The Babraham Research Campus: Unlocking a solution to science space scarcity

26/09/2024

Underlining its status as a premier destination for life science ventures, the Cambridge Cluster continues to attract global talent and occupiers into the city.

According to the latest figures, the supply of immediately available laboratory space in Cambridge remains constrained in core established areas, albeit availability of space has risen from the lows of 2022. Thriving bioscience companies remain focused on being in the best locations in the UK for their research and development activities as well as attracting and retaining talent, with Cambridge remaining firmly on the favoured location list.

Rupert Dando, Associate Director, Savills - recently appointed to assist in securing the next generation of occupiers on Campus - commented: “Cambridge remains at the forefront of the UK science market. Although it hasn’t been immune to prevailing economic conditions, the life sciences sector continues to develop, driven by both venture capital funding and a post-pandemic focus on medical research and innovation.

“The currently available space at Babraham Research Campus offers the next wave of innovators an exciting opportunity to join and collaborate with the existing Campus community. Campuses like Babraham Research Campus are key to ensuring Cambridge’s long-term growth and ability to innovate isn’t stifled.”

Stand-out solutions for the fast-moving

For businesses struggling to secure a foothold in one of the most competitive life science hubs in the world, a beacon of light has revealed itself. Two key facilities have just been unlocked at Babraham Research Campus – The Eddeva Building and The Bennet Building – with each presenting a distinct offering.

The Eddeva Building is a multi-let ideal for small to medium size biotech companies due to its flexible and adaptable space, while the Bennet Building extends the very exciting possibility of up to six suites with shared facilities and meeting rooms on this nurturing campus.

But these spaces won’t be available for long.

With the global demand for healthcare innovation, driven by areas like gene therapy, synthetic biology, and drug discovery, Cambridge’s status as a world-leading life sciences hub is unlikely to diminish. Coupled with Babraham Research Campus’ reputation for pioneering research and collegiate environment, these two buildings are a prime ‘top-of-the-list’ target for high-growth, innovative ventures shopping for real estate.

The heart of the UK’s life science sector

Cambridge has long been synonymous with invention, discovery and brilliant minds – its top-tier academic prowess and the city’s beauty make it a particularly attractive base for innovators and inventors of all kinds.

Its ecosystem facilitates and supports a rich network of scholars, researchers, spin-outs, venture capitalists, and established pharmaceutical giants. This unique blend of talent, investment, and opportunity has helped solidify Cambridge as one of the top global hubs for science and technology development.

Located just outside Cambridge city centre, Babraham Research Campus has a long-standing reputation as one of the UK’s leading bioscience centres. Home to over 60 companies, it provides not only the physical space for labs but also access to cutting-edge facilities, industry networks, and support services that are essential for nurturing life science ventures.

More than just a physical space

So much more than bricks and mortar - although the buildings do house state-of-the-art laboratory and office spaces - the Campus is renowned for its supportive community within an ecosystem that is tailored to the specific needs of bioscience businesses. On-site facilities include advanced scientific equipment, shared laboratory spaces, and high-performance computing resources, enabling companies to push the boundaries of discovery without the need for significant upfront investment.

The recent availability of lab space in the Eddeva and Bennet Buildings offers a timely solution for those seeking a home within this sought-after campus. Suited to bioscience businesses looking to scale up their research and development endeavours or kick-start their early-stage venture with a prestigious address and expert collaborators as neighbours, both options offer the prospect of an exciting future. 

While its thriving network of bioscience companies creates opportunities for partnerships and knowledge sharing, it also allows resident companies to tap into a deep pool of talent and develop close working relationships with the highly regarded Babraham Institute.

Izzy Vyvyan, Associate Director, Savills, pointed to the strategic importance of these spaces: “For life science companies looking to establish themselves or scale up, Babraham Research Campus offers the perfect environment. The Eddeva Building and The Bennet Building represent rare opportunities in today’s market - high-spec lab spaces that are ready to go and situated within one of the best-connected cities and campuses in the region.”

A prime destination to thrive

While the Cambridge Cluster’s lab space shortage remains a significant challenge, the timely availability of space at Babraham Research Campus presents an immediate opportunity for ambitious life science ventures to thrive within one of the best places in the Europe for discovery bioscience research and innovation.

As the sector continues to grow, securing the right base at the right time will be critical for success – and Babraham Research Campus may just hold the key to unlocking the future for fleet-of-foot science businesses which are ready to make the move.

Nicki Kinsey, Director of Business Operations, Babraham Research Campus, said: “Companies looking to drive forward and tap into a rich vein of talent and expertise will find a resource-rich, supportive, well-connected environment here, perfectly designed for cultivating the next generation of bioscience breakthroughs.”

Don’t delay. Contact Nicki directly - nicola.kinsey@babraham.co.uk - to learn more about the benefits of being part of Babraham Research Campus’ community and how to take the first step towards becoming a fully-fledged member of this world-renowned ecosystem.