Wilton Centre opens doors to more lab space

A leading science and innovation hub in the North East is tackling the region’s shortage of commercial laboratory space, offering new opportunities for growing life sciences businesses.

Following a report highlighting a lack of lab facilities hindering regional growth, Wilton Centre, in Lazenby, near Redcar, has announced the availability of nearly 6000sq ft of lab space and 2000sq ft of office accommodation. 

The lab shortage was highlighted in a study of the region’s life sciences sector, carried out by Redcar-based Centre for Process Innovation (CPI) and Newcastle-headquartered Square One Law.  

The North East Pharma, Health Tech & Life Sciences Landscape Survey found that although the future looked optimistic, the lack of lab space “hinders the development and expansion of the region’s science and technology sectors” and addressing this gap “is crucial for fostering a thriving environment for research and development”.

Owned by Pioneer Group, the Wilton Centre has a long history of supporting university spinouts and established firms, including Absolute Antibody and global packaging specialist Sappi.

Claire Morton, Wilton Centre leasing and assistant asset manager, said: “Although laboratory space is at a premium, we always work with businesses here to try to find a solution for their needs.  

“That’s particularly the case for companies such as Absolute Antibody which began with one lab and has needed more because of its rapid growth.  

“We always find a way.”

Loughborough University spin out Micropore Technologies relocated to the Wilton Centre nine years ago, a move that Dave Palmer, Micropore’s technical manager says “helped us grow at the time we needed the extra space”.

Dave added: “The integrated services at Wilton have also been a significant help, especially when compared to our previous premises where we had to look after everything ourselves.”

The centre is also planning further expansion, with a proposal to develop 180,000sq ft of new manufacturing, lab and office space within the Teesside Freeport. 

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