Manchester’s position as a leading UK life sciences hub has taken a major step forward, as UK Biobank begins the fit-out of its new national headquarters at Bruntwood SciTech’s Greenheys - a purpose-built development at the heart of Manchester Science Park, due to complete in summer 2026.
The relocation will also bring half of UK Biobank’s 350-strong team, cutting-edge robotics, and millions of biological samples donated by their altruistic volunteers to Greenheys. As well as accelerating research into diseases such as cancer, dementia, and heart disease, the relocation is expected to deliver significant economic value to the region and act as a catalyst for further growth across Greater Manchester’s science and innovation economy.
Backed by £127.6 million of investment from UK Research and Innovation (UKRI), the move will support deeper collaboration between UK Biobank and Bruntwood SciTech’s regional partners, including The University of Manchester, Manchester Metropolitan University, and Manchester University NHS Foundation Trust (MFT).
UK Biobank’s fit-out works has started with the installation of a cutting-edge robotic freezer system from Hamilton Company – a global leader in automated sample management and ultra-low temperature storage. The system will store and retrieve up to 20 million biological samples donated by UK Biobank’s 500,000 volunteer participants.
The facility will enable a new wave of projects that turn these samples into rich datasets, advancing research into how to prevent and treat a wide range of diseases. By increasing the speed and efficiency of sample retrieval, four times faster than current capacity, it will significantly accelerate research timelines and support a faster pace of data-driven discovery. Once ready, UK Biobank will occupy three floors of the 131,000 sq ft building.
The arrival of UK Biobank positions Greenheys as a national focal point for diagnostics, genomics, and precision medicine. For science-led businesses, it offers a unique opportunity to co-locate with one of the world’s most significant health research resources, with the potential for partnership, access to advanced infrastructure, and greater visibility to global investors and academic institutions.
Professor Sir Rory Collins, Principal Investigator and Chief Executive of UK Biobank, said: “The completion of UK Biobank’s new headquarters now feels tangibly close. Alongside the fit out of the office, our automated freezers are currently being installed, paving the way for our move to the site in 2026. This new central Manchester site will allow UK Biobank to strengthen our collaborations with the University of Manchester, and foster new relationships with life science organisations, spanning diagnostics, genomics, biotech and precision medicine. The accelerated public health discoveries that will result from this move would not be possible without the generous funding from UKRI.”
Building on this progress, Bruntwood SciTech has revealed a first look inside Greenheys with newly released CGI images showcasing a purpose-built, future-ready laboratory environment designed for science and tech innovators.
Fully fitted with specialist CL2 laboratory spaces and adjoining boutique write-up areas, from smaller suites starting at 2,077 sq ft to whole floors of around 21,000 sq ft, these labs are designed to safely support work in areas like diagnostics, biotech and health innovation. The building also offers flexibility for organisations of all sizes looking for high-quality infrastructure and opportunities to collaborate within a world-class ecosystem.
Designed to BREEAM Excellent and EPC A standards, Greenheys is targeting net zero carbon in both the construction and operation of its communal spaces. Features include enhanced cooling and ventilation systems, vibration resistance, air-source heat pumps, smart building controls, roof-mounted solar panels, and laboratory-ready facilities with fume extraction, benching, sinks, and tea points. Bookable meeting rooms with AV will also be available across the building.