300 jobs to be created as plans submitted for Leeds life science centre

Plans have today been submitted for a new Leeds life science centre set to create up to 300 jobs.

Commercial Estates Group (CEG) has submitted a planning application to “revitalise” Drapers Yard on Marshall Street to create a life science ‘Centre of Excellence’ for global diagnostic and drug development company Labcorp.

Labcorp, which currently operates out of two sites in Leeds, will use the new centre to consolidate its team and double in size, retaining and creating up to 300 jobs.

If the plans are approved, the new facility will be completed by summer 2022, containing a 100-bed clinic, pharmacy and office headquarters.

Oren Cohen, chief medical officer and general manager of Clinical Pharmacology Services at Covance by Labcorp, commented: “The new Covance by Labcorp facility will be a gold standard clinical pharmacology investigational unit, commensurate with the outstanding global reputation of the UK Life Sciences sector.

“The new facility will allow us to continue our important work to test next-generation medicines that may improve health and improve lives in an exciting new environment that highlights the growing role of Leeds as a leader in life sciences.”

Antonia Martin-Wright, head of investment at CEG, said: “This is a really exciting opportunity to deliver a UK Centre of Excellence for Labcorp.

“It will be a sustainable and energy efficient development, designed with occupant well-being in mind.

“It will bring a welcome economic boost to Temple supporting the city’s post-Covid recovery plans and helping to create a cluster for science, knowledge and innovation.

“The commitment to the site will also help to build further confidence that this is a fantastic business destination, just minutes from Leeds City Station, helping to attract future inward investment opportunities.”