University of California leaders in January 2012, after an extensive review process, identified the Richmond Field Station (RFS) as the preferred site for Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory's (Berkeley Lab) Second Campus. The site would initially integrate Berkeley Lab's biosciences programs currently in leased space. The University of California received more than 20 responses when a Request for Qualifications (RFQ) was released in 2011. University managers at Berkeley Lab conducted an extensive process of review and public meetings before the RFS was identified as the preferred site.
The University of California-owned site presents an excellent opportunity to solve the Lab's pressing space problems while allowing for long term growth and maintaining the 80-year tradition of close cooperation with the UC Berkeley Campus. UC Berkeley, which already has some programs on the site, is developing its own vision for possible future activities at the site and is a partner with Berkeley Lab in developing the site's Long Range Development Plan. The site's many positive attributes include the following:
- Can accommodate Berkeley Lab's growth well into the future.
- Occupies an attractive location on the Bay, not far from the Lab's main hill site.
- Would facilitate operational efficiencies through consolidation in two primary campuses.
- Is an ideal location to continue the Lab's close collaboration with UC Berkeley.
- Is in a City which strongly supports the proposed project.
The site will remain a "preferred site" until completion of planning and environmental reviews and final approvals from UC and the U.S. Department of Energy.
