UK Biobank begins multi-million new Manchester national HQ fit-out

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 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 £127.6m 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).

The first stage of the fit-out includes 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 20m biological samples donated by UK Biobank’s 500,000 volunteer participants.

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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.

This follows the launch of UK Biobank’s landmark proteomics project – the world’s largest study of its kind aiming to measure up to 5,400 proteins in all half a million UK Biobank participants, as well as 100,000 repeat samples taken from these volunteers up to 15 years later. The project secured £20 million in government funding as part of the 10-year Industrial Strategy and further underlined Manchester’s growing importance to the UK’s life sciences strategy.

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.

Bruntwood SciTech has also revealed a first look inside Greenheys with newly released CGI images showcasing a purpose-built, future-ready lab environment designed for science and tech innovators.

Fully fitted with specialist CL2 lab 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.

Businesses located at Greenheys will join UK Biobank in a thriving life sciences cluster, with space suited to those working in diagnostics, genomics, precision medicine, advanced materials, biotech, chemistry, and electronics. Located at the heart of Manchester Science Park and the Oxford Road Corridor – one of Europe’s largest clinical academic campuses – Greenheys customers will benefit from Bruntwood SciTech’s dedicated business support and partnership network. This includes access to R&D and funding opportunities, and a full programme of wellbeing, networking, and community events.

Dr Kath Mackay, chief scientific officer at Bruntwood SciTech, said: “With UK Biobank now starting work on its fit-out, we’re entering an exciting phase where Greenheys is really taking shape and the wider vision is coming to life. The new CGIs also offer the first real glimpse of what the building will provide, which is a highly specialist, future-focused space in the heart of Manchester’s life sciences cluster.

“Greenheys has been purposefully designed to give ambitious science and innovation businesses the environment they need to grow, collaborate, and thrive. UK Biobank is a fantastic anchor, and we’re now looking forward to welcoming more pioneering organisations into the ecosystem at Greenheys and across Manchester Science Park. It’s a real opportunity to co-locate with world-class institutions and be part of a community built for impact.”

Professor Sir Rory Collins, Principal Investigator and Chief Executive of UK Biobank, added: “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.”