Life Sciences

Your breakthrough property partner

We help life sciences organisations unlock opportunities across the UK by creating and repurposing spaces that meet modern research needs. While purpose-built lab space remains in high demand, innovative solutions and strategic partnerships are driving growth and progress nationwide. For over 30 years, we’ve partnered with public and private organisations to help realise this. Our expertises range from campus masterplanning and structuring joint ventures - such as Birmingham’s Health & Innovation Campus with Bruntwood SciTech - to guiding global life sciences leaders through workplace change. Combining sector insight, regional knowledge, and global resources, we deliver commercially viable real estate solutions built for the future.

A petri dish filled with vibrant pink and orange liquid sits on a metal surface, surrounded by precision tweezers, in a life or bio sciences lab setting.

How we can support you

From discovery to delivery, we guide life sciences investors and organisations through every stage of their property journey. Whether it's site selection, planning navigation, or cutting-edge facility design, our specialists work alongside world-leading companies to create breakthrough spaces.

Avison Young - Life Sciences planning and site selection

Planning and site allocation

Our planning team brings specialist expertise in life sciences real estate across the UK. As leading life sciences property consultants, we help investors, developers, and occupiers identify sites and secure permissions for laboratory, R&D, and manufacturing facilities. From site assessment to stakeholder engagement and consent strategies, we handle the full planning journey. Our evidence-based approach has delivered results on some of the UK's highest-profile projects, balancing what's required with what's commercially smart for you.
Avison Young - Life Sciences transactions management

International scale, local insight

Our Transaction Management (TM) team gives you access to trusted local experts across 50+ countries through our network of 80+ prequalified partners. Wherever your life sciences projects are located, you work with professionals who understand the local market - from real estate practices and regulatory requirements to region-specific challenges. Combined with our consistent governance and reporting standards, you benefit from local specialists supported by the reliability of a global network.

Project management

Our Project Management team has over 30 years' experience partnering with life sciences organisations to deliver specialist facilities. From GMP-grade laboratories and cleanrooms to vivaria and commercial manufacturing environments, we manage the complete lifecycle - from User Requirements Specifications through construction, commissioning, validation with MHRA/FDA (where applicable), and handover. With 500 project managers globally and specialist sector expertise, we balance regional regulations with global client standards across projects ranging from 200 to 100,000+ sqm.

Avison Young - Life Sciences cost management

Cost management

Cost consultancy sits at the heart of what we do. From start-to-finish, we work with you to manage life sciences real estate project costs with complete transparency. Drawing on commercial expertise and strong supplier relationships across EMEA, we work  with design teams early to ensure specifications align with your budget. Through strategic cost planning, rigorous benchmarking, and early market testing, we help you make informed decisions, minimise financial risk, and deliver successful procurement throughout each project.

Transactions and leasing

Our transactions and leasing team brings over 30 years' experience supporting life sciences investors, developers, and occupiers across laboratory, R&D, and manufacturing facilities. From acquisition and disposal strategies to lease negotiations and flexible workspace solutions through our flex offering, we manage the complete transaction lifecycle. With 500+ dedicated professionals globally and specialist life sciences sector expertise, we partner with you to deliver seamless execution balancing local market dynamics with your strategic objectives.

Workplace and change consultancy

Your life sciences organisation faces unique workplace challenges as research priorities shift, teams scale, and operational needs evolve. Our workplace strategy and change management experts have supported some of the world's largest life sciences organisations to align space with scientific vision, guiding researchers and teams through every transition - from lab reconfigurations to hybrid working - developing tailored programmes and workplaces that increase employee engagement and support evolving research demands.

Funding and strategic JV partnerships

We lead on structuring complex funding strategies and joint ventures that bring life sciences projects to life. From Health & Innovation Campus, Birmingham where we advised Birmingham City Council and The University of Birmingham on the appointment of Bruntwood as JV development partners to shaping commercial frameworks for Liverpool’s 450-acre Knowledge Quarter, our role spans strategic funding advice, partnership alignment, and leasing strategy. By connecting public and private capital with research-led innovation, we deliver commercially resilient developments that drive future growth and deliver long-term scientific and social value.

Business rates and valuations

Our business rates and valuation expertise is tailored specifically to the complexities of life sciences real estate. We help occupiers ensure business rates assessments are accurate and reflect laboratory provision, while supporting owners and developers to minimise rates liability and maximise relief on incubator space. With 30+ years of life sciences expertise, we advise clients including Coventry and Loughborough Universities, Magdalen College and GIC on Oxford Science Park, and TusPark at Cambridge Science Park, from initial development through to exit.

Developing a new facility?

Here’s how we can help:

  • New location? We'll source commercially viable, strategic locations.
  • Funding? We're expert in JVs and public private partnerships.
  • Planning? We'll manage it from consultation to engagement.
  • Full delivery? End-to-end PM services with rigorous cost control.

Contact our life sciences investor and developer specialists.

Expanding operations?

Here’s how we can help:

  • Growing? From design concept to operational excellence, we'll deliver.
  • Optimising assets? We’ll drive efficiency and deliver net zero goals.
  • Compliance challenges? We identify risk early and accelerate delivery.
  • Looking for new space? We’ll source assets aligned with your strategy.

Connect with a life sciences property specialist today.

"Every life sciences facility is where tomorrow's breakthroughs begin. When creating these specialised environments, you need partners who understand both the requirements and commercial realities. We're committed to helping clients build industry-leading facilities that advance scientific progress."

Connect with Guy Spencer
Director, Business Space & Life Science Investment

London Life Sciences Real Estate consultancy services lead Guy Spencer headshot

Connect with life sciences property specialists today

Discover our projects...

Knowledge Quarter,
Liverpool 

A 450-acre innovation district advancing world-leading research in health, disease, manufacturing, and construction across Liverpool's key science facilities.

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Modern glass office and life sciences building with yellow accents beside a circular green park. People stroll and relax under a clear blue sky, creating a lively, welcoming atmosphere.

Health and Innovation Campus, Birmingham


Birmingham City Council and the University of Birmingham partnered with Bruntwood SciTech through a joint venture to deliver a 4-acre innovation district with 657,000 sq ft of space.

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Aerial view of a modern eco-friendly urban area featuring a selection of life sciences buildings with tiered green roofs, surrounding trees, and a pond. People are relaxing outdoors, creating a peaceful atmosphere.

Health Innovation Neighbourhood, Newcastle


Newcastle University and Genr8 Kajima Regeneration Ltd formed a joint venture to regenerate the former Newcastle General Hospital into a 28-acre mixed-use development.

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Brick exterior of Florey and John Eccles House building with trees in public realm, within Oxford Science park

Florey and John Eccles House, Oxford

Clearbell Capital acquired two office buildings at Oxford Science Park for redevelopment into modern lab and office space within one of the UK’s leading science clusters.

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Modern office building on Surrey Science Park in England, with large glass entrance, brick facade, and landscaped surroundings. Cars parked in front; people walking. Bright, inviting atmosphere.

Priestley Building, Surrey Research Park


British Land is redeveloping a 7.8-acre site near Royal Surrey County Hospital into laboratory and office space following its acquisition, with a 48,000 sq ft pre-let secured to LGC.

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Modern multi-story office and life sciences building in Liverpool with geometric facade featuring square windows. Surrounded by landscaped gardens and people walking, under a partly cloudy sky.

Health Innovation Liverpool (HIL)


A £320m transformation of the former Royal Liverpool Hospital into an Academic Health Science Campus and Bio-Innovation Campus, with advisory support since 2005.

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