WebMD is moving its headquarters and approximately 600 to 700 jobs from New York City to Newark, where it will take space in Gateway 2, ROI-NJ has learned.
The move is being made without the use of incentives.
WebMD is expected to begin a major buildout and renovation of approximately 100,000 square feet of space in Gateway 2 — and possibly be ready to move in by the end of the year, people familiar with the plans said.
WebMD began alerting its employees of the move earlier this month, although a public announcement has not been made.
A WebMD spokesperson, later Thursday evening, said the company will maintain a strong presence in New York City — as well as a presence in other cities around the country.
WebMD is an online news portal for health news — and has become a go-to site for many during the pandemic.
Attracting WebMD is a huge win for the state. The company not only is bringing hundreds of jobs — it is bringing the type of high-tech, life science, innovation economy jobs Gov. Phil Murphy has long desired.
Murphy administration spokesperson Darryl Isherwood said state officials are thrilled by the move.
“We are incredibly excited to welcome this well-known brand to Newark,” he said. “This is yet another example of the city’s growing status as a technology hub.
“That WebMD will now have a home here is a testament to New Jersey’s desirability as a location for businesses and to Gov. Murphy’s determination to put our state once again atop the innovation economy.”
The move also is a huge win for Onyx Equities, which purchased Gateway 1, 2 and 4 just over two years ago. Onyx currently is renovating the concourse of the buildings in an effort to have them better connect to the flow of the city — and attract tenants.
Onyx appears to have landed a big one.