Life Sciences Real Estate UK – Why Science Parks Need Placemaking and Wellness Strategies
The UK life sciences market is a major engine for economic growth and property innovation. With ongoing strong investment, demand for flexible lab space continues to outpace supply, particularly in the Golden Triangle of Cambridge, Oxford and London (Linesight / Beauhurst report)(assets.ctfassets.net, Savills). Developers and investors are responding, but occupiers also demand environments that support innovation, wellbeing and storytelling. This is where strategic placemaking becomes essential.
Why the UK Life Sciences Market is a Prime Opportunity
Rapid industry growth: In Q3 2024, VC funding in UK life sciences reached £872m, with £2.3bn raised year-to-date, making it the second strongest year ever for capital deployment (Knight Frank).
Oxford and Cambridge remain core hubs, with life science investment across the Knowledge Arc totalling £1.65bn in 2022, a 61% increase from 2020 (CTF Assets Report).
Emerging clusters beyond the Golden Triangle: Manchester’s life sciences businesses in the Oxford Road Corridor grew at double the national rate between 2016 and 2021, with over 50% of the region’s innovation assets located in this district (Financial Times). Liverpool’s sector now employs 6,000, with projected £800m investment over the next decade (The Guardian).
This strong performance underlines rising occupier demand and a clear need for flexible, future-ready space. Developers must deliver laboratory infrastructure, adaptable offices, power capacity and ESG-aligned environments (Bidwells Life Sciences 2030).
How We Support Placemaking in Life Sciences Destinations
Astral Placemaking Group helps developers and life sciences park operators design places that serve scientists, researchers, staff and the wider community. Our services include:
Visioning and identity strategy, aligning with the park’s scientific mission and ESG goals
Agent and occupier collateral creation, communicating the destination’s culture and amenity mix
Occupier onboarding and mobilisation, including welcome events, induction packs and activation programmes
On-site activations and public realm programming, such as science talks, networking sessions, pop-up cafés and wellness initiatives
Wellness-led design support, integrating green spaces, healthy food programming and event planning that promotes mental and physical health
Flexible Retainer Support for Landlords and Property Management Teams
We also provide integrated support on a retainer basis for landlords and asset managers. Astral Placemaking Group sits seamlessly alongside property management teams, speaking their language and aligning with their processes. We offer outsourced community managers who can attend tenant meetings, deliver events, and support key moments on-site when extra resource is required.
Our approach is flexible and collaborative, ensuring we enhance the existing management structure rather than disrupt it. We have extensive experience working alongside multiple managing agents, delivering measurable value while maintaining strong relationships with both landlords and occupiers.
The Wellness Connection: Retaining Top Talent
Life sciences workplaces demand focus and long hours, so wellbeing is crucial. Research shows that wellness-led environments enhance productivity, retention and belonging (PMC, Wikipedia, Taylor & Francis). Access to daylight, green areas and quiet spaces reduces stress and supports emotional and cognitive performance (Wikipedia).
Accessibility is equally vital. Lab spaces that consider neurodivergent and physically diverse employees help create inclusive workplaces, improving conditions and retention (The Times).
Leading Life Science Destinations: Cambridge, Oxford and Beyond
Oxford’s Milton Park is one of the UK’s largest science parks, with more than 800,000 sq ft of laboratory space. It supports hundreds of tenants and has attracted over 7% of UK life sciences equity investment in recent years (Wikipedia).
Cambridge Science Park continues to lead in lab demand and innovation, supported by world-class academic collaboration. Despite rising property costs, with average house prices reaching £510,960 in 2023, the area remains a magnet for top talent (Financial Times).
Emerging cities like Manchester and Liverpool demonstrate that the life sciences model is scalable when combined with strong community programming and place-led initiatives (Financial Times, The Guardian).
Expert Insight
“Life sciences parks are communities of innovation beyond the high-spec labs. We design and manage placemaking strategies that support people as much as science. From visioning and agent collateral to wellness-led programming, onboarding and integrated landlord support, we help science parks become destinations where talent is nurtured and ideas thrive.” – Jade Hall, Founding Director, Astral Placemaking Group
Have a Life Sciences Brief? Let’s Connect
Astral Placemaking Group works with developers, agents and life sciences operators across the UK. From visioning and branding to occupier onboarding, event programmes and integrated support for landlords, we deliver solutions that enhance both performance and experience.