Construction for a new sterile production plant at AstraZeneca's Macclesfield campus has begun.

The project was announced by Prime Minister Boris Johnson, who visited the Macclesfield site on Charter Way earlier in the year.

A new Zoladex cancer drug will be manufactured at the site.

The building has been designed by Rochdale-based firm BES.

They will ensure construction of the new AstraZeneca building will follow site-specific safety protocols and COVID-19 restrictions.

It will not open until after Q4 2022.

Graham Drew, BES project director, said:

"The new sterile production facility we are delivering at AstraZeneca's Macclesfield site builds on the client's capabilities as a leading provider of cancer treatment and supports their growth, resilience and export strategies. It is a highly complex and process-driven environment, calling upon the specialist expertise of our multi-disciplinary team.

"We are responsible for installation and commissioning of all architectural, HVAC, electrical and process utilities, for the building's sterile accommodation, associated cleanroom areas and technical spaces. We will also co-ordinate installation and integration of the client's process equipment, within the heavily serviced production environment."

Neil Bennion, project manager, AstraZeneca, added:

"Continued investment in our production capability for Zoladex is an important part of global cancer treatment preparedness and of our ability to respond to increased demand and support patients worldwide."

It is unknown how many jobs will be brought to Macclesfield from this new building, when opened.

For more about the construction company BES, who specialise in serving the pharmaceutical industry, please head to their website.

Earlier this week, we reported on unrelated protests at the AstraZeneca Macclesfield site.

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