Lab Space in Greater Cambridge
Accelerate your scientific breakthroughs in our state-of-the-art laboratories
Whether you’re a start-up seeking proof of concept or an established company ready to take your work to the next level, our flexible lab space is equipped with cutting-edge technology and resources at a fraction of Cambridge city centre costs.
Strategically located in Haverhill within the Greater Cambridge cluster, you’ll enjoy all the benefits of the region’s world-renowned life sciences ecosystem whilst significantly reducing your operational overheads.
With space to research, write up and collaborate with the South East’s leading scientists, there is no better place to base your life science business. Plus, with our experienced lab supervisor and business support team here to support your journey, you can expect no less than success.
“
Having access to advanced equipment and resources at The EpiCentre has been a game-changer for our projects. It’s a one-stop solution for all our research needs.”
James Dunce,
Kinva Bio
A choice of flexible private or shared lab space to suit your needs
Shared Labs – from £1400/mo
Unlock the full potential of your scientific research in a fully equipped, shared laboratory environment tailored for both microbiology and tissue culture work. Ideal for startups, scale-ups, and academic spinouts, a dedicated bench within this lab offers a ready-to-use setup with access to high-spec equipment and a collaborative innovation ecosystem.
- Work with Containment Level 2 microorganisms and GMOs
- Class II Biological Safety Cabinets and fume hoods
- CO₂ incubators, qPCR machine
- -80 freezer and liquid nitrogen cell storage
- Autoclaves, shaking incubator, refrigerated centrifuges, fluorescent microscope
- Purified water and flaked ice machines
- Tailored support from our Lab Supervisor and Innovation Director
Private Labs – from £2100/mo
For companies that need dedicated space for product development and testing with 24/7 access, our private laboratory spaces are a blank canvas – perfect for creating a bespoke workspace that works for you.
- Work with Containment Level 2 microorganisms and GMOs
- Purpose built high-spec lab space; air conditioning (10 changes / hour)
- Trespa benching, sinks, drainage and piped CO2
- Ability to fully customise and install equipment
- Access to shared equipment (if required)
- Tailored support from our Lab Supervisor and Innovation Director
Equipment
As well as the support of an on-site Lab Supervisor, we have invested in a range of scientific equipment that is available to use, including:
- Wash up space including glass washing machine
- Ice machine
- Water purification
- Lab coat laundering*
- -80 freezer*
- Serviced liquid nitrogen freezing*
- Additional shelf storage*
- Liquid waste removal*
- Dry clinical waste removal*
*additional conditions apply please ask for details.
Modern Workspace Amenities
- WiFi access included
- Breakout spaces and meeting rooms
- Write-up space and private offices available
- Kitchen facilities and on-site café
- Staffed reception, handling goods in/out
- Plenty of car parking and EV charging points
Additional services available on request
Use The Epicentre as your Companies House Registered Address for an extra £10 per month, ensuring official mail is securely handled while maintaining a credible business presence. Contact the team to find out more.
Expert Support
Innovation Director
Our dedicated Innovation Director offers free, personalized 1-2-1 business coaching at every stage, helping you transform ideas into profitable ventures. From strategic planning and marketing to financial management and raising investment, we provide the essential support needed to accelerate your business growth.
Gary Jennings
David Parry-Jones
Lab Supervisor
Our Lab Supervisor has expertise in laboratory work, technical support and quality control. With a wealth of knowledge, he’s on hand to ensure you are able to work in safe environment and all our equipment is ready for you to use.
Frequently asked questions
Choosing the right space
What's the difference between a shared lab and a private lab, and which is right for me?
A shared lab gives you your own bench in a fully equipped, communal lab on flexible terms, while a private lab is a self-contained space you fit out with your own equipment. The right choice depends on your stage, equipment needs and budget:
| Shared lab (bench) | Private lab | |
|---|---|---|
| Best for | Start-ups and small teams keeping costs low | SMEs with their own specialist equipment |
| Space | Your own bench in a communal lab | Self-contained, isolated space |
| Equipment | Shared, fully equipped | You supply and install your own |
| Set-up speed | Get started quickly | Tailored to your needs |
| Terms | Flexible | Flexible |
I am a start-up and need help. Can I also get support from your Business Support?
Yes. Business Support is included as part of the package. Our Innovation Director has worked with many of the lab start-ups to help with their growth and development.
How much bench space do I get, and how many of my team can work per bench?
A lab bench at The EpiCentre is designed for 1–2 scientists, although we’re happy to have a conversation if you have more people who need access. Your space consists of the bench top, storage cupboard and area under the bench, which can be used for further storage. You can even build shelves on top of your bench, to maximise your space. Additional storage space is available too.
Can I start with just a bench and move into a private lab as my team grows?
Yes. Many lab customers start with a single bench in the shared lab and grow into a private lab, making it easy to scale at The EpiCentre.
Our flexible approach means you can expand your space and capabilities without relocating, so you’re supported at every stage.
Is my confidentiality and IP protected in a shared lab?
Yes. It is up to you how much you share when working alongside the other scientists. All our lab companies know and respect this as they are in the same position.
I work with biological agents in hazard group 2; can I take lab space at The EpiCentre?
Yes. The shared and dedicated laboratory space at The EpiCentre is Containment Level 2 (CL2), which meets the needs of lab companies working with biologics.
Costs & contracts
What's included in my monthly fee, and which services are charged as extras?
If you take a lab bench, your monthly fee typically includes 24/7 access to your bench, shared equipment, maintenance, lab support, waste removal, reception and business services, and support from our Innovation Director. Extras such as additional ambient shelving, storage in lN2 or -80 freezer, and meeting room usage are charged separately
If you opt for a private lab, your monthly fee typically includes 24/7 access to your bench, lab support, reception and business services, and support from our Innovation Director, with extras such as access to shared equipment, additional ambient shelving, storage in lN2 or -80 freezer, and meeting room usage charged separately
Are utilities and service charges included in the monthly fee?
Yes. Utilities are included within your monthly fee. If you choose to use piped CO2, there is a small additional charge for this.
Is there a deposit or any setup/onboarding fee?
We hold a 1 month deposit for the length of your contract. There is a small set up fee covering the onboarding process, including reviewing your Risk Assessments and training you on the usage of the shared equipment.
Is there a minimum contract term or notice period?
Our contracts are designed to be flexible, to support start ups and ad hoc projects. We can offer contracts for as little as 1 month.
I need a lab space for a short time. Can you help?
Yes. If you need to work in a lab for a short period of time, or need to isolate research from other labs you have, The EpiCentre has a solution for you with a bench in the shared laboratory. Larger companies may need to check research results in an independent location; The EpiCentre is an ideal location for this too.
Equipment
Can I install my own equipment in a private lab, and are there any constraints?
Yes. The private lab is yours to install your own equipment – we offer flexible space and can help discuss the install process with you.
Can I book use of shared equipment to avoid clashes between companies?
Yes. There is an online booking system for shared equipment, which is managed by a Lab Supervisor and helps coordinate use between teams.
What happens if you don't have a piece of equipment I need?
We’re always updating our equipment, so may have this piece of equipment on order, so please talk to us if there’s something additional you need. Alternatively, we have a network of suppliers, who we can get preferential rates from. Our Lab Supervisor will be able to help you with the right contacts.
Will my own equipment need PAT testing or validation before I can use it?
Yes. For the safety of everyone on site, all equipment is expected to meet standard safety and compliance requirements.
Compliance, safety & insurance
Does The EpiCentre handle HSE notification for GMO or CL2 work?
No. Any licences would be held by your company, and you will contact HSE to apply for these. Our Lab Supervisor has extensive experience in applying for licences and can support your application.
Do I need my own insurance, or am I covered by The EpiCentre?
Yes. All the Companies at The EpiCentre need to hold £10million Public Liability Insurance.
Do I need to worry about lab safety, calibration and procedures in the shared lab?
No. The EpiCentre’s dedicated lab supervisor is there to give full support to all lab businesses. This includes daily lab checks, checking nitrogen storage, managing equipment calibration and certification, training and induction, safety and SOPs.
Storage, waste & sample protection
Do you have cold storage?
Yes. The EpiCentre labs has various cold storage options including +5C, -20C, -80C and liquid nitrogen.
Do you handle and remove liquid and clinical waste so that I do not have to do it?
Yes. Clinical waste is removed from the lab space daily and collected for incineration on a weekly basis. Liquid waste is handled on an ad hoc basis, co-ordinated by our Lab Supervisor.
Access, location & getting started
Can I access the lab 24/7?
Yes. Your access card enables secure access to the lab space 24/7.
Where exactly is The EpiCentre and what are the transport links to Cambridge?
The EpiCentre is based in Haverhill Research Park, at the entrance to Haverhill. Our postcode is CB9 7LR. We’re around 30 minutes from the centre of Cambridge and close to major routes, including the A11, M11 and A14. It’s well connected, with direct bus services between Haverhill and Cambridge, easy road access, generous parking and EV charge points.
Can international companies base their lab work at The EpiCentre?
Yes. The EpiCentre welcomes both UK and international science and technology businesses, providing flexible lab space and support to help teams establish and grow. Being based at The EpiCentre links your company into the thriving Cambridge Life Sciences ecosystem, BioUK, the Connected Innovation network and Oxford Innovation’s network across the UK.
How soon can I move in once I've signed up?
We can work to your timescales. If you need to move in urgently, we will work with you to ensure we meet your deadlines.
Why Choose The EpiCentre
Flexible Contracts
Our shared and dedicated lab spaces give you the freedom to flex as you grow with no long-term commitment required.
24/7 Access
Around the clock access allows you to work whenever inspiration strikes with streamlined onboarding process.
Complete Ecosystem
Find your tribe and network with a like-minded community of business-orientated people in the heart of the Cambridge tech cluster.
Innovation Director
Expert Support
Start up or scale up – we're here to support your business growth journey, whatever stage you're at.
“
We took a lab bench when the centre first opened and have already expanded our team from 4 to 22, with a team of 15 scientists based at The EpiCentre. The facilities and ongoing business support have already been invaluable in our growth plans and will continue to be instrumental with our long-term vision to expand to 100 scientists.”
Matin Mohseni,
KluraLabs
“
As a US-Based Biotech company with a significant European client base, we needed access to laboratory facilities to allow for growth in our business, focusing on the Pharmaceutical Industry. Joining The EpiCentre helped support these efforts resulting in significant growth in both our client base, and our product offering.”
Paul Dyer,
Halo Labs