Chancellor confirms AstraZeneca to build £450m vaccine factory in Liverpool

The pharmaceutical firm’s investment will boost the UK’s Life Sciences sector.

Today (6 March) pharmaceutical firm AstraZeneca has outlined plans to invest £650 million in the UK – helping boost the UK’s world leading Life Sciences sector and grow the economy. This significant investment will enhance public health protection and pandemic preparedness.   

AstraZeneca intends to invest £450 million at their manufacturing site in Speke, Liverpool for the research, development, and manufacture of vaccines – building on the site’s current role in supplying the world leading childhood vaccination programme. The new facility will be designed and built to be operationally net zero with power supplied from renewable energy sources. 

AstraZeneca Chief Executive Officer, Sir Pascal Soriot, said: 

AstraZeneca’s planned investment would enhance the UK’s pandemic preparedness and demonstrates our ongoing confidence in UK life sciences.  We will continue to support the UK in driving innovation and patient access, building on the strong foundations which have been put in place. 

This year marks 25 years since the merger of UK-based Zeneca Group and Swedish Astra AB. We are proud of our British roots and how far we have come over that time – we are now a truly global company that has transformed the lives of millions of patients throughout the world with a relentless focus on science and innovation.

Dr Isabel Oliver, Chief Scientific Officer at UKHSA, said: 

This investment will bolster the development of the UK’s vaccine capabilities and life sciences sector – critical components of the country’s resilience to future health threats. 

UKHSA majors on researching and developing new ways to strengthen the country’s defences against all health hazards – including future pandemics – and works routinely with a range of commercial and academic partners. We are looking forward to working with AstraZeneca to collectively protect the population’s health.

Health and Social Care Secretary, Victoria Atkins said: 

The UK is a global leader in the research and development of life saving vaccines. Today’s announcement is testament to this country’s Life Science capabilities – and our continued commitment to pandemic preparedness and global health.  

As well as creating new highly-skilled jobs, this investment will help maintain the UK’s position at the forefront of tackling emerging diseases, and support our work to make our healthcare system faster, simpler and fairer.