Plans include major buildings for global pharma firms, manufacturing space, wet labs, and collaborative offices. A ‘Learning Lab’, cafés, creche and 220 affordable flats for key workers are also included.

Construction is expected to follow as the project moves into delivery, with the scheme positioned as nationally significant science infrastructure aligned with government ambitions to grow the UK’s life sciences sector.

Procurement of contractors is now expected to get underway.

Buildings will be set around landscaped public space with new pedestrian and cycle routes. The design aims to drive collaboration across industry, academia and healthcare, with all buildings targeting net-zero carbon in operation.

The professional team includes Gensler (architect), Arup (engineer) and Aecom (PM/QS).