Cambridge Healthcare & Biotech, Biolauncher and the UK Science Park Association, together with Sosei R&D Ltd, the leading Japanese biopharmaceutical company which is headquartered at Building 400 on the Park.
Set in 250 acres of open parkland in the South Cambridge Cluster, Chesterford Research Park offers science and technology-based companies innovative designed buildings, developed to suit their individual needs, together with full support services including The Nucleus, a central facility centre, a gymnasium, restaurant, bar, shop, conference rooms and a 7-hole golf course. Since its inception some 7 years ago, the Park has attracted continuing and growing investment from bioscience companies, establishing itself – and the wider South Cambridge area - as one of the UK’s leading R&D locations.
Joint agents Atis Real and Carter Jonas advised Morley Fund Management and The Churchmanor Estates Plc and DTZ advised Pfizer.