Pharma giant GSK to relocate from Stevenage to Cambridge

Pharmaceutical firm GlaxoSmithKline (GSK) has announced plans for a new global Research and Development (R&D) centre at the Cambridge Biomedical Campus as part of a £400m investment.

The site will cover 300,000 square feet and house more than 1,000 GSK scientists.

As a result of the expansion, GSK will move its R&D operations from Stevenage to Cambridge by 2029. The company also plans to upgrade facilities in Ware, Hertfordshire.

Luke Miels, CEO of GSK, emphasised the importance of this investment. "This centre will help us speed up our research and bring new products to market," he said. Meanwhile, Tony Wood, Chief Scientific Officer, highlighted the potential for collaboration in Cambridge's scientific environment.

Stevenage MP Kevin Bonavia expressed concerns about the move, noting its impact on the community and the displacement of workers. "The roles might be commutable from Stevenage, but it’s still a significant change for many," Bonavia said. He aims to ensure support for both employees and the local research scene during this transition.

GSK's headquarters in London remains unchanged.

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