Multi-occupancy life science space and the Innovation Economy

At face value, the appeal of multi-occupancy buildings is practical: they offer state-of-the-art facilities and companies can reduce upfront real estate costs and share utilities and facilities without investing in bespoke infrastructure.

But the benefits are more wide reaching. Multi-let buildings lower the threshold for industry participation by accommodating a diverse range of companies, from start-ups to established multinationals, with varying lab and office set-ups. Plug-and-play layouts, flexible leases and access to communal amenities mean tenants can scale without relocating or entering long buildout timelines.

More importantly, perhaps, these buildings create physical ecosystems with tenants from across Pharma, Biotech [SS1] and MedTech Clusters under one roof, making collaboration easy. From shared equipment to casual knowledge exchange in breakout spaces, multi-let buildings enable the kinds of interactions that speed up innovation and research ideas can move more fluidly from concept to product to partner.

The clustering effect is especially powerful in emerging innovation zones where proximity to academic institutions and health systems acts as a draw for talent, funding and translational research.

Today’s multi-let buildings are not refurbished office shells; they’re purpose-built to meet the technical and regulatory demands of high-spec lab users.

Developers are starting to think in modular terms installing ceiling-mounted utilities, adaptable benching and optimised column spacing to support frequent change.

Mechanical, electrical and plumbing systems (MEP), are robust and specialised with high-performance HVAC, critical for maintaining precise temperatures, humidity and air quality control. Features include high air change rates, independent exhaust systems for harmful emissions, N+1 redundancy, and dedicated Air Handling Units (AHUs).

Because laboratories demand three to five times more power than typical offices, they require enhanced power supply for standby/emergency power, including backup generators.

Advanced plumbing and drainage accommodate specialised laboratory gases, deionised water and segregated drainage systems for chemical waste management and because lab equipment is highly sensitive to vibration buildings have control measures in place to mitigate this such as thicker concrete decks and damping pads.

Ample space is allocated for plant facilities with vertical risers (for pipes, ducts, and wiring), and horizontal distribution of services, making these buildings structurally different to other commercial spaces

Designs also reflect a growing emphasis on user experience. Integrated office spaces, wellness amenities, and shared social areas help attract talent in a competitive labour market while also reinforcing the collaborative ethos that underpins scientific discovery.

Managing a science building isn’t just about keeping the lights on and property managers in this sector must become specialists who understand biosafety levels, power resilience, hazardous material protocols and complex lease structures. Their role now includes co-ordinating bespoke tenant fitouts, ensuring regulatory compliance, and maintaining business continuity for research that can’t afford downtime.

They also act as ecosystem stewards, facilitating community, ensuring shared facilities meet evolving tenant needs and aligning operational decisions with broader ESG and innovation goals. For science-based tenants, the property team is increasingly seen as a strategic partner, not just a service provider.

This evolution in management capability reflects the wider industry convergence of real estate and operations as tenants no longer see their physical footprint as distinct from their business model. They expect space to support workflow, not constrain it.

For landlords and investors, the appeal of multi-let life science assets is clear. These buildings de-risk income by diversifying tenants, attract long-term occupiers through embedded value and align with ESG priorities through adaptive reuse and energy-efficient operations.

But their true value lies in the ecosystems they support. A well-run multi-occupancy science building isn’t just a container for tenants, it’s a platform for growth. Proximity to universities, research hospitals and talent pools ensures strategic relevance, high retention, constant demand and strong rental performance.

Buildings that enable this full lifecycle support are likely to outperform, both operationally and in long-term capital value and, looking ahead, investors will be increasingly drawn to science-ready campuses that can accommodate everything from incubation to scale-up.

As life sciences continues to evolve, the real estate model that supports it must evolve too and multi-let life science buildings offer a template for that future. In a sector where scientific progress depends on access, speed and connection, shared space isn’t just a convenience. It’s an advantage and, increasingly, an expectation among the fastest growing organisations.

If you'd like to discuss multi-occupancy life science space and the innovation economy please reach out.