by Ed Hayden, Director, Scott Brownrigg
There is great potential for the development and growth of life sciences in city centers. Repurposing vacant or underutilized inner-city buildings into flexible office and laboratory spaces creates an exciting opportunity to breathe new life into underutilized structures, activate urban areas and contribute to the local economy.
In addition, more visible and accessible sites within city centers creates opportunities to put science on show, encourage cluster effect and create opportunities to engage with the broader public to inspire the next generation of researchers. There are also significant environmental and sustainability benefits but converting existing structures into laboratory workspaces requires innovative solutions to navigate the specific complexities of accommodating science-led uses.
Location matters: Science thrives in clusters
Science naturally clusters, so successful life science retrofits rely on the ability to tap into wider scientific ecosystems. Locations with a strong research presence, such as university cities, have an inherent demand for lab space and a network of supporting activities. PhD graduates eager to test and develop groundbreaking ideas ensure a steady pipeline of talent and innovation, and as a result, the requirement for smaller co-working laboratories can quickly develop into a need for larger spaces where life science start-ups can grow.
Assessing building suitability: Key considerations
Every building presents unique challenges when it comes to retrofit, but several fundamental factors determine the viability of transforming an existing structure into a life science facility. Servicing and logistics is a key consideration; the ability to safely and efficiently deliver chemicals, materials, and gases to site is critical. Secure loading zones and adequate space for secure gas storage is a must, with strict compliance for the storage of hazardous materials such as Hydrogen, Methane and Liquid Nitrogen (LN₂).
Context and impact on the surroundings must also be carefully considered as gas deliveries and laboratory plant equipment can cause potential disruption to neighboring property, particularly during early morning or evening operations. Ensuring these buildings don’t exceed acceptable noise levels can be challenging in quiet, high-density neighborhoods. Waste gases from scientific processes must also be carefully managed to ensure compliance with air quality standards and flue dispersion modelling used to ensure the neighboring properties are unaffected by the development.
Structural challenges: Adapting to science-specific requirements
Retrofitting existing buildings for life sciences introduces a range of structural considerations that need to be carefully considered, particularly load capacity as many commercial buildings were never designed to support the heavy loads associated with laboratory infrastructure. Reinforcements may be required to accommodate lab fit-out, fume hoods, specialized equipment, and mechanical services.
Vibration sensitivity is another important consideration; scientific instruments such as microscopes, spectrometers, and laser interferometers require a highly stable environment. Excessive vibrations common in older structures can interfere with research and necessitate structural modifications or vibration isolation measures.
Floor to ceiling heights is another consideration. Unlike typical office buildings, labs require additional ceiling height for complex Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning (HVAC) ductwork, and services. Where floor-to-ceiling clearance is limited, innovative solutions such as exposed services, “sidestitial” rather than interstitial services, or compact mechanical systems may be required.
We are already seeing interest from investors in adapting existing structures into labs. A prime example is 17 Columbus Courtyard in London, where our practice Scott Brownrigg is adapting a vacant office space in the city’s financial skyscraper district Canary Wharf into a new state-of-the-art life science and technology hub. The development will provide approximately 200,000 square feet of flexible new laboratory and office space to suit a range of occupiers. Thoughtful design solutions address challenges associated with structural loading and servicing logistics, while the integration of sustainable technologies to service the building’s new use reinforce the green credentials of this innovative re-use development. The project is among the first few of its kind in the financial district and together with another significant life science facility in the area marks the start of a new life science hub in London.
Sustainability: Lowering carbon emissions and enhancing efficiency
One of the greatest advantages of retrofitting is its contribution to sustainability. Demolishing and rebuilding structures generate significant carbon emissions, with the inevitability of increased embodied carbon. Repurposing existing buildings preserves embodied carbon and reduces construction waste.
Sustainable retrofits can incorporate energy-efficient HVAC systems, solar panels, and smart building management technologies. Additionally, improved insulation and glazing can enhance thermal performance, reducing the reliance on mechanical heating and cooling. As sustainability becomes a core priority for the life sciences sector, retrofitting aligns with worldwide carbon reduction goals while maintaining operational efficiency.
Retail buildings are often well suited to meet the servicing and operational requirements of laboratory spaces with ample ceiling heights, delivery yards, dedicated waste storage areas and strong structural frames with greater loading capacity.
Our conversion of a vacant retail warehouse on Fitzroy Street in Cambridge city center into Urban Labs showcases how life science spaces can thrive in dense urban environments while being environmentally friendly. Inherently high ceilings and an open-plan layout provide a strong foundation for integrating lab infrastructure with existing service yards to support the installation of essential mechanical and waste management systems. The current total estimated embodied carbon for retrofitting and adding a top floor extension to Fitzroy Street to a shell and core standard is approx. 618 tons in total, or about 220-250 kg/m2. An equivalent sized new build would be over 600-850 kg/m2, so our retrofit strategy offers a threefold saving in embodied carbon.
Engaging the public: Inspiring future generations
City center science facilities create opportunities for greater public engagement, breaking the traditional isolation of research parks. Retail buildings with street frontage creates the opportunity to put ‘science on show’, bringing a visual connection between the general public and the fascinating developments taking place in the science sector.
Proximity to schools, universities, and the public enables outreach programs, interactive exhibitions, and educational workshops that inspire young people to pursue careers in Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM). Incorporating ‘learning labs’ into these developments can encourage younger generations into the world of science – science from the grass roots.
Collaborations with local institutions can foster mentorship programs and open-lab events can showcase advancements in biotechnology, pharmaceuticals, and medical research. Additionally, integrating public-facing spaces such as science cafés, coworking hubs, and exhibition areas can enhance knowledge exchange and create a more inclusive scientific environment.
The high street location of the Urban Labs scheme also creates an opportunity to democratize science by building connections between academic institutions of Cambridge University and with local communities, and to put science on show – an important means of promoting STEM as a career.
Retrofitting existing buildings for life sciences offers a compelling combination of sustainability, economic, and community related benefits. By repurposing structures within city centers, we can minimize carbon associated with the development of life science space, accelerate the availability of research spaces, and create dynamic urban hubs for scientific discovery. While challenges exist, strategic planning and thoughtful design can unlock immense potential—ensuring that urban science clusters continue to flourish and act as a platform to democratize life sciences for years to come.
About the author
Ed Hayden is a Director at Scott Brownrigg and leads the life sciences sector. His work revolves around the creation of cutting-edge facilities for research, development, and manufacturing in fields like biotechnology, pharmaceuticals, and medical technologies—addressing specific challenges such as laboratory design, safety regulations, flexible spaces for evolving research needs, and sustainability goals. Previous work includes Cambridge Science Park, Cambridge International Technology Park. Peterhouse International Technology Park (Arm and The Optic), Cambridge Biomedical Campus, The Daubeny Oxford Science Park, Wootton Science Park, and Eastpoint Science Park.