A multi-million pound research building spree at Babraham Research Campus could create 400 jobs in the Cambridge UK BioMedTech cluster.

Outline consent has been granted by South Cambridgeshire District Council for four new Research & Development buildings.

Jones told Business Weekly that building would start within a few months.

The development will be funded from the £44m government windfall announced last year.

Jones has no doubt about the greatest payback from the investment. He said the facilities would allow academic and company scientists to work co-operatively to develop new ideas and products for the future.

“We have been keen to develop the land in question for some time and South Cambs has been very supportive. Our vision is to create a fertile infrastructure for early stage bioventures – to create a productive, collaborative environment.

“We are building the infrastructure and ability for companies who come here to create new jobs. But this is not a pure property play. Companies in this sector need more than simply bricks and mortar.

“We are endeavouring to create a joined up environment. Engendering social capital is so important in helping to stimulate growth in business.

“I see all companies before they come onto the campus and eplain that we have called it a campus for a reason. We have our own world-class scientists here pushing back the frontiers of Life Science research.

“We have tenant companies commercialising world-leading science. When companies locate here we want them to engage with others here – with the academics and with like-minded companies.

“Every month we have a coffee and doughnuts session where CEOs pop along and talk to one another. It enables them to swap notes and explore ideas and to be part of something bigger.

“You don’t want companies coming here and spending their entire time locked in their laboratories when there is such a rich culture and mix of experiences on-campus that they can explore.”

Cross-campus market intel gleaned by Jones and his team suggest that over 80 per cent of tenant companies use the communal laboratory and equipment facilities that Babraham puts at their disposal – and a similar number appreciate engagement with the campus’ academic community.

The new R & D buildings will provide bigger space for expanding tenant companies to grow into. “We are a bioincubator and that remains the case but it is a fact that companies do like to stay here a little bit longer and if we can accommodate them, all well and good.

“We appreciate that many will outgrow the facilities we provide and need to look for something bigger elsewhere but we are comfortable with that. If companies have to leave Babraham because they have grown to a certain size and stature that is a tribute to what we have helped them achieve.”

• PHOTOGRAPH SHOWS: Babraham CEO Derek Jones