New £58 million Vectura development on Bristol & Bath Science Park gets green light
Biotech firm Vectura, which specialises in inhaled drug development solutions, has been granted planning permission for its new 10,000m² facility in Bristol – an Inhalation Centre of Excellence.
The Chippenham-based company, which makes medical inhalers, hit the headlines earlier this year when it was acquired by tobacco giant Philip Morris in a £1 billion deal.
The state-of-the-art £58 million building at Bristol & Bath Science Park, which is anticipated to complete in 2025, will enable Vectura to expand its operations, and provide new career opportunities for research and development scientists and engineers in pharmaceutical and device development, as well as in manufacturing and laboratory services.
It will create an optimal environment for innovation to support the development of important new inhaled treatments and wellness products for patients and consumers. The facility also has a goal to achieve an ‘Excellent’ rating with sustainability assessors BREEAM.
Michael Austwick, CEO Vectura, said: “We are delighted that our plans to build a world-leading science facility have been approved by South Gloucestershire Council.
"The new-build will enable our already successful pharmaceutical company to continue its vital work, providing innovative inhalation and other advanced drug delivery solutions that have the potential to improve the lives of patients and consumers around the world.
“For nearly 25 years, Vectura has been providing a combination of formulation science, device technology and pharmaceutical development expertise, helping our partners and licensees develop products which are used by 10 million patients worldwide. This new facility will help us to build on this successful track record, increasing workspace capacity and attracting talent to the area.”
In the South West region, Bristol & Bath Science Park is recognised as a world-class environment, providing the space, accessibility and support for science and technology businesses to accelerate their growth and success.
Councillor Ben Burton, cabinet member responsible for corporate resources at South Gloucestershire Council, said: “The Bristol & Bath Science Park in South Gloucestershire offers a prime location for a company of this type as it is a world-class centre for science and technology businesses with a focus on research and development, innovation and collaboration.
“This new research and development facility will bring additional high-tech employment opportunities to our area and I’m pleased to see that Vectura’s plans for the new building include a number of environmental and sustainability considerations.”
