In a significant development for the field of medical research, the former Westside Pavilion Mall in Los Angeles will undergo a transformation into a state-of-the-art biomedical research center. The UCLA Research Park, as it will be known, aims to address major healthcare challenges such as cancer treatment and pandemic prevention. The announcement was made on Wednesday by officials, highlighting the center's focus on immunology, immunotherapy, quantum science, and engineering.

The sale of the property, previously owned by Hudson Pacific Properties Inc. and Macerich, was finalized for a staggering $700 million to the Regents of the University of California. This acquisition by UCLA represents a strategic move to expand its presence beyond its limited campus space and provide opportunities for growth in biomedical research.

Governor Gavin Newsom emphasized the importance of the research center, stating that it would solidify California's position as a global leader in economic, scientific, and technical advancements in the 22nd century and beyond.

The former indoor mall, strategically located at Pico Boulevard and Overland Avenue, is set to become a hub for cutting-edge research and innovation. With its sprawling three-story structure, the UCLA Research Park will house two multidisciplinary centers: one focused on immunology and immunotherapy and the other on quantum science and engineering.

The research park's development marks a significant milestone for Southern California, attracting academics, corporate partners, government agencies, and startups to collaborate in exploring new areas of inquiry and achieving breakthroughs for the benefit of society.

UCLA Chancellor Gene Block expressed excitement about the opportunity to establish a state-of-the-art facility that would bring together various disciplines and inspire collaboration. The former mall's multiplex movie theater is also expected to be repurposed as lecture halls or performance spaces for programming spanning arts, humanities, sciences, and social sciences.

With plans to be fully operational within 40 months, the UCLA Research Park will house the California Institute for Immunology and Immunotherapy as one of its tenants. The establishment of this public-private partnership was influenced by discussions with renowned philanthropists and medical research advocates Michael Milken and Gary Michelson.

The institute, which will operate independently as a nonprofit entity, is set to receive substantial funding from the state's intended investment of $500 million. UCLA's involvement in the institute will include appointing four out of the eleven members of its board. To further incentivize groundbreaking discoveries, UCLA will receive 7.5% of the net revenues generated by the sale of new medicines and other inventions developed by the institute's scientists.

In addition to its biomedical research focus, the UCLA Research Park will also house the Center for Quantum Science and Engineering, which aims to advance research and development in quantum computing, communication, and sensing. This move aligns with UCLA's mission to foster innovation and academic excellence in emerging fields of study.

The purchase of the former Westside Pavilion Mall marks UCLA's third major acquisition in Los Angeles within two years, reflecting the university's commitment to expand its footprint and provide more access to higher education. Through these strategic moves, UCLA endeavors to accommodate a growing number of students while contributing to the revitalization of the city's historic core.

The transformation of the Westside Pavilion Mall into a world-class biomedical research center signifies a significant milestone for both UCLA and the broader scientific community. As the center takes shape, researchers and scientists will have access to cutting-edge facilities and resources, fueling breakthroughs in healthcare, life sciences, and quantum technology. This ambitious project sets the stage for California to cement its position as a global leader in research and innovation, shaping the future of healthcare and scientific advancements in the 21st century.