Four UK top 15 firms have advised on a £600m joint venture (JV) that will see a biomedical research facility built in London's Kings Cross.

The UK Centre for Medical Research and Innovation is due to be built and run as a charity foundation by a JV comprising the Medical Research Council, Cancer Research UK, Wellcome Trust and University College London (UCL).

CMS Cameron McKenna advised the whole of the JV on the agreement, with the firm's team including lawyers from its London corporate and real estate departments. Camerons won the appointment based on its longstanding relationship with the Wellcome Trust.

Meanwhile, Freshfields Bruckhaus Deringer advised Cancer Research UK, while Eversheds advised UCL, fielding a team including education partner Glynne Stanfield and real estate partner Stephen Manson.

Stanfield said: "This commitment between UCL and the other partners will change the landscape of medical research. UCL has longstanding relationships with all of the partners in this venture, and as the only university partner, will drive academic development alongside the research."

Cambridge-based firm Hewitsons also took a role on the deal, advising the Medical Research Council.

The planning application for the 91,000 sq m building is currently with Camden Borough Council for approval, with Herbert Smith advising on the planning and construction aspects of the deal.

The new institute will study diseases including cancers, heart disease and strokes, diseases of the immune and nervous systems and degenerative conditions linked to ageing.

Prime Minister David Cameron identified the centre as a key part of the country's future economic development in the Government's National Infrastructure Plan set out in October.

The Government has pledged funding to the project through the Medical Research Council, with Chancellor George Osborne commenting that scientific research is vital to the UK's future economic success.