BBSRC increases investment in Norwich Research Park

The Institute of Food Research has acquired the former British Sugar Technical Centre adjacent to its current site on Norwich Research Park. The Centre has been purchased by the Biotechnology and Biological Sciences Research Council and will be leased to IFR. The 30,000 sq foot building, comprising both laboratory and office space, represents a strategic investment in research and related facilities which are situated between IFR and the John Innes Centre. It also recognises the potential for growth on the Norwich Research Park. As the sponsoring body for both the Institute of Food Research and the John Innes Centre. BBSRC provides combined funding to the two institutes of around £20m p.a.

Sandie Johnson, responsible for site development at IFR, said, "This purchase represents an opportunity to welcome third party organisations to IFR thereby increasing the scientific synergy on the site as well as with other organisations of the NRP".

"IFR is reviewing the long term development strategy and we are already in negotiations with at least one organisation who we hope will relocate to the site as a consequence of the purchase. We hope to be able to make an announcement in the coming weeks, and would welcome further enquiries from organisations having an affinity with the work of IFR and an interest in first class office and/or laboratory space", continued Mrs Johnson.

Acquisition of the building consolidates IFR's presence on the northern side of Colney Lane. The Institute opened its original building (IFR1) on the Colney Lane site in 1968. In 1999 it expanded into the adjacent building (IFR2), when MAFF Central Science Laboratory relocated to York. The Institute currently employs 280 staff, and hosts 100 visiting scientists and PhD students. The new building will be known as IFR3.

British Sugar Technical Centre closed last year, when research and development operations were moved to Peterborough and Wissington. The sale was handled by the commercial department FPDSavills, Norwich. Ben Steward of FPDSavills said, "This sale generated significant interest from companies based both locally and further afield. It's pleasing that the purchaser is from the research sector and so the nature of the park will be maintained".

Notes for editors:

• The mission of the Institute of Food Research is to carry out independent basic, and strategic research on food safety, quality, nutrition and health. It is a company limited by guarantee, with charitable status, grant aided by the Biotechnology and Biological Sciences Research Council (BBSRC).

• The Biotechnology and Biological Sciences Research Council (BBSRC) is the leading funding agency for academic research and training in the biosciences at universities and institutes throughout the UK. It supports over 5000 researchers and research students at universities throughout the UK, and at the eight BBSRC-sponsored institutes.

• Further information about IFR and its history can be found at: www.ifr.ac.uk/about/default.html and www.ifr.ac.uk/About/history.html 

• ISDN Audio available.

• Pics available:

  • The new IFR3 building on Norwich Research Park

  • Derek Sang, Technical Services Manager for IFR, (left) receives the keys for IFR3 from Benjamin Steward of FPDSavills.

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