The Mayor and Combined Authority officers came for a tour to see progress on our expansion, with the first phase set to be complete in 2028.

As our Campus grows, we will build on our capabilities across omics, bio data, health data, data science, AI-driven biology and autonomous science, to attract more talent and companies, while driving growth across the region. This ambition aligns with the Combined Authority’s Local Growth Plan.

Over the next decade, the campus will expand from 125 to 440 acres, with our workforce expected to grow from around 3,000 to 9,000 employees. Plans include 1,500 homes for campus workers, alongside a health and fitness club, sports pitches, a school, nursery and other community uses and a range of food and drink venues, alongside new public spaces, new bridges and energy infrastructure. These plans will support a growing ecosystem and transform the campus into a welcoming and vibrant destination for everyone.

During the visit, we highlighted barriers to growth, including limited transport options. We currently use shuttle buses and coaches to bring employees from nearby railway stations and towns but we are seeking longer-term transport solutions.

That’s why we’re calling for early delivery of mass rapid transit (MRT) to the ‘southern cluster’ of science destinations. In the meantime, we are pursuing our own autonomous vehicle link between the Campus and Whittlesford Parkway railway station.

As part of the visit, the Mayor and colleagues were transported to their expansion site, to see the progress of the first phase, which will see the arrival of our first lab-enabled workspace, called The Sequence, as well as the health and fitness club, the first 84 homes, two bridges to connect the growing Campus, an Energy Farm and other infrastructure.

Speaking at the site, Mayor Paul Bristow said: “Wellcome Genome Campus positions itself as the global home for biological intelligence through innovative world-changing science and technology.

“The Wellcome Genome Campus makes a huge contribution to our region’s reputation for world-leading life sciences. This campus expansion will provide new jobs, homes and facilities for the local community, but it’s clear that more support is needed from public authorities to help solve their transport challenges. I am committed to working with the Campus and other partners to deliver that.

“What Wellcome Genome Campus is doing here is remarkable. This expanding campus will play a significant role in my plan to deliver economic growth, making us healthier, wealthier and happier. I look forward to following their progress over the coming months.”

Chief Executive at Wellcome Genome Campus, Robert Evans said: “It was a pleasure to welcome Mayor Paul Bristow and colleagues from the Combined Authority to the Wellcome Genome Campus and bring to life our plans for the next chapter, now work on our expansion is well underway.

“Our plans represent one of the largest investments in life sciences and technology infrastructure in Europe, and will help attract more talent, companies and investment to our region.

“Ensuring people can easily and conveniently access the Campus is critical to our success. We’re delighted to have the Mayor’s support in addressing the transport challenges our Campus and others in the ‘southern cluster’ of leading science locations, currently face.

“Transport improvements cannot come soon enough, to drive scientific collaboration and innovation, continued investment and the delivery of the good growth we all want.”