Ceremony marks milestone for life sciences in Glasgow 

A ‘topping out’ milestone has been reached in the construction of GRID’s flagship Health Innovation Hub.

The final piece of the primary structure has been fixed as the purpose-built life science facility in Govan takes shape ahead of its opening in Autumn 2025.

The new hub will focus on advancing and delivering precision medicine technologies through the R&D stage ahead of commercialisation while generating impact for people living in GRID. 

The investment, which will further cement Glasgow as a leader in the science sector, is being delivered by Kadans Science Partner, in collaboration with The Living Laboratory and its GRID partners the University of Glasgow, Scottish Enterprise and Glasgow City Council. 

 As part of this, the facility’s first tenant will be the new Digital Health Validation Lab (DHVL) - a partnership between the University of Glasgow and NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde that will provide essential infrastructure and expertise to evaluate digital health technologies for clinical use. 

The Living Laboratory is committed to driving local economic growth, attracting precision medicine industry to Glasgow to create new job opportunities and enhance local skills development.

Located in close proximity to the Queen Elizabeth University Hospital (QEUH), the Health Innovation Hub will provide 87,000ft2 of state-of-the-art flexible laboratory and office space for up to 450 people.

With facilities available from 1,700 ft2, life sciences businesses of varying sizes, from university spinouts to more established operations, will be able to make full use of the industry-leading amenities. 

The scheme is being delivered for Kadans by appointed main contractor, Morrison Construction.

Uzma Khan, Vice Principal for Economic Development and Innovation and Deputy Chief Operating Officer at the University of Glasgow, said: “Today marks the completion of another key milestone in the construction of an exciting, novel and flagship asset within the Glasgow Riverside Innovation District.  

“The Health Innovation Hub project is a symbol of our ambition to expand Govan and Glasgow’s thriving life sciences cluster. 

“With the support of our partners in Kadans Science Partner and Scottish Enterprise, we can continue to generate impact in the community and deliver on our University’s mission as a civic institution. 

“We will continue to work with all stakeholders to ensure that the project’s significant employment and economic benefits are enjoyed locally and shared across the wider City region.”

The building will include a brand-new community cafe, a number of breakout spaces and meeting rooms, showers, changing rooms and general storage facilities. Approximately 100 parking spaces, including EV bays, and 100 cycle spaces will also be provided.   

Kadans supports incoming occupiers with their lab design to deliver bespoke fit out options and provides ongoing support with facilities and operations. 

Health Innovation Hub occupants will also have access to a dedicated onsite property management team which will include a Building Manager, Front of House Manager and a Laboratory Manager. 

Katie Nelson, Head of Leasing, UK & Ireland for Kadans, said: “This is an exciting milestone on the journey to create a truly world-class precision medicine facility. 

“The Health Innovation Hub will help to position Glasgow as a global leader in the key area of precision medicine.

“The progress made since we first broke ground last year has been incredible. A special thanks go to our construction partner Morrison and wider teams who have worked tirelessly to reach this important milestone. 

“Work will now focus to create over 87,000 ft2 of state-of-the-art lab and office space. We are excited to bring new and exciting innovation businesses to this new facility. 

“We’re immensely proud to be collaborating with The Living Laboratory and their partners the University of Glasgow, as well as Scottish Enterprise and Glasgow City Council. 

“All partners share the same vision, to support the creation of a thriving life sciences cluster in Glasgow and reinforce the city’s reputation as a place to thrive and grow. We look forward to engaging and building relationships with prospective tenants over the coming months.”  

Dr Ruth McLaughlin, Programme Director for the Living Laboratory programme, said: “We are thrilled to celebrate this significant milestone in the development of the Health Innovation Hub. 

“As a cornerstone of the Living Laboratory programme, the Health Innovation Hub will be instrumental in strengthening Glasgow’s position as a global leader in healthcare innovation. 

“With its world-class facilities and vibrant ecosystem that brings together industry, academia, the NHS and the local community, HiH is expected to deliver tangible benefits right here in Govan, while also pioneering solutions to some of the most pressing healthcare challenges faced nationally and globally.”

Image caption - Left to right: James Sheppard, International Head of Asset Management, Kadans Science Partner; Ruth McLaughlin, Programme Director – Living Laboratory, University of Glasgow; Allan Cunningham, Operations Director, Morrison Construction