Wellcome Genome Campus Appoints Damian Bates as Head of Delivery and Construction to Lead Major Site Expansion
The Wellcome Genome Campus has appointed Damian Bates as Head of Delivery and Construction, joining at a crucial moment as the Campus begins the first phase of its major expansion. The project is set to significantly increase the size of the Campus, with plans that will see it grow from 125 acres to 440 acres.
The Campus, home to a growing community of world leading institutes, organisations and experts in genomics, biodata, health data and data science, is undergoing a major redevelopment. The first new buildings on the expansion land will be available for fit-out from early 2028, delivering 140,000 sq ft of sustainable, flexible workspace that can be configured for wet or dry labs, research, technology, and related uses. The first new buildings also deliver new incubator and accelerator facilities, to support start-up and scale-up companies, a major health and fitness club, 83 homes and new food and drink outlets. The first phase also further includes extensive new public realm and landscaping, an energy farm and new microgrid power and ambient loop heating networks.
With more than 20 years’ experience delivering complex projects, Damian has held senior roles at Ardmore Group, St George PLC, Barratt London and the Berkeley Group. His past work includes leading the £350m One Tower Bridge development and several large, mixed-use and residential schemes across London.
Damian will play a central role in delivering the Campus’s next stage of growth, helping to oversee the delivery of the new facilities, spaces and infrastructure needed to support the research and translation, people and partnerships that define the expanding Wellcome Genome Campus.
Speaking about his new role, Damian said: “It’s a privilege to join the Wellcome Genome Campus at such a key moment. This is a project with real purpose, supporting work that has a direct impact on people’s lives. I’ve spent my career delivering large and challenging developments, and I’m looking forward to helping bring this next phase of the Campus to life.”
He added: “I live just five miles away, so being part of a project that will shape our local area for the long term is something I’m genuinely excited about. It’s not often you get to work on something of this scale so close to home.”
Robert Evans, CEO of the Wellcome Genome Campus, said: “Damian brings exactly the kind of expertise and leadership we need as we begin this ambitious new chapter for the Campus. His track record of delivering complex, high-quality developments speaks for itself, and we’re delighted to have him on board. The scale of our expansion is significant – not only for the Campus, but for the wider region – and Damian will play a critical role in ensuring we create a great place for our growing Campus community to live, work, and learn.”
