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Foundation stone unveiled at new pharmaceutical
headquarters.
The foundation stone, symbolising a new beginning for
AstraZeneca's UK Sales and Marketing company, was unveiled today, Tuesday 4
July, by His Worship the Mayor of Luton, Councillor Waheed Akbar at 600
Capability Green Business Park.
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The foundation stone, symbolising a new beginning for
AstraZeneca's UK Sales and Marketing company, was unveiled today, Tuesday 4
July, by His Worship the Mayor of Luton, Councillor Waheed Akbar at 600
Capability Green Business Park.
The seven acre site has been bought by AstraZeneca, one of the
world's leading ethical pharmaceutical companies, and will accommodate 150,000
sq.ft. building. The initial phase comprising 100,000 sq.ft is scheduled for
completion in August 2001.
"Capability Green has provided us with the opportunity to design
and build a working environment tailored to meet the needs of a forward
thinking company in the 21st century," said Bev Salt, UK Sales and Marketing
Company President. "The new building will accommodate some 500 employees as
well as providing a focal point for field based staff to meet."
AstraZeneca chose Capability Green for the location of its new
headquarters since the site offers a number of attractions. Being in the South
East, it is in close proximity to a high proportion of its key customers,
regulatory bodies and fellow members of the industry. Luton, itself, is close
to motorways, has good air and rail links and excellent living amenities within
the town and surrounding areas.
"Luton is a thriving town and the arrival of such a world
renowned company as AstraZeneca bolsters our success as a centre for employment
and economic growth. We look forward to the company and its employees becoming
part of our flourishing community," said the Mayor of Luton, Councillor Waheed
Akbar.
RADICAL DESIGN FOR RADICAL WORKING PRACTICES.
"AstraZeneca is one of the world's leading pharmaceutical
companies and its ongoing success is dependent not only on producing innovative
products, but providing a working environment for employees which works in
tandem with changing working practices," commented Richard Sizeland, Head of
Facilities, AstraZeneca UK Sales and Marketing Company.
"Capability Green allows us to radically change the way we work
and provide an open working environment where employees can hold meetings in
the cafe, work on the lakeside terrace or, have spontaneous meetings around
these workplaces."
The four storey building has been designed to provide flexible
working space and greater freedom for environmental landscaping of the site.
The style and materials have been selected to create an impression of tradition
and substance combined with innovation, while maintaining a feeling of light
and space.
The prime feature is a central atrium linking all floors and
forming the hub of the building. Open walkways, common work areas and a ground
floor restaurant will add to the invigorating environment.
"Capability Green will be a radical switch for our existing
employees and we are consulting with them each step of the way to ensure the
building meets both their needs and those of the business," said Richard
Sizeland.
AstraZeneca has already established links with the local
community in Luton through the Astra Foundation which provides sponsorship of a
Schools' Science prize scheme as well as scholarships at the University of
Luton.
Ends
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Further enquiries to:
Anna Isaacs
AstraZeneca
Home Park
Kings Langley
01923 272443
faPRCommunicationsDept-GB-AstraPharmaceuticalsLtd@astrazeneca.com
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