The Mayor has been urged to approve a £12 million regeneration award to create a science hub in east London and up to 1,000 jobs.
Pharmaceuticals maker Sanofi is closing its 108-acre Dagenham plant next year with the loss of 450 jobs after a drop in demand.
There are potential buyers for most of the site, but so far no one to take over the research and development facility. It will be demolished if a new owner is not found by the time the firm moves out late next year.
Barking and Dagenham council has bid for £12 million from the Greater London Authority’s London Growth Fund, which is designed to attract investment in infrastructure and other projects.
Sanofi would sell the land to the GLA, which would lease parts to smaller science and technology firms. Supporters want the Mayor, co-chairman of the London Enterprise Panel which decides where growth fund cash goes, to back the bid.
Jim Moretta of Sanofi said: “It seems inconceivable that such superb amenities risk being lost.” Jobs would be created at a new Sainsbury’s, a data centre, and eventually a hotel, restaurant and training centre.
Alastair Campbell, Tony Blair’s former press secretary, and former Tory London mayoral candidate Steven Norris are supporting the project, which Mr Norris described as a great investment opportunity.
Barking and Dagenham is urging businesses and community groups to lobby the GLA, which is expected to make a decision on funding around Christmas.
