Life Sciences Innovation Hub

Overview

The Life Sciences Innovation Hub is a three-storey research facility equipped with specialist infrastructure to support life sciences commercialisation, collaboration, and innovation, delivering new science jobs and significant monetary benefits to the local economy.

The Challenge

During the design stages, we thoroughly analysed all suitable structural solutions to ensure it was appropriate to the intended building usage, cost-effective to build, and sustainable.  

We evaluated solutions that would be suitable for both laboratory and office space against several criteria, including lead-in times, robustness, and environmental performance. After market testing, we suggested that a single structural solution offered greater economies of scale, so a concrete frame construction was chosen for both labs and office blocks.   

The extensive laboratory equipment also required the input of numerous specialist subcontractors, resulting in a wide network of diverse work practices and design packages.  

To mitigate flood risk, our engineers proposed to manage overland flow paths associated with high-intensity storm events by: 

• Setting the floor level of the buildings above ground level. 

• Ensuring that the surrounding ground falls away from the building. 

• Ensuring that surface water can flow through the site without ponding or otherwise posing an unacceptable flood risk. 

• Limiting overland flow generated by the development to avoid any impact on off-site areas. 

Surface water attenuation was designed to accommodate all water within the drainage system up to and including the 30-year return period, including allowances for 30% climate change and 10% urban creep. Flood events in the 200-year return period, including 30% climate change and 10% urban creep, were designed to occur within the car park where water can be temporarily stored at the surface. 

Results and Impact

The Life Sciences Innovation Hub will anchor life sciences companies and support them to scale their operations within the new facilities.

The building exists to anchor and grow well invested life sciences companies in Scotland, providing economic growth and employment in a fast-moving sector.

The Project Scope

• Life-Sciences commercial facility – Located in the heart of Dundee and part of the University of Dundee Campus.

• The goal is to grow the life sciences commercial cluster by providing turnkey laboratory and office space, with access to outstanding advanced technology platforms and scientific talent.

• Launched Spring 2025