EDINBURGH BioQuarter has released the first images of a planned £750 million transformation which it says will create a new vibrant mixed-use neighbourhood, supporting a community of more than 20,000 people.
The proposals aim to create a leading global destination for healthcare, medical research and life sciences entrepreneurship, and create Edinburgh’s Health Innovation District.
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The long-term vision for the site now includes plans for residential housing, more space for research and healthcare innovation, medical technology, commercial use, hotel, gym, retail and leisure.
Those behind the project say expansion will support an estimated 9000 new jobs, plus additional construction jobs.
Some 8000 people already work and study within the BioQuarter’s 160-acre site, which lies three miles south of Edinburgh city centre.
It includes 13 businesses based at BioQuarter’s Innovation Centre, the Edinburgh Medical School, 900-bed Royal Infirmary of Edinburgh and one of Europe’s largest clusters of stem cell research at the Scottish Centre for Regenerative Medicine.
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BioQuarter’s partners – City of Edinburgh Council, NHS Lothian, Scottish Enterprise and the University of Edinburgh – have already invested more than £500m in the existing site, with a further £300m investment planned in the next five years.
BioQuarter says it is developing a masterplan and place-making strategy and intends to seek a joint venture partner to accelerate developments.
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Commenting on the vision for the new BioQuarter, Hugh Edmiston, chair of Edinburgh BioQuarter Strategy Board, said: “This is the start of an exciting journey in the next chapter of Edinburgh BioQuarter’s development. As we move ahead, we want to ensure we involve our staff, students and the local communities in this long-term vision.
“The opportunities here are vast and, once realised, can deliver significant and long-lasting economic and social benefits for Edinburgh, Scotland and beyond.”
Over the last two decades, Edinburgh BioQuarter has had a turnover of £6bn and currently employs over 37,000 people.
Interim Programme Director Anna Stamp said: “We want to build on the success to date of the BioQuarter. Our plans are to create a vibrant new neighbourhood of Edinburgh centred around a world-leading community of healthcare innovators. By developing at scale and at pace together with a private sector partner we will accelerate solutions to global health challenges.”
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