AstraZeneca is known for its extensive expertise. It was natural for the biomedicine company to select its new premises from the Life Science Center. In addition to the location and brand new facilities, the decision was guided by common values such as responsibility and sustainable development.
AstraZeneca is one of the fastest-growing large pharmaceutical companies in the world. The company develops and produces medicines for the treatment of heart, kidney, lung, cancer, and rare diseases in addition to vaccines.
Strong growth in the Finnish market led to AstraZeneca initiating a search for new premises in the capital region. The previous premises in Espoo’s Leppävaara had been enjoyed for 12 years.
As a Nordic biotech hub, the Life Science Center emerged as an interesting and natural choice for AstraZeneca. Before the decision, the residences and wishes of the staff were mapped. Due to its central location and excellent transport connections, Keilaniemi was favored by the staff, and the move to the new office took place in April 2023.
“We are growing very strongly, both in terms of turnover and the number of staff. We have recruited many new employees and want to continue to be an attractive employer. Our premises must also meet the needs of our staff in terms of location and quality,” says Jaakko Viitala, Managing Director of AstraZeneca Finland.
Exceptional environment near the sea
Keilaniemi and its surroundings, and the location of the Life Science Center by the sea, have been inspiring from a short acquaintance. Viitala states that Keilaniemi is an exceptionally beautiful environment, both in terms of the capital region and Finland, where nature and urban environment combine.
Additional joy is provided by the nearby metro station and the light rail line. The mobile staff can drive directly to the Länsiväylä and Kehä I.
“The office view of the sea and the stimulating environment of the Life Science Center were factors that finally convinced us.”
The new office attracts people – to the sea views
The pharmaceutical company’s new office is located on the fifth floor of the new part of the Life Science Center. The office space is mostly open plan and has about 600 square meters. The feeling of space is enhanced by large windows flooding in light.
Nearly a hundred people work in AstraZeneca’s Finnish organization. Community and collaboration are central to the operation, and the new premises support the company’s way of working.
The design of the premises suitable for diverse work was done together with the representatives of LSC and the pharmaceutical company. The collaboration went smoothly, and the new premises were completed on schedule. The office has a light Scandinavian and straightforward look.
“We have a really amazing office, where one wall along the entire length of the office is practically all glass. Based on a short period of time, I have noticed that our new office attracts people. People are ready to come here, and the new premises have had a positive impact on the mood.”
Spaces suitable for everyone
The open plan centralizes most of the workstations. Sound usage is not restricted, so even moderate meetings go well. Tasks requiring concentration and special precision can be performed in the quiet part of the office.
The lounge is the focal point of the office for meetings and more informal activities. Staff events are also held in the lounge. There are meeting rooms of different sizes available, and if necessary, LSC’s large rentable conference rooms can be used.
Viitala highlights how well the new part integrates with the original office buildings. For example, shared garages and lunch restaurants serve all tenant companies.
Common values of responsibility and energy efficiency
AstraZeneca has global goals to be carbon neutral by 2025 and carbon negative by 2030. In LCS, sustainable development is reflected in the monitoring of water and energy consumption of office buildings, recycling, waste sorting, and tracking the carbon footprint of buildings.
“We felt that sustainable development was better realized in the Life Science Center than in our previous location. Our values met.”
Visibly part of the growing Keilaniemi Business Cluster
The first customers have already visited. Although the office is not the largest in terms of square meters, the use of space is considered successful. Brightness, modernity, and the sense of space stand out in customer feedback.
After the move, it has become clear that the pharmaceutical company is now operating in a very central and visible location. The company’s logo on the facade of the new part is literally visible from afar. “We have a good opportunity to take an even stronger foothold, as we are present in one of Finland’s central business clusters. It is important for AstraZeneca to operate precisely in the Life Science Center.”
