LBIC takes occupancy in the Apex

LBIC is expanding to provide new grow on space for London’s life science companies. Why Tribeca over other developments in the capital?

Amanda: For us, it was all about the place and the opportunity to partner with Reef Group to create a well-rounded offer that meets the needs of growing companies in the sector. LBIC provides plug-and-play labs, which means that our labs are fitted out with the essential furniture and gas supplies, so tenants can move in and be up and running almost immediately. Together with Reef Group, we can offer something more comprehensive to the wider science community at Tribeca in the form of LBIC lab support services, knowledge sharing, business support, and collaboration. This creates a compelling microenvironment that supports innovation.

The growth of wet lab facilities has been astronomical in London over the past few years, so a competitive offering is critical to attract life science companies. At Tribeca we can bring all the key component parts together, making this a premier place to start and grow a business. The move to Tribeca is also an excellent opportunity for us to raise our profile and increase our visibility.

What types of companies will LBIC host?

Amanda: The companies that will move into the Apex are scaling up, well-funded and likely but not restricted to being Series A or B funded, which means that they have moved from the discovery phase to the development stage, possibly moving to clinical trials, with an eye on commercialisation. Baseimmune are one of our first tenants to move in, and because our spaces are fully fitted out, they will start work this week.

Can you talk about your spaces at the Apex.

Amanda: LBIC is occupying the entirety of the first and second floors of the Apex building, offering flexible units with wet and dry labs, storage, and write-up offices. Shared break-out spaces are integrated to encourage scientists to step out of their labs, bump into each other, and have conversations. Common spaces and bookable meeting rooms are located on the ground floor, with support facilities including a sterilisation suite and gas stores in the basement.

Historically, science has happened in hidden spaces away from public view, but at the Apex we have the opportunity create a more open environment that removes the shroud of mystery around what goes on in life science facilities. We want the ground floor reception and café to be a collaborative space where we can do outreach work and host events with partner organisations, as well as inviting the local community in. We are working on a programme of events, which will evolve over time.

To what extent did Tribeca’s Environmental, Social, Governance (ESG) commitments weigh into your decision to take up space in the Apex?

Amanda: Tribeca’s strong ESG credentials are important to us as an organisation and for our competitiveness in the market. ESG is an ongoing dialogue in life sciences, a sector where it is difficult to reach sustainability milestones because of energy intense and disposable equipment. Therefore, being located in a development where companies are supported to achieve their targets is really important.