Charles River Laboratories International, Inc., a leading global provider of drug development services, has expanded to new premises and acquired three acres of development land within Heriot-Watt University Research Park.
Already established at the Research Park through its occupation of Clearwater House, the latest investment underlines Charles River’s long-term commitment to the site and its plans for continued growth in Scotland.
In what will be the largest ever private sector investment in the Heriot-Watt Research Park, the deal will see Charles River redevelop the former Institute of Occupational Medicine Building to accommodate a bioanalytical facility, a rapidly growing sector for Charles River. Charles River also plans to expand operations onto the adjacent development land as part of its wider ambition to establish a European Bioanalysis Centre in Scotland. It is anticipated that over 250 highly skilled jobs will be created once the full development is finished.
Charles River’s total holding at Heriot-Watt University Research Park now extends to approximately five acres, placing the business at the heart of one of Scotland’s most established innovation campuses. The decision to expand at Heriot-Watt follows a competitive site search, with the Research Park selected ahead of alternative locations across Europe and the UK – a significant endorsement of both the University and Scotland’s life sciences ecosystem.
Graham McPhail, Global Head of Real Estate Strategy at Heriot Watt University, said: “There is no greater endorsement for a location than an existing occupier choosing to expand their operations there. Charles River’s decision to expand their operations at Heriot-Watt University Research Park reflects how successful this location is for retaining and recruiting suitably qualified staff. Heriot-Watt University has built a strong relationship with Charles River over time, and this investment in people and facilities delivers mutual benefits for both parties. The Research Park is designed to support long-term growth, and we are delighted to enable the next phase of Charles River’s European expansion.”
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Heriot-Watt University Research Park offers direct access to a globally respected university with 13 other universities within about a one-hour drive. Alongside strong transport connectivity, being located to the west of Edinburgh, the campus benefits from excellent links to the motorway network, Edinburgh Airport, and public transport connections across the Central Belt and Glasgow.
David Macpherson, Director of Lab Operations at Charles River, said: “The Riccarton campus is the right place for us to grow our bioanalytical business in terms of location, infrastructure, connectivity and working environment but most importantly, we have the opportunity to partner with Heriot Watt University on the further development of the talent pipeline that is key to the biosciences sector in Scotland. ”
Cameron Stott, Head of JLL Scotland, the University’s property adviser, added: “As well as access to a highly respected university, location has always been a key factor in attracting and retaining occupiers at Heriot-Watt University Research Park. Its proximity to Edinburgh, strong transport connections and established innovation community make it a compelling proposition for growing international businesses such as Charles River.”
