A state-of-the-art £27m Innovation Hub

University of Dundee

The new Innovation Hub will provide transformative laboratory and office infrastructure for enabling life sciences companies to grow. Having received £25 million from the Scottish Government as part of the Tay Cities Regional Deal, the project will form part of the Tay Cities Biomedical Cluster and a vision to create innovation led growth through new company formations, inward investment, sustainable jobs and new training opportunities.

Two wings and a central atrium over three storeys will come together to provide 4,000 sqm of space, designed to flexibly offer laboratories or offices that companies can lease and grow in. The dedicated offering for businesses small and large will build on the university’s world-class reputation in life sciences research, including drug discovery and medical technologies innovation.

There will also be access to reception, meeting rooms, kitchen facilities, showers, lockers, bicycle storage, parking, and a modern networking atrium space.

Pick Everard is providing project management, NEC supervision and civil and structural engineering services, alongside main contractor Robertson Construction.

Jamie Marshall, director at Pick Everard, said: “This is an ambitious project that enables us to pull on our expertise in the higher education sector to help the University of Dundee make sure its exciting vision becomes reality. The design and construction process harnesses the benefits of collaboration, with the result being a significant development for the local economy and global medical industry.”

Mirroring its biotechnology interest, The University of Dundee is investing in new energy technology that will support its sustainability commitments, including heating provision from a ground source heat pump system covering the entire complex.

The project is expected to complete in 2024.

Independent economic assessment of the Tay Cities Biomedical Cluster predicts that 280 new biomedical jobs will be created by 2033, rising to 800 new jobs and over £190m benefit to the local economy by 2053.