Life sciences advances draw ministers’ visit

TWO government ministers have visited Cheshire East to see for themselves the importance of the area’s life sciences sector.

Science and universities minister Greg Clark and life sciences minister George Freeman were at the BioHub at Alderly Park and Mr Freeman also toured AstraZeneca’s Hurdsfield factory in Macclesfield.

Worldwide demand for the innovative prostate cancer drug Zoladex means that the factory accounts for more than one per cent of total UK exports by value.

Mr Clark and Mr Freeman were accompanied by Macclesfield MP David Rutley, who has been closely involved in plans to convert the former AstraZeneca research base at Alderley Park into a thriving business park for life science companies.

Manchester Science Partnerships has acquired the 400 acre site and a draft development framework, drawn up by Cheshire East Council, is now out to public consultation.

Cheshire East Council leader Michael Jones said: “It is exciting to see how Alderley Park is developing and it is great to see continued investment by AstraZeneca in the Hurdsfield site.
 
“We hope this visit will give ministers, the local MP and the Council some insights into how they can support AstraZeneca’s commitment to Cheshire East and in particular the plans they are developing to create a European centre of excellence for packaging of pharmaceuticals at Hurdsfield.
 
“It should not be forgotten that drugs packaging originally came to Macclesfield due to the dexterity of silk workers, who were used to dealing with small, precise instruments.
 
“We are absolutely committed to protecting and growing jobs in our science corridor, so it is pleasing to see AstraZeneca’s long-term commitment to Hurdsfield.”