Norwich Research Park’s Bold Expansion Plan Begins with Project GB1
Norwich Research Park is embarking on an ambitious journey of growth and innovation with the launch of Project GB1, a significant milestone in the Park’s development strategy. This new 62,000 square foot facility, scheduled for completion in January 2027, will provide specialized laboratory and office space designed specifically to nurture companies in the agri-food, health, and environmental sectors. The building represents more than just new real estate—it’s a purpose-built environment where businesses can leverage the Park’s exceptional research talent and cutting-edge facilities. Project GB1 is designed to accommodate both growing companies already established on campus and attract innovative organizations from across the United Kingdom and beyond, creating a dynamic ecosystem where science and commerce can flourish together.
This development marks the beginning of an extraordinary ten-year investment partnership between Vengrove, a forward-thinking real estate investment manager, and Anglia Innovation Partnership, the organization responsible for managing Norwich Research Park. The collaboration aims to deliver a series of state-of-the-art facilities that will transform the campus landscape and enhance its reputation as a global hub for scientific innovation. Vengrove has committed to investing more than £200 million over the next decade to realize this ambitious vision, demonstrating tremendous confidence in the Park’s potential. This financial commitment is further strengthened by valuable Enterprise Zone funding from Norfolk County Council and South Norfolk Council, highlighting the regional significance of the project and the local authorities’ recognition of the economic benefits it will bring to the area.
Norwich Research Park has carefully cultivated an environment that encourages innovation across multiple disciplines, including agri-biotech, food biotech, industrial biotech, and healthcare. What makes this campus truly special is its integrated approach, bringing together researchers, entrepreneurs, and established companies in one cohesive community. Andrew McLean, Partner and Head of Development at Vengrove, expressed excitement about the partnership, noting its potential to deliver approximately 750,000 square feet of world-class accommodation over the next decade. This expansion will help unlock substantial economic and social value for the region while supporting the pioneering scientific work taking place across the campus. The development strategy focuses not just on providing physical space but on creating an environment that facilitates collaboration, knowledge exchange, and the translation of research into practical applications with real-world impact.
Roz Bird, CEO of Anglia Innovation Partnership, emphasized the significance of this milestone for Norwich Research Park. She explained that the new building will meet the needs of several successful high-growth companies that benefit tremendously from access to the Park’s 3,000-strong research community. These researchers are dedicated to finding innovative solutions in critical areas such as food production, diet, nutrition, human health, and industrial processes. Bird expressed enthusiasm about the partnership with Vengrove, noting that their collaboration will deliver much-needed new accommodation while helping to develop a thriving ecosystem of scientific and business activity. The ultimate goal is to maximize the impact of publicly funded research, creating new jobs and driving additional economic growth for the UK as a whole. This strategic expansion represents a thoughtful approach to building on the Park’s existing strengths while opening new opportunities for innovation and commercialization.
Beyond Project GB1, Norwich Research Park is simultaneously advancing its Next Generation Infrastructure project for the John Innes Centre (JIC) and The Sainsbury Laboratory (TSL). This ambitious £317 million initiative, funded by UK Research and Innovation, aims to establish a global hub for plant and microbial research by 2030. The project promises to revolutionize both institutions’ existing capacity and capabilities, ensuring the long-term success of UK bioscience in Norwich. This concurrent development demonstrates the Park’s comprehensive approach to growth, addressing the needs of both established research institutions and emerging commercial ventures. The dual focus creates a balanced ecosystem where fundamental research and practical applications can inform and enhance each other, accelerating innovation and increasing impact.
Professor Anne Ferguson-Smith, Executive Chair of the UKRI Biotechnology and Biological Sciences Research Council (BBSRC), highlighted the critical role that research and innovation campuses play in translating world-class bioscience into real-world impact. These specialized environments create ideal conditions where discovery and enterprise thrive side by side, fostering productive relationships between academic researchers and commercial partners. Developments like Project GB1 significantly strengthen the UK’s capacity for innovation by creating spaces where pioneering researchers and businesses can collaborate effectively. These partnerships drive economic growth, create high-value jobs, and deliver bioscience solutions that benefit the economy, public health, and the environment. As Norwich Research Park embarks on this exciting new chapter, it positions itself not just as a regional asset but as a national resource contributing to the UK’s scientific leadership and innovation economy.
