Takeda to Create Unified Cambridge Campus in Kendall Square

Takeda has signed a 15-year lease with BioMed Realty for approximately 600,000 square feet of R&D and office space to be built at 585 Third Street in Kendall Square. The state-of-the-art facility will allow Takeda, the largest life sciences employer in Massachusetts, to create a purpose-built R&D facility with laboratories featuring modern design elements and upgraded technology to support the company in its efforts to advance innovation for patients. The new facility will support Takeda’s efforts to “redefine the future of work” by adopting flexible workspaces to maximize in-person interaction and connection under a flexible and hybrid working model. Construction is scheduled to begin in 2023 and Takeda plans to occupy the building starting in 2026.

The company will also expand its existing space in 650 East Kendall to include two additional floors, making Takeda the sole laboratory and office tenant in that building. The agreement with BioMed Realty further expands Takeda’s presence in Kendall Square, a hub for life sciences, and is part of the company’s long-term strategy to create one Cambridge campus in Kendall Square, unifying Takeda’s Global R&D center in Cambridge and co-locating R&D with businesses and other operations. Takeda will eventually transition teams from Central Square to Kendall Square over time. Takeda will maintain a presence in Lexington as its suburban location (as pictured above).

The new building is designed with sustainability in mind and will pursue LEED Gold or higher certification. And, as part of this innovative project, Takeda and BioMed Realty have identified shared goals and commitments around occupant wellness, energy and water efficiency, and reduced waste to landfills. Moving to 585 Third Street and expanding the presence in Kendall Square will help Takeda achieve its ambitious environmental goals including net-zero greenhouse gas emissions for scopes 1 and 2 before 2035, and for its entire value chain by 2040.

(Source: Takeda Website, 22 June, 2022)