UC Regents Approved UCLA Research Park Upgrades
The board authorized a $34 million construction budget for the former Westside Pavilion site.
Updated on Sept. 21, 2026 in Quantum Computing
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The UC Board of Regents authorized core and shell improvements for the eastern wing of the former Westside Pavilion mall in Los Angeles. This $34 million project will support future facilities for UCLA's research and medical initiatives.
Why it matters
The redevelopment transforms a vacant shopping mall into a modern hub for quantum innovation and medical research. These improvements are critical for establishing the specialized infrastructure required by the park's anchor tenants.
The project includes 271,000 square feet of wet and dry lab space, 214,000 square feet for offices, and 14,700 square feet for food service areas. The work focuses on replacing and upgrading mechanical, electrical, and plumbing systems.
The players
UC Board of Regents
This is the governing body responsible for the administration and oversight of the University of California system.
UCLA
The University of California, Los Angeles is a public research university that serves as the anchor for the new research park.
UCLA Quantum Innovation Hub
This facility is designed to advance research and development within the field of quantum computing and related technologies.
The details
The site, located at the intersection of Pico Boulevard and Westwood Boulevard, will house the California Institute for Immunology and Immunotherapy, UCLA's Quantum Innovation Hub, and the UCLA David Geffen School of Medicine. Construction involves extensive system upgrades to support the facility's complex scientific requirements.
Timeline
The UC Board of Regents approved the construction plans in September 2026.
Construction work is projected to begin in October 2026.
Construction is expected to be completed by the end of 2028.
All project components are anticipated to be finished in phases through 2035.
The Tech Race
The creation of this research park reflects a broader trend of repurposing obsolete retail real estate into high-tech innovation centers. By housing the UCLA Quantum Innovation Hub, the university is actively positioning its infrastructure to compete in the global race for quantum supremacy.
Residents in the Westwood area can expect long-term construction activity at the Westside Pavilion site until 2035. Once operational, the park will likely create localized economic shifts as high-tech jobs and research activities move into the neighborhood.
The takeaway
The conversion of the Westside Pavilion into a research park highlights how universities are reclaiming retail space to foster scientific discovery. These long-term infrastructure projects provide the backbone needed for the next decade of technological and medical breakthroughs.
Further reading
For more on the developments in this field, visit the Quantum Computing section.
Source note: This article includes information reported by Urbanize LA.
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