GSK to shut Stevenage hub in Cambridge plans

GSK is shutting a research and development hub in cost-cutting plans.

The pharma development firm is set to close a Stevenage base.

The move – which comes amid efforts to slash group-wide costs – will see the opening of a new Cambridge site as part of a wider £400 million investment.

Around 1800 staff work at the Stevenage research and development site, but GSK says its new 300,000sq ft centre will house more than 1000 scientists, with a phased move planned by 2029.

The group said some staff based at Stevenage will move to its nearby Ware site, which is set to be upgraded.

It is understood some roles will be impacted in the changes, though GSK hasn’t confirmed numbers.

Luke Miels, GSK chief executive, said: “This investment will accelerate research and development, and help us deliver new and competitive products. 

“It integrates GSK further into one of the world’s leading centres of knowledge and demonstrates the attractiveness of the UK’s life sciences ecosystem.”

The new research and development centre is being developed by Prologis and is within the wider Cambridge Biomedical Campus.

Tony Wood, GSK chief scientific officer, added: “The campus provides exceptional opportunities for collaboration. 

“We see this move as a catalyst for faster, bolder medicines discovery.”

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