Gov. Phil Murphy this week outlined his vision for “The Hub”, a pivotal redevelopment site in downtown New Brunswick that will support New Jersey’s economic future as the state’s home for research and startup incubation.
The site, owned by the city of New Brunswick and being managed by DevCo, is approved for up to four million square feet of commercial development that can complement the recent residential, retail, and entertainment growth and development in New Brunswick. The site, which will be adjacent to the New Brunswick train station, is close to existing corporate, medical, and academic research activity and extraordinary public transportation assets.
While development of the Hub is in the earliest stages of a years-long process that will require engagement from multiple partners, Governor Murphy announced that the New Jersey Economic Development Authority (EDA) will immediately begin a planning and implementation study. He also stated that there will be plans for the EDA to identify potential partners for the Hub.
“Governor Murphy has made reestablishing New Jersey’s preeminence in the innovation economy the centerpiece of his vision for a stronger and fairer economy, and today’s convening is a major step in bringing that vision to life,” said EDA CEO Tim Sullivan. “We look forward to working with partners in the private, public and academic sectors to make the most of this uniquely-positioned site with extraordinary potential for major job creation.”
Governor Murphy today convened a meeting with leaders in technology, life sciences, top administrators at Rutgers University, local elected officials, and labor leaders to discuss his vision for New Jersey’s economic future.
“Innovation is at the heart of what Rutgers does,” said Robert Barchi, president of Rutgers University. “The university is excited about exploring the ways that the Hub could complement our strategic plan and fit into a vibrant partnership going forward.”
“I applaud Governor Murphy for supporting innovation in New Jersey,” said New Brunswick Mayor James Cahill. “The Hub’s development will be a great opportunity for New Brunswick, the state, and the nation.”
“This is a great and exciting step forward for the New Brunswick region and New Jersey,” said Assembly Speaker Craig Coughlin. “As Assembly Speaker, I’ve made reinvigorating New Jersey’s science, innovation and technology industries a major priority, and I look forward to the Assembly collaborating with the Murphy administration to make that goal reality. This is all about finding creative ways to create new jobs and opportunity for our hard-working families.”
“Situated near the world’s financial capital, many top companies, research universities and leading medical centers, New Brunswick is a natural location for this innovation hub,” said Alex Gorsky, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of Johnson & Johnson. “We recognize that transformational ideas come from everywhere, and the new discoveries and collaborations that will emerge from this hub will help change the trajectory of healthcare for patients worldwide. I applaud Governor Murphy, the City of New Brunswick and Rutgers University on this initiative to strengthen the business ecosystem in the State of New Jersey.”
“This is an exciting day for the state of New Jersey and RWJBarnabas Health is honored to be a part of today’s announcement of creating an Innovation Hub in New Brunswick,” said Barry H. Ostrowsky, President and CEO of RWJBarnabas Health. “New Brunswick is ideally situated to host the Innovation Hub due to its promise as being the premier academic medical center corridor in the region with its rich collection of higher education, healthcare and technology. We thank Governor Murphy for his visionary leadership and dedication to making the state an innovation destination.”
“As chairman of the new Assembly Science, Innovation and Technology Committee, I’m thrilled to see Gov. Murphy putting this strong focus on building New Jersey’s economic future,” said Assemblyman Andrew Zwicker. “I’m also very excited about this opportunity for Middlesex County and the New Brunswick region. If we’re to grow a stronger economy, we need to bring science and technology jobs to New Jersey, and I look forward to combining the committee’s work with the Murphy administration’s efforts to make that goal a reality.”
The Hub has the potential to:
- Become a pipeline for innovative life sciences and technology talent;
- Restore New Jersey’s place in the Innovation Economy, and provide a spot to create new ideas, organizations, and industries;
- Be a center of international prominence that accelerates the growth and dynamism of the New Jersey’s life sciences and tech sectors;
- Create a partnership between the administration and Rutgers University to build on its research prowess and explore a potential customer experience lab that lets students and faculty develop innovative solutions to improve resident’s interaction with government services;
- Provide benefits for Rutgers University including increased access to government and private sector funding, and expanding the University’s national and global reach through partnerships with academic institutions and industry;
- Lead the way toward revitalizing New Jersey’s cities, by maximizing New Brunswick’s enormous potential based on its access to mass transit, its status as the home of Rutgers University and global pharmaceutical and life sciences businesses, and its excellent health care providers;
- Create construction, research, technology, and corporate jobs.