AstraZeneca R&D Centre’s open courtyard takes shape on Cambridge Biomedical Campus as trees planted
The centrepiece of the spectacular new AstraZeneca R&D Centre on Cambridge Biomedical Campus is taking shape, after three common beech trees were planted in the courtyard.
The building, due to open in 2021, potentially in May, features a courtyard that will be accessible to the public.
Those walking into it will be able to see inside the building which AstraZeneca says will help put “science on display”.
Seen as a visible symbol of the era of collaboration , integration and openness that AstraZeneca has ushered in, the courtyard is intended as a contemplative space for scientists and colleagues to get together and share ideas.
Sir Mene Pangalos, EVP, biopharmaceuticals R&D , said: “The planting of the trees at the heart of the R&D Centre courtyard represents a key milestone on our journey in bringing together our science at the Cambridge Biomedical Campus.
“Our opening and occupation of the building will enable us to bring together a wide range of leading scientific capabilities under one roof and further build upon the hundreds of pioneering projects and partnerships already under way in Cambridge.”
AstraZeneca has liaised with the local authorities to secure extended hours on site, with up to 880 working across split shifts to continue progress in a Covid secure manner.
The tree planting is also significant as a reminder of AstraZeneca’s sustainability pledges.
The R&D Centre has been designed to keep energy consumption down, and has achieved an ‘Excellent’ rating by BREEAM – the global standard for assessing, rating, and certifying the sustainability of buildings.
The biopharmaceutical company also unveiled its Ambition Zero Carbon programme in January , which aims to eliminate its emissions by 2025 and be carbon negative across the entire value chain by 2030.
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