AstraZeneca secures approval for major new Cambridge Biomedical Campus development

AstraZeneca has secured planning approval for a major new office and conference building at the Cambridge Biomedical Campus, continuing the expansion of one of Europe’s most significant life sciences hubs.

The six-storey scheme, designed by Jestico + Whiles, will deliver around 12,000 sq m of high-quality workspace, accommodating more than 700 employees within a consolidated campus environment.

Alongside office space, the development includes a 200-person conference centre, 450-seat auditorium, and a 110-cover restaurant, supporting collaboration, events, and knowledge exchange across the site.

🧪 Strengthening the Cambridge life sciences cluster

The building will sit on Francis Crick Avenue, close to AstraZeneca’s existing headquarters designed by Herzog & de Meuron and within the wider Cambridge Biomedical Campus masterplan supported by Gillespies.

The scheme forms part of AstraZeneca’s long-term strategy to consolidate operations in Cambridge, bringing research, commercial and partner teams together in a single integrated environment to improve collaboration and innovation.

The development team includes:

• Ramboll (civils, structures, MEP, transport)

• Bidwells (planning)

• MFS (façades)

• The Fire Surgery (fire safety)

📍 Strategic campus location

The 2.2-hectare site is currently used as a temporary construction support area and sits close to the upcoming Cambridge South station, improving future connectivity to the wider region.

The project replaces a previously lapsed consent and has been brought forward as a standalone application, while still aligning with the wider campus masterplan principles.

🧠 What this represents

This approval reinforces Cambridge’s position as a global centre for:

• life sciences research

• advanced pharmaceutical development

• innovation-led commercial growth

  
  

It also reflects a continued trend of major occupiers investing in high-quality, collaborative, science-led environments rather than traditional office space.