The basics:

• Haleon to move North American HQ from Warren to The Park
• Signs lease for 78,000+ square feet at The Connell Co. campus
• 700 employees expected to relocate by late 2026
• Move reflects life sciences trend toward amenity-rich campuses

Haleon will move its North American headquarters from Warren to The Park in Berkeley Heights, marking one of the largest recent leases in the sector.

A spokesperson for the global consumer health company confirmed the move to NJBIZ Aug. 5. Approximately 700 employees will move to the new space, they said.

Haleon signed on for more than 78,000 square feet of space at 400 Connell Drive, or RT400, at The Connell Co.‘s epic 187-acre campus. It has called 184 Liberty Corner Road in Warren home since 2016.

The company’s portfolio spans six categories (Oral Health; Vitamins, Minerals and Supplements; Pain Relief; Respiratory Health; Digestive Health; Therapeutic Skin Health). It includes name brands such as Sensodyne, Aquafresh, Centrum, Emergen-C, Advil, Robitussin, Theraflu, Tums and many more.

With the end of its current lease approaching, Haleon told NJBIZ it utilized the opportunity to find a campus that offered the best fit for its office needs, as well as the most amenities for its employees.

Trending

It’s a trend that has overtaken the sector at large. When Sanofi debuted its brand-new space at M Station West in Morristown, it emphasized the attention paid to creating a space that encourages people to come into the office, collaborate effectively and stay with the company. And looking back at recent data, JLL noted tenants’ prioritization of high-quality spaces and premium perks to attract and retain talent.

At The Park, The Connell Co. has invested to introduce a high-touch, elevated “work resort” experience.

JLL, Colliers and Savills each identified the Haleon deal as one of the most significant from the second quarter of the year. Throughout Q2, life sciences companies represented the largest share of activity for New Jersey leasing, according to JLL, totaling nearly one-third of deals for the period.

Haleon’s move also highlights another trend from the first half of the year: consolidation. When the company relocates, anticipated for the end of 2026, it will vacate a larger footprint (147,000 square feet) in Somerset County.

Checking all the boxes

Following a $100 million capital improvement plan, the owner and operator introduced the RT Workspaces at the property. In May, The Connell Co. announced nearing full occupancy for the 1.5 million square feet of office space available at The Park.

Class A building RT400, where Haleon will reside, totals 260,000 square feet with a location adjacent to the under-development retail and residential component, The District.

The Haleon spokesperson also noted location as a contributing factor to the move.

“The Park campus is close in proximity to our current location in Warren while offering an upscale hospitality-driven employee experience,” they said. “The ownership is highly invested in maintaining and improving the property. Additionally, the location has public transportation options and is closer to the metro area and Newark Airport. There is robust on-site security, an on-site hotel, as well as space for coworking, events and catering, and conferences.”

And there’s plenty more to come at the campus – which boasts a location directly off Interstate 78. Recently, The Connell Co. celebrated topping out The Park’s first residential building at 11 stories.

“We are thrilled to welcome a global leader like Haleon to RT Workspaces at The Park,” Shane Connell, executive vice president of The Connell Co., told NJBIZ in a statement. “This is a major milestone in our continued mission to attract innovative companies and foster a dynamic, collaborative community built around exceptional amenities and experiences.”