Construction has officially begun on Project GB1, a landmark 62,000-square-foot laboratory and office development at Norwich Research Park. The new building marks the first major phase in a long-term investment programme designed to expand the park’s role as one of the UK’s leading centres for research, innovation and science-based enterprise.
About the Project
Project GB1 will provide high-quality, flexible laboratory and office space to meet growing demand from companies operating in the agri-food, health and environmental sectors. The facility will allow start-ups and expanding research firms to remain on campus as they scale, strengthening the park’s ecosystem and supporting the commercialisation of scientific innovation.
The building, due for completion in early 2027, will feature modern design, adaptable lab configurations and collaborative workspace areas, all built to rigorous environmental standards. It forms part of a ten-year investment plan that aims to deliver more than £200 million of new infrastructure, research space and business growth within the park.
Driving Regional Innovation
Norwich Research Park has become a key hub for bioscience and technology in East Anglia, home to world-class research institutions and a growing community of innovative companies. The development of Project GB1 reinforces its reputation as a place where research excellence and enterprise intersect.
Local authorities and private investors see the project as a catalyst for job creation, innovation and inward investment. By offering “grow-on” space for businesses ready to move beyond incubation, the new facility will help retain talent and ensure that emerging companies can expand without leaving the region.
Sustainability and Design
The building has been designed with sustainability at its core, targeting high environmental performance standards and energy efficiency. The inclusion of advanced building systems, renewable energy solutions and eco-friendly materials reflects a commitment to creating modern, sustainable research environments.
The design will also prioritise collaboration, featuring shared meeting areas and flexible layouts to encourage interaction between scientists, entrepreneurs and support teams — fostering a sense of community across the wider research park.
Looking Ahead
Project GB1 is the first step in a broader expansion strategy that will continue over the next decade. Once completed, it will set the tone for future developments at Norwich Research Park — each designed to attract new tenants, stimulate innovation and enhance the UK’s reputation in science-driven growth.
As construction progresses, attention will turn to securing tenants whose work complements the park’s existing research strengths in genomics, food security and sustainable agriculture. The new building will also support the park’s ambition to become a national leader in commercial science and innovation facilities.
A New Chapter for Norwich Research Park
The launch of Project GB1 represents more than just the start of a construction project — it signals a renewed commitment to science-led economic growth in Norfolk. By combining cutting-edge facilities with a strong collaborative ethos, the development promises to strengthen the region’s role as a powerhouse of research, innovation and enterprise.
When complete, GB1 will stand as a testament to the park’s vision: a place where world-class research meets commercial opportunity, and where the future of science in the UK continues to take shape.