AstraZeneca's plans for new Cambridge campus block

Hannah BrownLocal Democracy reporter
News imageAstraZeneca UK Limited An artist impression of a large building which is in the middle of the image and has a row of tall trees outside. The building is six-storeys, with the bottom floor levels having large glass windows and the top two mainly made from wood. AstraZeneca UK Limited
The proposal said the building would be able to hold up to 736 staff at the Cambridge Biomedical Campus

AstraZeneca could build a new six-storey block at Cambridge Biomedical Campus (CBC) to house offices and a conference centre.

The biopharmaceutical company submitted plans to Cambridge City Council for the proposed development in Francis Crick Avenue, Cambridgeshire.

The building would include offices for up to 736 staff, a 200‑person conference centre, a 450‑seat auditorium and a 110-cover restaurant.

Planning documents submitted to the city council said: "The proposed facility would enhance collaboration, both internally and with their campus partners, and meet growing demand for larger event spaces."

It came after the company started construction on the Rosalind Franklin Building, a new office building on the campus, at the start of 2025.

News imageAstraZeneca UK Limited An artist impression of a large building which is in the middle of the image and has a grass area on the left with trees and bushes. The building is six-storeys, with the bottom floor levels having large glass windows and the top two mainly made from wood. AstraZeneca UK Limited
The six-storey building would be located in Francis Crick Avenue at the biomedical campus

AstraZeneca said the new proposal would create space for hundreds of its staff to work at the campus.

The planning statement, prepared by Bidwells LLP on behalf of the company, said it had been a "long-term plan" to bring Cambridge-based staff to one location.

"AstraZeneca is now pleased to submit a planning application for a new conference centre and office building that would complete the transition of their employees to the Cambridge Biomedical Campus," it said.

News imageAstraZeneca UK Limited An artist impression of a lecture theatre which has hundreds of seats going down in a slope on the left and a large screen on the far right. AstraZeneca UK Limited
A 200‑person conference centre and a 450‑seat auditorium were among the plans

The company added that the proposed development would "not only serve AstraZeneca, but also make a lasting, positive contribution to the Cambridge Biomedical Campus and the city's scientific and architectural landscape".

The city council is now expected to consider the application and decide whether the proposed development can go ahead.

In September, the company paused plans to invest £200m at a Cambridge research site.

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