<\/p>\n
More facilities are needed like the Glasgow Health Innovation hub<\/p>\n
A shortage of specialist laboratory and manufacturing space threatens to slow the growth of Scotland\u2019s rapidly expanding life sciences sector, according to a new report.<\/p>\n
Analysis backed by industry stakeholders such as Pioneer, Kadans and Buccleuch Property, as well as a range of Scottish universities, reveals the need for urgent action to keep pace with demand.<\/p>\n
Scotland\u2019s life sciences industry has expanded significantly over the past decade, with turnover rising by more than 10% annually to reach \u00a310.5 billion in 2022, surpassing its original 2025 target five years early. <\/p>\n
It now employs 46,000 people across more than 750 organisations. Key life sciences clusters are in Glasgow, Edinburgh, Dundee and Aberdeen, where professional activities aligned with life sciences employment are concentrated.<\/p>\n
However, the report, produced by CBRE on behalf of Scottish Enterprise and the Scottish Government, highlights growing pressure on the property market that supports the sector.<\/p>\n
Over the past two years, 140 enquiries for laboratory, office and manufacturing space have been recorded across the Scottish Enterprise area, representing more than 1.2 million sq ft of demand.<\/p>\n
Laboratory space accounted for 84% of all enquiries, with Edinburgh seeing the highest demand (by sq ft) across all property types, totalling 80 enquiries.<\/p>\n
Almost half of enquiries came from start-ups and SMEs seeking to grow within Scotland, while 72% of companies cited expansion as the primary reason for seeking new space.<\/p>\n
Despite this strong demand, supply remains limited. The report identifies clear gaps in mid-sized \u201cgrow-on\u201d laboratory facilities for scaling companies and in larger specialist manufacturing space, including Good Manufacturing Practice (GMP) facilities.<\/p>\n
While new schemes are emerging across Scotland\u2019s main life sciences clusters in Edinburgh, Glasgow, Dundee and Aberdeen, a significant proportion of the development pipeline remains at an early stage without planning consent or committed delivery timelines.<\/p>\n
This raises the risk that demand could outpace supply over the next three to five years. Development viability also remains a challenge, with many existing projects only progressing with public sector funding support.<\/p>\n
The report highlights that targeted investment, flexible development models and closer collaboration between the public and private sectors will be key to ensuring Scotland\u2019s infrastructure keeps pace with demand and supports the ambition to grow the life sciences sector.<\/p>\n
Angela Lowe, head of CBRE\u2019s Edinburgh office, said:\u00a0\u201cScotland has a huge opportunity to build on the remarkable momentum in our life sciences sector. <\/p>\n
\u201cOver the past decade, we\u2019ve seen outstanding growth, world-class research, and a pipeline of innovative companies ready to scale, but to fully realise that opportunity, we need the right space for them to grow.<\/p>\n
\u201cOur analysis shows that demand for specialist laboratory and manufacturing facilities is rising rapidly, and the current development pipeline may struggle to keep pace. <\/p>\n
\u201cIf Scotland wants to remain a destination of choice for life sciences investment, delivering flexible, high-quality facilities \u2013 particularly mid-sized scale-up space and specialist infrastructure \u2013 will be essential.\u201d<\/p>\n
\t #Lab #shortage #threat #life #sciences #expansion #Daily #Business<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
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