Welcome subscribers,
This week, we examine the current size of the life sciences sector and its growth trajectory within the UK's broader property market. Plus, we spotlight deals and developments across Europe:
✅ Spain: SOKAI HUB España launches
🔒 Germany: new neighbour for BioLabs Heidelberg
🔒 UK: plans for Euston Tower approved
🔒 France: Edmond de Rothschild in Lyon
(🔒 for paying members only)
Read below for full details.
— Stephen Ryan (connect with me on LinkedIn)
Niche sector, strong momentum: life sciences' growing share of the UK commercial property market
Life sciences real estate is a specialised segment expanding at a speed that outpaces most traditional property sectors.
New and extended assets
BELGIUM GHENT
Johnson & Johnson and Legend Biotech are investing $150 million (€132 million/£112 million) to expand a cell therapy manufacturing facility in Ghent. Construction at the site, known as the Tech Lane facility, will begin in late 2025 and complete in 2028. The expansion is designed to support future commercial supply across Europe, adding capacity as demand for the cancer therapy Carvykti grows. The facility complements the Obelisc site in Ghent.
SWITZERLAND BASEL
Boehringer Ingelheim has opened a research and development centre in Basel dedicated to antibody-drug conjugates (ADC), operated by its subsidiary NBE Therapeutics. The centre represents an investment of CHF 27 million (€28 million/£25 million) and is part of Boehringer’s long-term R&D strategy in oncology. The facility expands the company’s research infrastructure within Basel’s life sciences cluster and supports the development of next-generation targeted therapies.
SPAIN SAN SEBASTIAN
In April 2025, real estate manager Quercus Investments and venture capital firm Columbus Venture Partners launched SOKAI HUB España after raising €100 million from private investors to develop life science facilities across Spain. The venture begins with properties in San Sebastian and Madrid, with a third under negotiation in Granada. The flagship San Sebastian centre in the Euskadi Technology Park will extend to 64,000 sq m, requiring €80 million of investment. Set to be partially operational by 2027 and completed a year later, the development has already secured pre-commercialisation agreements for 75 per cent of its gross leasable area.
👇 As a complimentary member, you get access to three deals for free.
Upgrade now to access the full list (10 more deals this week), including:
🔒 Germany: new neighbour for BioLabs Heidelberg
🔒 UK: plans for Euston Tower approved
🔒 France: Edmond de Rothschild in Lyon
