Augean ready to clean up with deal on waste

The US drug giant last year announced plans to close the research and development centre, which employed 2,400 people. The controversial decision dealt a major blow to Britain’s scientific jobs base.

Pfizer said it would exit the site over 18 to 24 months as part of a global programme to create a more focussed and sustainable research and development machine.

The drugs giant recently said it is in detailed talks with a potential buyer for the site.It said: “This announcement is a positive milestone in the transition of Discovery Park to becoming an R&D-led multiple-use campus.”