Life science research buildings approved as part of Cambridge Biomedical Campus expansion

Two new life science research buildings will be built on Cambridge Biomedical Campus.

Councillors approved plans for two six-storey laboratory and office buildings, called 2000 and 3000 Discovery Drive, off Dame Mary Archer Way, put forward by Cambridge Medipark Limited as part of the phase two expansion of the campus.

The developer said: “Cambridge Biomedical Campus remains a locally and nationally important place for the progress of biomedical research, which the proposals will support.

“The proposals come forward following engagement and an iterative design evolution to form a proposal that will create new public open spaces, new public amenities and buildings of high quality that will add to the quality of place that continue to grow at Cambridge Biomedical Campus.”

Concerns were raised by Great Shelford Parish Council, which objected on the grounds that rat running and increased through traffic on the campus had not been addressed.

The parish council also warned about increased traffic through the village, which lies south of the campus.

But no objections were raised by the highways authority, which foresaw “no significant adverse effect upon the public highway”.

Planning officers for Cambridge City Council and South Cambridgeshire District Council recommended approval, stating: “The application offers significant economic benefits due to provision of new, high-quality office and laboratory space for research and development, which would create employment opportunities, attract expertise and allow Cambridge to continue growth as an international scientific centre.

“The application would facilitate the expansion of the biomedical campus as an international centre of excellence for patient care, biomedical research and healthcare education.”

City and district councillors on a joint development control committee meeting last Wednesday (18 September) approved the plans and also signed off proposals for a multi-storey car par off Dame Mary Archer Drive, also as part of the second phase of the campus expansion.

The car park will include 625 car parking spaces, nine disabled car parking spaces and 36 electric cycle spaces.