A groundbreaking ceremony was held recently for the new 63,000 sq ft GB1 building, designed to house and support high-growth companies in the agri-food, health and environment sectors.

The building, named the Hawkmoth Building, is being funded by the research park’s investment manager partner, Vengrove, alongside Norfolk County Council and South Norfolk Council.

The groundbreaking ceremony for Norwich Research Park's new Hawkmoth Building. Pictured: Daniel Elmer, Roz Bird, Andrew McLean, Ben Goldsborough and Chris Starkie (Image: Supplied)

Due for completion in January next year, the building has already gained recognition by being highly commended in the Future Project of the Year 2025 category at the East of England Property Awards.

The Hawkmoth Building is the first phase of a ten-year investment partnership between Vengrove and Anglia Innovation Partnership, the campus management organisation for Norwich Research Park.

It will deliver a series of new buildings to accommodate growing businesses on campus and attract companies from across the UK and overseas.

Vengrove plans to invest more than £200m over the next decade.

Roz Bird, CEO of Anglia Innovation Partnership, said the construction of the building represents an “important milestone for Norwich Research Park”.

Roz Bird, CEO of Anglia Innovation Partnership, the campus management organisation for Norwich Research Park, at the groundbreaking ceremony with South Norfolk MP Ben Goldsborough (Image: Supplied)

“It will enable successful companies working in agri-food, health, nutrition and the environment to stay and grow at the campus,” she said.

“We are very good at attracting and nurturing start-ups and we will now be able to support these businesses as they succeed and grow.

“This will ensure that we maximise the economic impact of the publicly-funded research we receive and continue to make a significant contribution to the local economy.”

The Hawkmoth Building will provide a range of lab and office suites available to let from 3,250 sq ft to 19,000 sq ft per floor.

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