New lab facility for life science companies to open on Newcastle Helix

The Biosphere will provide a home for ambitious companies within life sciences and innovation, research and development. 

The new 90,000 sq. ft purpose-built £25m facility will contain both commercial laboratory and office spaces. As well as satisfying commercial laboratory demand, a conferencing facility for up to 80 people will offer a space for an events programme and for the sector to meet and share knowledge. The building is due for completion late November 2018. 

For the life sciences sector the facility is close to Newcastle upon Tyne Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, a leader in clinical trials and Newcastle University – which is globally ranked Top 100 for medical sciences. Life science businesses also have easy access to assets that support the whole bench to bedside pathway - from support networks such as BioNow and First for Pharma, to four world-class universities, to the UK’s top performing Clinical Research Network, to CROs and CDMOs, and centres of excellence in precision medicine, MedTech, and clinical trials. 

Newcastle City Council is working with a team of experts to deliver this project, utilising and maximising appropriate resource and expertise. 

Kier were chosen to build the new facility which was designed by Ryder Architects under the commercial and technical guidance of Cam-Sci, ensuring flexibility and resilience run throughout the building’s design. London-based creative agency Bandstand and Invest Newcastle will both play a role in raising the profile of the facility and in attracting new life sciences businesses to The Biosphere. 
Property and Facilities Management Services will be delivered by established building consultancy, Aura North East. They were chosen because of their experience and expertise in managing and designing complex infrastructure projects, such as hospitals and laboratories. 

Cllr Ged Bell, Cabinet member for Employment, Newcastle City Council said: “The Biosphere will be a welcome addition to Newcastle Helix’s property portfolio and provide much needed laboratory space in the city. 

“It will play a vital role in the economic development of our city and help us to build on our reputation for life sciences; enabling this sector to grow. 

"Newcastle is at the forefront of science and innovation and what makes The Biosphere unique is that businesses will have the opportunity to connect with researchers, academics and industry leaders. This will help them to innovate and create a pipeline of talent that will take them forward into the future.” 

James Marshall, Project Manager at Aura North East said: “We are excited to be part of such an ambitious project that aims to bring long-term investment, jobs and prosperity to the North East. Aura has been involved in the Biosphere project from its inception at the design stage and through construction. We share the city’s ambition for innovation, collaboration and growth within the life sciences sector.” 

Catherine Walker, Inward Investment Director, Invest Newcastle said: “This is such an exciting time for the life sciences sector. The Biosphere has already proven popular, not only because of its technical specification, but because of the community that surrounds its base. We are delighted to be part of the strategic team that is helping to drive this project forward.” 

The Biosphere has secured significant funding through the current European Regional Development Fund (ERDF) and North East Local Growth Fund (LGF) programmes, which help local areas stimulate their economic development by investing in projects which will support innovation, businesses, create jobs and local community regenerations.

Not only is The Biosphere nearing completion, work has also started on The Lumen, a new office building aimed at scientific and tech businesses. Construction is also well underway for a new Learning and Teaching Centre and a National Innovation Building that will be home to National Innovation Centres for both Ageing and Data. 

Onsite neighbours already include The Core where knowledge-based science and technology SMEs are based, and the Newcastle University’s award-winning Urban Sciences Building. 

Newcastle Helix brings together industry leaders, businesses and top researchers in an innovation community. It is a partnership between Newcastle City Council, Newcastle University and Legal & General to create more than 4,000 jobs, half a million square feet of office space and 450 new homes. 

To find out more visit www.newcastlehelix.co.uk 

Photo: L to R: David Theobald, Assistant Director, Capital Investment (Newcastle City Council), James Marshall, Project Manager at Aura North East and Cllr Ged Bell, Cabinet member for employment (Newcastle City Council).