BDP to deliver AstraZeneca headquarters

BDP is the lead consultant for AstraZeneca’s new Global R&D Centre and Corporate Headquarters, home for approximately 2,000 employees who will be located on the Cambridge Biomedical Campus. BDP is also responsible for the executive architecture, combined engineering, landscape, interiors, acoustics and specialist lighting services and for delivering concept architect Herzog & de Meuron’s vision.

The scheme is BDP’s biggest fully interdisciplinary project for many years and the AstraZeneca project team is currently co-located with the design team in BDP’s London studio.

The new facility will support AstraZeneca’s drive for scientific leadership by investing in Cambridge, one of the world’s pre-eminent biosciences hotspots. A central hub of labs will form the focal point for the centre, which will encourage collaborative working across the organisation and provide easy access for the wider scientific community through an open design and campus environment.

The design will aim for BREEAM Excellent, and will feature laboratories that represent best practice in low energy design and the largest ground source heat pump in Europe. Green roofs will also be installed across the majority of the site.

Mene Pangalos, Executive Vice President, Innovative Medicines & Early Development at AstraZeneca said: “We are very excited to be able to reveal the plans for our new site in Cambridge. Our aim is to create an open, welcoming and vibrant centre that will inspire our teams and partners to push the boundaries of scientific innovation.”

Public consultation on the design began in July 2014 ahead of a detailed planning application this autumn.  Start on site is programmed for early 2015.