Breakthrough to develop new biotech facility in Amsterdam
Breakthrough Properties, a global life sciences real estate developer, is expanding its European footprint and will develop Neogene Therapeutics’ new European headquarters within the campus of the Amsterdam University Medical Centre (Amsterdam UMC), one of Europe’s leading medical institutions.
Breakthrough acquired the development site from Amsterdam UMC after a highly competitive bidding process, executed the 100% pre-lease to Neogene, and broke ground on the five-storey development in August. Breakthrough is creating a state-of-the-art biotech research facility that will be fully occupied by Neogene upon its completion in the summer of 2025.
Kavel F by Breakthrough is set to become one of the most sustainable laboratory environments in the world. Designed to BREEAM Outstanding certification standards, the all-electric building will layer sustainable technologies to maintain Net Zero Emissions in the energy performance model and is expected to contribute energy back into the electrical grid under normal operating conditions. Key technologies include geothermal storage for sustainable heating and cooling, highly efficient air treatment, PV panels, and phase shift climate ceilings.
Sustainability, biodiversity and occupant health and wellness will be at the centre of the project. Kavel F will feature an ultra-high performing, triple-glazed glass façade and incorporate a series of landscaped outdoor terraces, architectural solar shades and green roofs featuring local plant varieties and biophilic materials. Breakthrough will also install electric vehicle charging infrastructure and bicycle storage areas, tapping into Amsterdam’s vast cycling network and most preferred method of commuting.
Neogene Therapeutics, a wholly owned subsidiary of global biopharmaceutical company AstraZeneca, is a clinical-stage biotechnology company pioneering the discovery, development and manufacturing of next-generation engineered T cell receptor (TCR) therapies targeting a broad spectrum of solid cancers.
Breakthrough was formed in 2019 as a joint venture of global real estate owner, developers and investor Tishman Speyer and biotechnology investment firm Bellco Capital, to leverage cross-sector collaboration to deliver environments that foster innovation and scientific breakthroughs.
“Kavel F is emblematic of Breakthrough Properties’ mission to support cutting edge science by delivering high-quality, sustainable environments”, said Dan Belldegrun, Co-Founder & CEO, Breakthrough Properties. Breakthrough is thrilled to support the Neogene team as it aims to bring the potential benefits of T cell receptor therapies to more patients with cancer”.
Kavel F is a key component in the city of Amsterdam’s efforts to support the continued growth of the surrounding cluster on the campus of the Amsterdam UMC. The master plan calls for one million square feet of new development across seven sites.
“This sustainable building reflects the high ambitions that we, together with the Amsterdam UMC, have set for this area” said Reinier van Dantzig, Deputy Mayor, City of Amsterdam. “The building and the future users give an impulse to the medical technological development as well as to the further development of this innovation district. This innovative area offers space for collaboration and knowledge exchange with a focus on health. The expansion of laboratory capacity at the park responds to the growing demand for laboratory space”.
The Amsterdam market continues to develop into one of Europe’s most prominent life science hubs, offering proximity to several of Europe’s leading research and medical institutions such as the Amsterdam UMC, a deep pool of life science talent and biopharma companies, and the European Medicines Agency following its relocation from the UK in 2019.
Breakthrough currently has more than five million square feet in its under-construction and development pipeline across Europe and the United States.
