An international life sciences firm is to expand its Liverpool operations after it secured planning permission for a dozen new labs.
Pharmaron Biologics, which operates in an existing facility on two sites within Estuary Business Park, is to construct a new three storey block on site as it continues to grow its gene therapy services in Speke. The international firm carries out advanced analytical platforms, high-throughput process development equipment and purpose-designed viral and plasmid GMP manufacturing suites.
Gene therapy is a medical approach that typically treats or prevents diseases by correcting a genetic problem. These types of techniques allow doctors to treat a disorder by amending someone's genetic makeup instead of using drugs or surgery.
READ MORE: Inmates escape prison and could be on their way to Liverpool
During a meeting of Liverpool Council ’s planning committee this morning, the firm secured backing to construct a new production building and development laboratories on site, alongside associated surface car parking and service yard. The building will provide production facilities, offices, laboratories and warehousing over three floors. The main body of the building would be 16.1m high to a parapet level with a taller section towards the northern end of the building containing plant and stair towers at 18.9m high.
During the meeting, officials from Pharmaron said the development would protect 169 existing jobs while also providing an additional 190 roles by 2026. The new build would allow for 12 labs to be established at the Speke-Garston site.
It was said the expansion by Pharmaron would bring “high value jobs to the Speke area.” The application site will provide a total of 249 parking spaces, of these, 12 would be accessible spaces and there would be 20 electric charging spaces provided.
It is expected that the site will be operational by the middle of 2024. The plans were given a warm welcome by members of the local authority planning committee.
Cllr Pat Moloney said: “This is a really welcome development. It’s bringing high quality, highly paid jobs which are valuable in this area.”
Committee chair, Cllr Tony Concepcion, added: “This will bring investment and brings more jobs into the city,” while Cllr Mirna Juarez said the plans were “very much needed.” The labs were unanimously approved by members.
READ NEXT
Former bank building to be transformed into city centre hotel
Thousands of jobs could be at risk as 'worst' of cost of living crisis to come
World Cup fan zone could 'turn club's finances around'
Cat Cafe blames 'misplaced documents' for one-star food safety rating
Dozens of jobs paying up to £85,000 at Liverpool City Council
