According to the UK BioIndustry Association, investment in UK life sciences reached its highest-ever level last year at £4.5bn. At a rapid rate, the sector is developing extraordinary science and delivering world-changing products and services that will be transformational to our future lives.

With its wealth of top-flight medical and scientific institutions, London is considered alongside Oxford and Cambridge part of the UK’s ‘golden triangle’ of life science clusters and, with some careful nurturing, is well positioned to be a global hub for the sector.

But the level of innovation and pace of growth in the sector is only sustainable if you create a stimulating and nurturing environment where companies at all stages of development can meet, network and collaborate. As has been widely documented this past year, there has been a critical shortage of London laboratories, and the existing life science space in the capital has been predominantly confined to edge-of-town and fringe locations.

As the UK’s first nationwide company to combine laboratory development and operation with venture building, Pioneer Group knew we wanted to alleviate this acute supply/demand imbalance for London laboratories. It was just a question of where to lay down roots.

Why Bloomsbury?

As the sector booms, we’ve seen life science hubs beginning to blossom in science parks and urban areas like the Knowledge Quarter in London – more specifically, the historic district of Bloomsbury.

Since the 1800s, a striking number of pioneering institutions have been founded in Bloomsbury. It’s been a centre of groundbreaking scientific advances and the birthplace of genetic science and ecology. Today, Bloomsbury remains a destination for renowned institutions and has deep connections to art and science.

After an exhaustive search, we knew that the stunning, neoclassical Victoria House, which stands proudly on Bloomsbury Square, would be the perfect location for London’s leading life sciences organisations to call home.

The location offers proximity to several world-renowned universities, hospitals and medical research centres, including University College London, GSK and Great Ormond Street Hospital, encouraging collaboration between these academic and medical institutions, top-tier investment capital, and a broad range of commercial life sciences companies. Through this space, London can capitalise on its pool of scientific talent.

Victoria House

Victoria House has history, heritage and outstanding architectural beauty. Inside the Grad-II listed building, a pioneering and sensitive transformation is underway to create a one-of-a-kind ecosystem for the capital’s life sciences and technology start-ups and scale-ups. The project will deliver a meaningful new supply of best-in-class London laboratories.

Phase one of the project is due to complete in Autumn 2024, with BioIndustry Association (BIA) already signed up to be the building’s first life science occupier.

When you join Victoria House, you don’t just join a local cluster; businesses can also benefit from Pioneer’s extensive global network. With over 300 companies; from start-ups to multinational corporations – you become a part of a nationwide and international cooperative.

Find out more about our plans for the space here.