AN investment of more than £5 million at Alderley Park has been welcomed by Cheshire East Council.

As reported by the Guardian earlier this week, the major bio-sciences campus at the former Astra Zeneca site is set for a new research facility thanks to the Government's Getting Building Fund.

Medicines Discovery Catapult and Alderley Park will use the cash to create a new Validation Centre of Excellence for innovative diagnostics, bio-markers and complex medicines – developing the UK’s onshore diagnostic capability and capacity, and the associated supply chain.

Cllr Craig Browne, CEC's deputy leader and independent member for Alderley Edge, is hopeful that the project will provide a boost to the area.

He said: "The council is committed to supporting scientific research and innovation in Cheshire East, home to cutting-edge life science facilities that are internationally acclaimed for their highly skilled workforce.

"This investment recognises the significance of these leading projects and the fundamental role that Cheshire East can play in fighting life changing and life-threatening infections, including Covid-19."

The project will include the creation of specialist laboratories, including a category three bio-safety facility for testing of new diagnostics, bio-markers and therapeutics for highly infectious pathogens – including respiratory viruses such as Covid-19.

It is one of three 'shovel-ready' projects that the Government has chosen to receive more than £15 million of funding in Cheshire to help lift the county's economy following the pandemic.

Dr Kath Mackay, managing director of Bruntwood SciTech Alderley Park, said: “It’s brilliant that Alderley Park has been recognised by the government for its world-leading facilities and scientific capabilities.

"This additional investment will help us to continue building our life science cluster at the park and will enable us to play a key role in stimulating economic growth within the region and UK.”

The project is the latest step in the transformation of Alderley Park, which has gone from strength to strength since redevelopment at the site began in 2016, three years after Astra Zeneca announced its departure.

Professor Peter Simpson, chief scientific officer at Medicines Discovery Catapult, added: "I am delighted with this funding, that will enable us to extend the state-of-the-art lab capabilities, which we already offer to companies and innovators in this region.

"The Validation Centre will enable translational research for new therapeutics and diagnostics that will improve the UK's response to major health challenges.

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"This will become a fantastic new life science asset in Cheshire East.”

An all-electric bus fleet depot in Warrington and a drainage tunnel in Chester have also received funding from the scheme.