Discovery Park

ABOUT

Discovery Park in Sandwich, Kent, is an international centre for science and innovation with world-class laboratory and exceptional office space. One of Europe’s leading hubs for R&D since the 1950s, this iconic location continues to lead the way, with pioneering research in life sciences, immunotherapy, and immuno-oncology. 

As well as laboratories and exclusive office space, the site offers both manufacturing and bespoke warehousing options. For office solutions, Discovery Park has a range of options from start-up space to global headquarters with room for 2,000 employees down to two.

Discovery Park has successfully created an environment where emerging businesses and established organisations can share, connect, and engage. With over 150 tenants and more than 3,000 people working on site, Discovery Park offers an inspiring, vibrant and collaborative environment for science research.

Background & Vision

Discovery Park in Sandwich, Kent, spans 250 acres and is one of the leading R&D facilities in Europe. From being the European headquarters for Pfizer’s global research, development, and manufacturing capability to the multi- business campus it is today, 

Discovery Park still sets the pace. Iconic drugs such as Viagra, Diflucan and Cardura were discovered and developed here with immunotherapy, immuno-oncology and the search for new forms of antibiotics among the latest areas of research. The park is home to a host of well-known UK and international science and pharmaceuticals companies, including: Pfizer, Mylan, Algalimmune, Genea, Augean, Centauri Therapeutics, AlgaeCytes, and Concept Life Sciences.

Enterprise Zone status

The park benefits from Enterprise Zone status and government-funded tax reliefs for science companies, so it has strong incentives for attracting global brands. The landlord has allocated more than £5m this year to invest in creating 50,000 sq ft of new laboratory space and plans for 60,000 sq ft of office space.

Accommodation

The site boasts over 1.5m sq ft of high- class secure accommodation ranging from specialist laboratories and commercial office space through to practical warehousing and manufacturing facilities. There is a strong business and enterprise presence on-site, including leading law and accountancy firms offering specialist science sector services, and a range of creative, recruitment, and business service firms.

Tenants benefit from cafés, restaurants, and relaxation areas throughout the park, spacious meeting rooms, conference space, and an on-site gym. A new on-site CHP plant, creating renewable energy, opens in late 2018.

Laboratory

Scientific accommodation at Discovery Park is state-of-the-art, specified to the highest standards and designed to offer a vibrant, inspiring working environment. The facilities can fully support chemical, pharmaceutical, and analytical research with laboratories, support services, and dedicated write-up areas. Our Shared Lab offers advanced equipment and space at an affordable cost with access to contract research organisations.

Offices

The park is home to office space that is contemporary, spacious, air-conditioned and impeccably presented. Discovery Park can accommodate anything from two to 2,000 people in open-plan or traditional office environments – from corporate regional or global headquarters down to a single desk for new businesses. Our Start Up Zone includes free WiFi, shared breakout areas, and print service facilities

Education

Discovery Park has a thriving education sector supporting science on-site with an established programme of school events and organisations, including East Kent College, Kent and Medway STEM, and the Industry Liaison Life Sciences Laboratory managed by Canterbury Christ Church University on site. Future plans include creating new auditorium space with room for up to 250 people.

Warehousing

Discovery Park’s warehouse accommodation is diverse and ranges from practical and functional storage solutions through to automated high-bay warehousing facilities, with extensive capacity and specialist loading and dispatch areas.

Specialist manufacturing

The park’s niche manufacturing facilities offer specialist resources that can be adapted to meet the requirements of a range of sectors including life science, pharmaceutical and general science, and technology industries.

Meeting, conference and events facilities

Discovery Park is home to Discovery Event Centre, a hub of unique event spaces that can cater for up to 1,000 guests. Businesses can choose from a range of beautifully designed meeting suites or the grand atrium space. The park can also cater for boardroom meetings, networking events, awards evenings, exhibitions, seminars, conferences, and training days. The site also offers event, conferencing, and hospitality solutions from catering and room set-up to equipment and furniture hire.