AstraZeneca opens new global hub in Barcelona's Estel Building

AstraZeneca unveiled on Monday its new headquarters in Barcelona, located in the iconic Estel Building on Roma Avenue.

The new facility spans 30,000 square meters across nine floors, all fully renovated to accommodate the pharmaceutical company's 1,600 professionals.

With this new initiative, the British-Swedish firm aims to strengthen its presence in Catalonia as a strategic hub within its international network.

By 2027, the company plans to invest a total of €1.3 billion, an amount nearly equivalent to the entire annual R&D investment of Spain's pharmaceutical industry.

In 2024 alone, AstraZeneca allocated €257 million and hired 540 new employees in Catalonia. Since its establishment two years ago, the Global Hub has grown to a workforce of 1,600 people.

"We have full confidence in the potential of this country," said Rick R. Suárez, AstraZeneca's President in Spain, during the inauguration of the new building.

Suárez described the opening as "the beginning of a new era of progress" and a step toward "strengthening AstraZeneca's long-term position."

"Within this building lies the hope of thousands of people affected by cancer or heart disease," said Catalan president Salvador Illa.

He highlighted Catalonia as "a benchmark for health innovation across Europe," stressing that the region ranks eighth in the world in the promotion of clinical trials.

"The Covid-19 pandemic made clear the need for our own health innovation centers. Having a strong healthcare structure is essential for Catalonia's prosperity," he added.

Spain's Health Minister, Mónica García, said that this new global hub "positions Catalonia at the forefront of innovation in Europe."

"Spain has an exceptional healthcare system that is the envy of the world, and this project reflects our collective commitment to public health. Everyone benefits: the private sector, the public sector, and citizens," she added.

The minister also referred to the challenges the pharmaceutical industry has faced in recent years, from COVID-19 to the effects of US policies under Donald Trump. "It has forced us to look further ahead," she said. 

Barcelona mayor Jaume Collboni called the inauguration "a happy day for the people of Barcelona and for all who defend health as a public good."

"Our city has the capacity to attract and nurture talent. AstraZeneca’s commitment will help bring back professionals from Catalonia and Barcelona who are currently working abroad," Collboni said.

Indeed, nearly one-third of AstraZeneca's employees are international professionals from 62 different nationalities, while the rest are Spanish.

Many of them are Spanish professionals who were previously working abroad and have now returned thanks to the opportunities offered by the Barcelona hub.

Collboni also praised the revitalization of the Estel Building: "It was once an empty, purposeless space with negative connotations. But after the pandemic, we decided it was time to dream big and make this happen."