15 April 2008
NWDA announces £4.9million investment in Manchester’s
Biomedical Research Centre
The Northwest Regional Development Agency (NWDA) is delighted to
be supporting Manchester’s pioneering Biomedical Research Centre
(BRC) with an investment of £4.9 million.
Run by a partnership led by the Central Manchester and
Manchester Children's University Hospitals NHS Trust and the
University of Manchester, the £35 million BRC will be part of an
influential group of hospital and university research centres
throughout the UK developing innovative treatments and
medicines.
The BRC will be based at the Trust's Oxford Road site in
Manchester City Centre and will contribute to the creation of over
150 jobs and significant opportunities to engage in new
collaborations with similar UK Knowledge based industries.
Sir Martin Harris, Deputy Chairman of the NWDA said:
“The Northwest is committed to developing and nurturing an
internationally recognised knowledge base with science and
innovation at the core of its global competitiveness. I am
delighted that this significant investment will ensure that
Manchester and the Northwest are at the forefront of clinical
research, delivering benefits for patients and working with
industry.”
The £35 million project will allow the BRC to launch and run for
the first four years and includes £7.5M from the Department of
Health. Other partners included include AstraZeneca, Renovo,
GlaxoSmithKline and the Wellcome Trust Clinical Research Facility
and Manchester City Council.
Dr Linda Magee, Biotechnology Sector Director & Head of
Bionow at the NWDA said:
“The BRC will provide a regional focus for international quality
clinical research - BRC status is a significant asset for the
region denoting Manchester as the only comprehensive BRC outside
the ‘Golden Triangle’ and we are delighted to be supporting this.
At a regional level the combination of the Liverpool BRC in
Infectious Diseases and the Manchester Comprehensive BRC is an
extremely powerful combination and puts the region’s NHS and
University assets alongside the very best in the UK”
Mike Deegan, Central Manchester and Manchester Children's
University Hospitals NHS Trust chief executive said:
"This momentous decision means we can now embark on the final
phase of a massive transformation project. Alongside our
£500m investment in new hospital buildings and facilities, the
Trust and University will be able to deliver world class research
that benefits patients both locally and globally. We will make sure
that the communities which surround the BRC also get additional
benefit from jobs and new commercial opportunities."
ENDS
Notes to editors:
For further information please contact Shelley, Tattersall,
Press Officer on 01925 400256 or shelley.tattersall@nwda.co.uk
For further information and to view previous press releases visit
us at www.nwda.co.uk
The Northwest Regional Development Agency (NWDA) leads the
economic development and regeneration of England's Northwest and is
responsible for:
• Supporting business growth and encouraging investment
• Matching skills provision to employer needs
• Creating the conditions for economic growth
• Connecting the region through effective transport and
communication infrastructure
• Promoting the region’s outstanding quality of life