F. Hoffmann-La Roche Ltd (Roche) has laid the foundation stone for the new research & development (R&D) building at Roche Basel. The project represents a total investment of about CHF250 million. At the new facility, R&D work is to be carried out on solid and liquid dosage forms for new active substances. In addition, supplies of investigational drugs are to be produced for global clinical trials.
Matthias M. Baltisberger, Site Head Roche Basel, commented: “The location for an investment is not chosen for sentimental reasons. So an important criterion in selecting the site for this new building has been the constructive cooperation with the local authorities. We would like to take this opportunity to thank the authorities for the consistently open and constructive dialogue, the confidence they showed in our sense of responsibility – in particular for the architectural heritage – and the rapid processing of the planning application”.
About Building 97
The northern part of Building 97, facing Wettsteinallee, will be 20 metres (5 storeys) high, while the southern 2/3 part, facing inwards, will be 40 metres (9 storeys) high. Three basement floors are also planned. The construction of one storey will take about four weeks. The new building will provide high-quality workspace for around 100 R&D staff. In the planning and execution of the project, great importance is being attached to health, safety and environmental protection aspects. Construction work began in August 2008 and is to be completed in 2010. The facility on Wettsteinallee is expected to come into operation in the third quarter of 2011.