Immunocore Limited, the world’s leading TCR company developing biological drugs to treat cancer, infectious diseases and autoimmune diseases, and MEPC Limited (MEPC), a leading property developer and asset manager, have announced that Immunocore will expand its operations at Milton Park in Oxfordshire initially by a further 53,000 square feet (sq ft). The new purpose-built research laboratory facilities will support Immunocore’s continued growth in the area.
Immunocore was established in 1999 and has been based at Milton Park since 2000, and currently occupies 135,000 sq ft of laboratory and office space. The Company will lease a new 53,000 sq ft purpose-built premises in the Enterprise Zone at 95 Park Drive and will also take further leases on a total of 48,000 sq ft in existing buildings at 96 Jubilee Avenue and 92 Park Drive on Milton Park. This forms a key part of Immunocore’s continued expansion plan on Milton Park. Planning consent for the new building at 95 Park Drive was obtained through the fast-track Local Development Order, which enables MEPC to secure consent for a wide range of development at Milton Park in just 10 days.
The Milton Park expansion reflects the growing demand for state-of-the-art, strategically located premises from established and emerging science and technology businesses in Oxfordshire, which benefits from access to talent from the University of Oxford and excellent transport links into London and other key regional hubs.
Eliot Forster, Chief Executive Officer of Immunocore, said: “Immunocore is one of the world’s leading independent biotechnology companies. Milton Park has served as an ideal location for our headquarters, providing us with the communication advantages we depend on day-to-day, and a unique and supportive business culture that helps to reinforce our attractiveness as a place to work. The additional space will provide purpose-built research laboratories accommodating around 450 scientists at Immunocore. We are delighted to be able to renew our relationship with MEPC, and look forward to moving into the premises which we hope will be the backdrop to the next 10 years of our growth.”
James Dipple, MEPC Chief Executive Officer, said: “It’s been a real pleasure working with the Immunocore team and we are delighted to accommodate their continuing expansion at Milton Park. The start of work on building 95 Park Drive brings the total new development under construction at Milton Park to over 160,000 sq ft. These projects, which are over 50% pre-let, reinforce our commitment to providing scope for organisations of all sizes to grow within this thriving and supportive community of likeminded businesses and individuals.
“This announcement further bolsters the reputation of Milton Park as a globally significant science and technology hub, which attracts innovative businesses who will drive long term growth for the UK economy.”
Lord Prior, Business Minister, said: “Immunocore’s expansion in Oxfordshire is a boost for the UK’s life sciences sector and a vote of confidence in both our economy and global leadership in developing cutting-edge drugs that improve people’s lives.
“Our Industrial Strategy and sector deal with the life sciences will make the UK one of the most competitive places in the world to grow a biotechnology business and encourage even more firms to invest, creating jobs and sustainable growth across all parts of the UK.”
