AstraZeneca receives planning permission for new Cambridge base

AstraZeneca has had its plans for a new global research and development centre and corporate headquarters approved by Cambridge City Council.

The purpose-built facility will be located on the Cambridge Biomedical Campus and, now that it has received planning permission, remains on track to become fully operational by the end of 2016.

By creating the site, AstraZeneca will be able to bring together the firm's small molecule and biologics research and development activities. It will become the company’s largest centre for oncology research, and will also be home to a joint research centre, allowing Medical Research Council-supported researchers to work side-by-side with AstraZeneca's own team.

More than 400 AstraZeneca staff have already relocated to interim facilities in Cambridge at the Melbourn Science Park, Cambridge Science Park and Granta Park. It will eventually be home to approximately 2,000 employees.

Mene Pangalos, executive vice-president for innovative medicines and early development at AstraZeneca, said "Our aim is to create an open, welcoming and vibrant centre that will inspire our teams and partners to push the boundaries of scientific innovation for the benefit of patients."

The company also recently agreed a deal to acquire rights to Actavis' branded respiratory portfolio in the US and Canada, thus further strengthening its growth capabilities.