Former Roche UK building to be world class research centre

A former Roche Pharmaceuticals building in Welwyn Garden City, Hertfordshire, is to become a world class research and development centre for biosciences and pharmaceuticals.

The complex has been purchased by the University of Hertfordshire with ?8 million of funding from the East of England Development Agency (EEDA).

Boasting high quality, fully equipped laboratories and offices, outstanding meeting and conferencing facilities and access to expertise and advice, ‘BioPark Hertfordshire’ will provide a focal point for the region’s bioscience and healthcare industries.

Professor Tim Wilson, vice-chancellor said: “We are very excited about the benefits this unique opportunity will bring to individual businesses and the district of Welwyn Hatfield.

“Demand for this facility from the biosciences, healthcare and wider business sectors in the region has been confirmed. The strength of the Eastern region and specifically Welwyn Hatfield in research and healthcare is growing all the time and this development will only add to this.”

Roche continues to have a strong presence in Welwyn Garden City having recently moved 1,200 staff to a bespoke office-complex in Shire Park.

Earlier this month, Eisai announced that it is to locate its European corporate headquarters and manufacturing centre in Hatfield, Hertfordshire.

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