Norwich Research Park (NRP) and Vengrove have confirmed details of a long-term partnership that will see the construction of new laboratory and office accommodation at the internationally renowned research park.
One of five UK research and innovation campuses funded by the Biotechnology and Biological Sciences Research Council, NRP is one of the largest single-site concentrations of food, genomics and health research in Europe.
A world-class cluster
Hosting a thriving community of more than 30,000 members, NRP’s unparalleled ecosystem is underpinned by six leading institutions, all within a 1km radius.
Four of the UK’s most prestigious bioscience research institutes are based at NRP, including:
- Earlham Institute
- John Innes Centre
- Quadram Institute Bioscience
- The Sainsbury Laboratory
Also on campus is the University of East Anglia (UEA), a UK top 20 university hailed for delivering high quality, high impact research.
Last but by no means least, there’s Norfolk and Norwich University Hospital, a teaching hospital undertaking high value research that seeks to improve patient care and outcomes worldwide.
This cluster of world-class facilities and expertise means NRP’s offer is both compelling and unique, making it an appealing proposition for prospective tenants and collaborators from around the globe.
Maximising NRP’s potential
Over the past two years, UK Research and Innovation (UKRI), the John Innes Foundation (JIF) and UEA (the NRP landowners) have sought a partner to spearhead NRP’s ambitious growth agenda.
This new partnership with Vengrove will cater to the evolving needs of both current and prospective tenants, fostering the conversion of research breakthroughs into successful ventures across key market sectors, including:
- agricultural biotechnology
- food biotechnology
- industrial biotechnology
- medical technology
The long-term partnership will also advance NRP’s ambition to connect industry, startups and high-growth companies with its world-class research facilities and expertise.
Crucial investment
NRP also benefits from BBSRC’s strategic investments in the Earlham Institute, John Innes Centre and Quadram Institute Bioscience.
Totalling £163.9 million through to 2028, BBSRC’s investments in these three strategically supported institutes aims to bolster the UK’s national research capabilities in key areas such as:
- crop resilience
- food safety and security
- health and nutrition
- sustainable agriculture
Looking ahead, UKRI has also confirmed a £317 million investment in NRP to establish a pioneering plant and microbial research hub by 2030.
This venture, backed by UKRI’s Infrastructure Fund, will revolutionise the existing capacity and capability of the John Innes Centre and the Sainsbury Laboratory, ensuring the long-term success of UK bioscience.
Bolstering the UK’s bioscience prowess
Professor Anne Ferguson-Smith, BBSRC Executive Chair, said:
Marking a crucial phase in NRP’s ambitious growth plans, this significant partnership also represents a major milestone for BBSRC in bolstering the UK’s bioscience research and innovation capabilities.
This new deal underscores the vital contributions of our strategically supported institutes and research and innovation campuses to the UK’s economic growth through bioscience innovation.
Centre of excellence
Mr Peter Innes, Chair of JIF, said:
This crucial investment will help to grow the park, further cementing Norwich’s place as a world-leading location for bioscience.
The Foundation is proud to be part of such an innovative and impactful community and as a landowner and key stakeholder, we are delighted to play a part in supporting this centre of excellence now and in the future.
Driving growth and innovation
Professor David Maguire, Vice-Chancellor of UEA, said:
This is a really exciting partnership that will aid the expansion of Norwich Research Park at a crucial time when growth and innovation have never been more important. This is a very positive development to take forward the research park into a new era and I warmly welcome it.
Learn more about how BBSRC’s research and innovation campuses are driving bioscience breakthroughs and economic growth across the UK.
Further information
About BBSRC’s research and innovation campuses
BBSRC’s five research and innovation campuses are at the forefront of scientific advancement. Centered around BBSRC’s eight strategically supported bioscience research institutes, each campus fosters a unique ecosystem for innovation.
The five campuses are:
- AberInnovation
- Babraham Research Campus
- NRP
- Pirbright Campus
- Roslin Innovation Centre
- Rothamsted Enterprises
Each campus provides a unique environment where companies can access specialist facilities and world-class research expertise. They nurture early-stage innovation, attracting crucial private investment while helping translate exceptional research into impactive social and economic outcomes.
Collectively, BBSRC’s campuses support more than 4,100 jobs across the UK. They host over 200 companies, contributing significantly to the national economy. To date, the five campuses have attracted more than £1.2 billion in private investment.
Playing a critical role in driving scientific breakthroughs for societal and economic gain, BBSRC’s five campuses are instrumental in maintaining the UK’s position as a global leader in bioscience.
Top image: Norwich Research Park. Credit: Anglia Innovation Partnership