BDP has completed a major laboratory and research building at Manchester Science Park, providing a new HQ for UK Biobank and flexible specialist facilities for the city’s growing life sciences sector.
Designed by BDP for Bruntwood SciTech, Greenheys forms the latest phase of Manchester Science Park. Set within the Oxford Road Corridor, the building will become the new headquarters and research facility for UK Biobank, which is preparing to relocate from Stockport. Around 11 million biological samples will be transferred to the new building, together with approximately half of the organisation’s 400-strong team.
The facility is intended to increase the capacity and speed of UK Biobank’s research and strengthen its connections with Manchester’s universities, hospitals and wider life sciences community. It also provides additional laboratory accommodation for other research-led organisations. Furthermore, the development is seeking to retain economic value within the region, with 99 per cent of project expenditure going to businesses located within 40 miles of the site.
Three floors of specialist accommodation provide flexible Containment Level 2 (CL2) laboratories and write-up space for organisations working across life sciences, biotechnology and advanced diagnostics. These are supported by sophisticated ventilation and cooling systems, dedicated fume extraction, high-specification local exhaust ventilation, and infrastructure designed for the movement and storage of biological samples and specialist equipment. The facility is fully electric and is targeting BREEAM Excellent.
Alongside the highly controlled laboratory environments, BDP has sought to provide spaces that encourage interaction and support staff wellbeing. Shared breakout and meeting areas are complemented by cycle storage and changing facilities, with access to a nearby gym and café. Landscape design extends the approach into the surrounding campus, introducing planting and green space around the building. The most prominent landscape feature is a 1,700-square-metre living wall containing 160,000 plants. Described as the largest in Manchester city centre, it provides habitats for pollinators and more than 125 species of invertebrates, as well as contributing to local air quality.
Gary Wilde, Architect Director at BDP said: “Greenheys had to do two things well: provide the highly technical infrastructure that serious scientific research demands, and create a building where people can do meaningful and impactful work. Bringing those requirements together is what made this project interesting.”
“It is also a great example of what can be achieved when multiple disciplines combine as one joined-up piece of design. The result is a building that is ready for the demands of the UK life sciences industry, while making a strong contribution to the Oxford Road Corridor and Manchester’s growing research economy.”
Sam Darby, Development Director at Bruntwood SciTech, said: “Manchester and the wider North West stands at the crossroads of a significant opportunity for economic development. The huge potential of the region’s innovation sector hinges on the development of the networks and spaces that ambitious businesses need to grow. Greenheys is part of our response to that need and marks a significant moment in the ongoing delivery of specialist infrastructure across the city. The building has been created for ambitious, research-led organisations that need high-quality lab space, access to exceptional talent and direct connections into a world-class research, clinical and academic ecosystem.”
“Reaching this milestone also strengthens Manchester Science Park’s role as a key part of the city’s innovation infrastructure, while bringing us an important step closer to welcoming UK Biobank to its new headquarters. At Greenheys we have the capacity to support a whole host of other organisations operating at the very highest level of scientific discovery; helping them to collaborate, attract talent and accelerate impact.”
