Norwich Research Park Expansion: A £200 Million Investment in Science and Innovation
Norwich Research Park is set to undergo a transformative expansion over the next decade, backed by a substantial investment of more than £200 million from Vengrove, a pan-European investment and advisory firm. This significant financial commitment marks the beginning of a 10-year partnership aimed at developing the Park into a premier hub for scientific research and innovation in the UK. The expansion represents a vote of confidence in the region’s scientific capabilities and demonstrates a commitment to fostering growth in critical sectors including agri-food, health, nutrition, and environmental sciences.
At the heart of this ambitious expansion is the newly launched GB1 scale-up lab and office development, aptly named the “Hawkmoth Building” to reflect the pollinating nature of scientific collaboration and innovation. Construction of the building began in September 2025 and is being jointly funded by Vengrove, Norfolk County Council, and South Norfolk Council. The project has already garnered recognition in the industry, receiving a high commendation in the Future Project of the Year 2025 category at the East of England Property Awards. This early recognition underscores the architectural and functional significance of the development within the regional property landscape.
The Hawkmoth Building is designed specifically to accommodate high-growth companies that have outgrown the Park’s start-up facilities. Upon completion in January 2027, it will offer 63,000 square feet of laboratory and office space, with flexible suites ranging from 3,250 to 19,000 square feet per floor. Jonathan Barnard, Head of Development and Asset Management at Anglia Innovation Partnership, emphasized that the building’s design prioritizes flexibility, allowing for bespoke tenant fit-outs to meet the specific needs of growing companies. This adaptability is crucial for attracting and retaining innovative businesses that require specialized facilities as they scale their operations.
A groundbreaking ceremony held recently marked this significant milestone in the Park’s development, attended by key stakeholders including Ben Goldsborough, MP for South Norfolk. During the ceremony, Goldsborough highlighted the central role of science and innovation in South Norfolk’s identity and economic strategy, stating: “Science and innovation are at the heart of everything South Norfolk does. It was a huge honour to break ground today on the Hawkmoth Building and I will continue to bang the drum for the amazing research that is being undertaken by South Norfolk’s scientists.” The MP also expressed confidence that the government’s commitment to bolstering research and development would complement and enhance the expansion efforts at Norwich Research Park.
Roz Bird, CEO of Anglia Innovation Partnership, the organization responsible for managing the campus, emphasized the strategic importance of the new development in the Park’s growth trajectory. “The construction of the new Hawkmoth Building is an important milestone for Norwich Research Park. It will enable successful companies working in agri-food, health, nutrition and the environment to stay and grow at the campus,” Bird explained. This focus on retention represents a maturation of the Park’s approach to innovation, moving beyond just incubation to providing a comprehensive ecosystem where businesses can establish roots and flourish over time. Bird also highlighted the economic benefits of this approach, noting that it will maximize the impact of publicly-funded research and strengthen the Park’s contribution to the local economy.
The Norwich Research Park expansion comes at a time when the UK is intensifying its focus on scientific advancement and technological innovation as drivers of economic growth. With approximately 100,000 square feet of start-up space already under management and 90 percent occupancy, the demand for growth-stage facilities is evident. The Hawkmoth Building addresses this need by creating a pathway for successful start-ups to remain within the Norwich Research Park ecosystem as they scale. By retaining these growing businesses, the Park not only preserves the intellectual capital it has helped develop but also creates a more dynamic and complete innovation community where companies at different stages can interact, collaborate, and collectively contribute to solving some of society’s most pressing challenges in food security, healthcare, and environmental sustainability.
