Science Incubator Science Creates. St Philips

The project, located a short walk from Bristol Temple Meads and aside Bristol’s ‘Enterprise Zone’, is a speculative laboratory facility targeting small scale start up businesses without their own facilities and established institutions requiring additional space. Developed by scientists for scientists, the key aim was for the spaces to be adaptable and flexible so that they would facilitate any type of research needs presented by potential clients.

Within a former distribution warehouse, the building now contains 17 Biosafety Level 2 laboratories totalling 925sqm with 24 ducted fume cupboards and 420sqm of ancillary office space. The facility is capable of housing over 100 scientists within the flexible laboratory spaces; it utilises specialist ventilation systems to maintain the appropriate internal conditions and provides a comfortable office working environment through modern high-specification lighting, air conditioning and furniture.

The planning of the building layout combined with the use of custom laboratory benching and storage spaces allows for rapid internal alterations to accommodate any specific client needs and the future installation of specialist equipment to maintain a position at the forefront of laboratory research. A mezzanine deck above the labs allows for maintenance of services to occur without disrupting the primary spaces, further supporting the client’s key aim.

Opened with the support of the local council and MP’s, the first tenants are now in occupation developing sugar monitoring technology and the design of atomic force microscopy probes.