While Oxford and Cambridge dominate the headlines as the go-to destinations for life sciences, Guildford is quietly establishing itself as a prominent player in leading research and development in the sector.
Although it doesn’t aspire to rival its prestigious counterparts, the University of Surrey is a leading research institution in the UK, particularly in the field of life sciences, and offers a range of courses in biomedical sciences, biochemistry, biotechnology, and medical microbiology. Surprisingly, the media and property press have paid little attention to the university’s research facilities, which contribute significantly to advancements in crucial areas such as cancer research, infectious diseases, neuroscience, and bioengineering. Consequently, the university produces highly skilled graduates who are much sought-after in the life science sector.
Recognising this potential, British Land, a major developer and investor in life sciences, has made early investments in Guildford and has acquired two buildings in the Surrey Research Park. Waterside House, located at 170 Priestley Road, is fully occupied and is seen as a long-term project for future conversion into office and laboratory spaces.
Meanwhile, the Priestley Building, situated adjacent to the University of Surrey Campus and the School of Health Sciences, as well as being located across from the Royal Surrey Hospital, has secured the largest forward letting agreement in Surrey in nearly a decade. LSG has recently exchanged contracts on 48,750 sq ft of lab-enabled space, at a record rent for Guildford of £43.00 per sq ft, for 15 years with a break clause in the tenth year.
This further enhances Surrey Research Park’s reputation as an innovation hub that hosts numerous science and technology companies, providing a collaborative environment for businesses, researchers, and entrepreneurs to develop new technologies and products. The park fosters interdisciplinary research and supports companies working in areas such as biomedicine, pharmaceuticals, and healthcare technologies. This, together with its proximity to London, will, in turn, have a wider spin-off to Guildford and the surrounding towns such as Woking.
However, Guildford’s emergence as a life sciences hub is not entirely new. The Pirbright Institute, a world-leading research centre dedicated to studying viral diseases of livestock and zoonotic diseases since 1914, has been based in Guildford. The institute focuses on pathogens such as foot-and-mouth disease, avian influenza, and African swine fever, aiming to improve diagnostics, vaccines, and control strategies. With over 350 staff members, the institute receives funding from the government as well as leading research charities like the Welcome Trust and the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation.
Guildford is also at the forefront of the early detection of cancer with one of only two, GE Discovery MI 5Ring Gen 2 PET-CTs, scanners in the UK which Alliance Medical have welcomed over 1000 patients to since opening in September 2022. Patients benefit from the latest technology, having lower doses of radiation and quicker scans, with full body imaging completed in just 10 minutes. This facility also helps with vital research into diseases such as dementia as well as cancer in partnership with the Royal Surrey NHS Foundation Trust, the University of Surrey and the National Physical Laboratory (NPL).
There is LIFE (science), outside the Golden Triangle and Surrey’s contribution in and around Guildford has grown rapidly over the last few years with record rents being achieved on lab space and further investment is sure to come.
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