
From provincial hospital to internationally renowned biomedical Campus

The Campus dates back to 1962 when Addenbrooke’s Hospital and the Medical Research Council Laboratory of Molecular Biology (MRC LMB) moved from their respective locations in Cambridge city centre to the campus. Since then, a number of major research laboratories and hospitals have established a presence on the campus, including the Rosie Hospital, Cambridgeshire and Peterborough Mental Health Trust, Royal Papworth Hospital, the University of Cambridge School of Clinical Medicine, Cancer Research UK Cambridge Research Institute and six Medical Research Council units/centres in addition to the Laboratory of Molecular Biology.
Addenbrooke’s Hospital founded in 1766 when Dr John Addenbrooke left money in his will to establish a hospital in Cambridge
Addenbrooke’s Hospital extended and underwent reconstruction
Plans drawn up for a new hospital
New site purchased from the Pemberton Estate
First phase of the new hospital opened
MRC Laboratory of Molecular Biology opened
Contract signed for second phase of hospital expansion
The Rosie dedicated maternity hospital built
GSK Clinical Unit established.
The Addenbrooke’s Centre for Clinical Investigation (ACCI) opened by HRH The Duke of Edinburgh.
Addenbrooke’s 2020 Vision announced
Partnership between
Cambridge University Hospitals –
University of Cambridge –
Medical Research Council –
Landowner Trustees –
A long-term expansion strategy to advance clinical care, augment research facilities and create space for commercial organisations
Addenbrooke’s NHS Trust published an update to 2020 Vision
Opening of the Hutchison/MRC Research Centre for cancer research
County Council’s Structure Plan published incorporating the case for the 2020 Vision into an emerging wider vision for the development of the southern city fringe
First multi-storey car park opened with 1,255 spaces for staff
Addenbrooke’s Trust became Cambridge University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust with greater freedom for decision-making and the ability to borrow money
The Emergency Assessment Unit (EAU) opened – centralising and re-designing emergency care. City Council adopted new Local Plan and released Green Belt for development. Joint outline planning application for the Cambridge Biomedical Campus submitted by Cambridge University Hospitals and its development partners Countryside Properties, Liberty Property Trust and the Pemberton Trustees
HM the Queen opened the Cancer Research UK Cambridge Research Institute 25,000sqm of either clinical research and treatment (D1) or higher education or sui generis medical research institute uses. Second multi-storey car park opened with 770 spaces for visitors and patients. Official opening of the Institute of Metabolic Science – a partnership between the University, the Trust and the MRC.
Construction started on the Medical Research Councils’ new building to house the existing Laboratory of Molecular Biology
Phase 1 Expansion
70 acres –
All land fully committed –
New buildings under construction including –
New Royal Papworth Hospital –
AstraZeneca’s Global R&D Centre and corporate Headquarters –
New labs for the University of Cambridge –
New access road –
5 mins from J11 of the M11 –
Developers invested approx. £40m in infrastructure –
Addenbrooke’s Road and Francis Crick Avenue completed
Cambridgeshire Guided Busway operational
Deakin Learning Centre completed
New MRC LMB building officially opened by the Queen
Extension to the Rosie Hospital officially opened by the Queen
Work started on the southern perimeter road
Dame Mary Archer Way opened
January 2015 –
Royal Papworth Hospital announced acquisition of land for new hospital in Cambridge.
February 2015 –
AstraZeneca received planning consent for new global R&D centre and corporate headquarters; total of 59,821sqm Biotech and Biomedical research and development floor space. Construction commences.
March 2015 –
Financial close reached for the New Royal Papworth Hospital project and construction commences.
– November 2016
Planning consent granted for new Abcam HQ, the first building in Phase 2
February 2017
Construction commences on new Abcam HQ –
September 2017
Outline planning consent obtained for Phase 2 –
Southern section of The Green & The Gardens opened – an expansive public realm designed to provide relaxing green space and a meeting space for campus users.
Opening of Abcam’s new headquarters
Opening of Royal Papworth Hospital and Abcam
AstraZeneca construction ongoing of their new corporate headquarters
Opening of the The Green & The Gardens – expansive new public realm
Heart & Lung Institute construction underway