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Writer's pictureGalileo Labs

The Solution = City Lab Space - Conclusion of the Evolution of Life Sciences Trilogy

Read about the intro and background of our trilogy here. Part 1 can be found here, Part 2 here and Part 3 here.


Life Science companies are attractive tenants for many buildings however are frequently overlooked due to lack of familiarity with the sectors or the assumptions that the needs are too complicated. It adds to the growth of the economy and makes economic sense for investors.


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Life science tenants:

  • Pay significant premiums for built environments and are ‘sticky’ tenants.

  • Will pay premiums to provide spaces that attract and retain key talent.

  • Can support the regeneration of many central unwanted buildings by acting as anchor tenants.

  • Generate significant demand for adjacent services such as event spaces, conferences, accommodation, and hospitality.

  • Companies pay premium rates for spaces located in basements and lower floors that are often discounted space in city locations.


Cities like London could become the next Science Super Centre if built correctly:

  • Cities can operates 24 hour, 7 days a week.

  • They are home to world leading universities generating programs.

  • They are home to multiple teaching hospitals and NHS trusts.

  • They are home to research centres such as Francis Crick, Genomics England, Catapult etc.

  • It produces the most companies of the UK life sciences Golden Triangle.

  • It is the hub of the UKs golden triangle providing unparalleled access to Cambridge, Oxford, M4 corridor, Southeast.

  • It hosts major investor conferences such as Jefferies and Cowen.

  • It hosts major industry conferences such as LSX, OBN and ON. 

  • It has an established ecosystem of professional and development services providers.

  • It is a global financial centre focused on investment across all stages of life science development.

  • It has large volumes of space that needs to be regenerated.

  • It provides unparalleled access to a variety of job options for partners.


Addressing Housing, Taxation and Accessibility

A tangible solution is the creation of specialised residential zones with preferential housing options for life science professionals. Such zones would be strategically placed within walking distance or a short commute from research facilities and institutions. This not only mitigates the daily grind of long travel but fosters spontaneous intellectual exchanges and collaborations outside traditional working hours. In tandem, there is potential to offer top scientific talent tax breaks as seen in Italy or Spain, which has reversed the brain drain of its top science talent. 


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Learning from Global Models

Cities like New York have implemented business rates relief for science occupiers, benefiting scientific employee pay and giving companies more financial leeway. New York has also piloted funding for incubator spaces that offer reduced-cost locations for startup science companies near major research facilities. This integration into the ecosystem enhances their success chances and increases the talent pool available to larger companies. Similarly, Boston and Singapore have created supportive environments that attract and nurture scientific talent, providing models from which London can draw lessons to boost its own status as a global science hub.


In Summary

The UK's life sciences sector has evolved into a global leader in research, innovation, and commercialization, supported by a legacy of discoveries, strong academic institutions, and governmental backing. The vision for transforming urban spaces into hubs of scientific innovation involves more than just construction—it's about a shift in the socio-economic and cultural dynamics of the city. By focusing on accessibility, flexibility, and inclusivity, London can create a thriving environment for the scientific community and set a new global standard for scientific excellence.


Key Takeaways

  • Females, despite making up over 50% of graduating PhD students, need to be better supported in balancing both science careers and growing families private life. This will improve the quality of life for all employed in the life-science industry and ensure top female talent is fully supported to pursue meaningful research and business aims. 

  • Labs should be viewed as 24/7 operations similar to hospitals and not designed as the typical 9-5 office building.

  • Science space needs to be designed for the end user from day 1 with flexibility in the design to change as the science does.

  • Subsidised housing, income tax breaks or business rates relief can better help top scientists and science compete financially in London.

  • Amenity space, retail offering and surrounding spaces should be enhanced to ensure bump and think spaces together with creating a healthier work environment.

  • Think Big with Action - Places like New York and Singapore have made large policy and financial investments to kickstart science and these are now paying substantial dividends for the cities. Other Countries like Italy and Spain have introduced tax schemes reversing the brain drain and bringing back top global talent.


About the Authors


Dr Neha Tanna is a licensed medical doctor with many years of experience in the Biopharma industry. She works as part of senior leadership teams in the biotech industry and as a venture capital investor.




Michael Cunniffe is the Managing Director, UK of Danforth Advisors. Danforth provide development and corporate support functions on a fractional basis to high growth life science companies across all development stages, from seed to public, including IPO and fundraising transactions.



Ryan Matenchuk  is a real estate finance professional with a depth of experience working in the property industry for over 20 years. He worked closely with the design and development teams, investors, vendors and debt providers to bring significant projects to life.



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