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1 July 2008
The Medical Research Council (MRC) has chosen the Cambridge Biomedical Campus, a joint venture between Countryside Properties PLC and Liberty Property Trust, as the location for its new Laboratory of Molecular Biology (LMB). Confirmation of the decision to begin construction of an innovative new laboratory building came following the grant of planning consent and confirmation of funding from the Department for Innovation, Universities and Skills.
The new 270,000 sq ft building will form the first part of a new phase of development at the Cambridge Biomedical Campus, a new 2.3 million sq ft masterplanned expansion to the existing research and clinical campus which is already home to some of the leading research organisations in the world including the University of Cambridge Clinical School, the Cambridge University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust (Addenbrooke's Hospital), Cancer Research UK and the Wellcome Trust.
Effective collaboration between occupiers has created an environment which supports the advanced translation of basic science into better patient care, delivering innovation and excellence in health and care.
Significant infrastructure works are already underway to provide new direct access to the Cambridge Biomedical Campus. These works include a new link road to Junction 10 of the M11 and the Cambridgeshire Guided Busway which will provide fast frequent connections to the City Centre and railway station. These works are due to complete in 2009 alongside the first phase of infrastructure on the campus. Construction of the LMB is due to commence later this year and is expected to last three years.
Established in 1947, the LMB has a global reputation for innovation in medical research. Its research has produced 13 Nobel Prize winners and it is where the structure of DNA was discovered and DNA sequencing invented. Research carried out by its scientists has also resulted in cancer drugs such as Herceptin and current research is looking at antibodies to treat asthma.
Speaking about the new facility, Dr Hugh Pelham, Director of the LMB said "The new LMB building has a stunning design and will provide a globally competitive research centre with state of the art facilities for making the discoveries of the 21st Century. In addition, we will now be able to expand our research on the molecular biology of the brain and to build up the activities that help to turn discoveries into medicine."
The letting agents for the Cambridge Biomedical Campus are Bidwells and Savills. The Medical Research Council was represented by Colliers CRE. Further information is available from Andrew Carrington at Countryside Properties' Berkeley Square office on 020 7408 0099 or from Andrew Blevins at Liberty Property Trust (UK) on 01732 870375. For information about other Countryside Properties developments visit www.countryside-properties-commercial.com or other Liberty Property Trust (UK) developments visit www.libertyproperty.com.
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Note for editors:
Liberty Property Trust (UK) Ltd is a subsidiary of US-based Liberty Property Trust, a Real Estate Investment Trust listed on the New York Stock Exchange, which owns and manages more than 700 properties totalling 74 million sq ft, accommodating 2,100 occupiers.
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Information correct as at 01/07/2008