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£1.1 billion potential investment in groundbreaking life sciences and medical research site.

Edinburgh BioQuarter is one of the largest leading health innovation districts in the UK with an established health innovation ecosystem that continues to grow.

Over the last 20 years, Edinburgh BioQuarter has played a pivotal role in cultivating world-leading medical research and health innovation that is improving lives around the world.

The site has generated an estimated £2.72 billion in gross value added from its research, clinical and commercial activities, and a further £320 million from its development. On-going investments by the University of Edinburgh and NHS Lothian in academic and clinical facilities make it one of the most comprehensive health innovation locations in the UK.

An aerial view of Edinburgh BioQuarter

Find out more in this video

Watch a video about the Edinburgh BioQuarter to learn more about developments and opportunities at the site.

£1.1 billion potential investment 

Edinburgh BioQuarter is a leading UK centre of excellence in health innovation, situated on a 160-acre site, three miles south of Edinburgh's city centre.

With a community of 8000 people working and studying on site, the centre is a mix of international talent with many award-winning businesses based in the NINE Health Innovation Centre and at Edinburgh Medical School next to the 900-bed Royal Infirmary of Edinburgh.

It is also home to many of the University of Edinburgh’s world-leading medical research institutes, including the Centre for Regenerative Medicine and the Anne Rowling Regenerative Neurology Clinic.

The design and location of the new Usher building, due to open in 2024, will support the further development of a world-leading innovation hub where public, private and third sectors collaborate to enable data-driven advances in the delivery of health and social care.

The BioQuarter’s public partnership – City of Edinburgh Council, NHS Lothian, Scottish Enterprise, and the University of Edinburgh – has already invested over £600 million in the site, with a further £200 million investment planned in the next five years through partner pipeline projects.

There is £1 billion worth of investment opportunity through the Edinburgh and South East Scotland City Deal.

Global vision

Creating Edinburgh’s £1 billion Health Innovation District, a vibrant mixed-use neighbourhood, is centred on a world-leading community of healthcare innovators.

By developing at scale and pace with a private sector partner, the new health innovation district will accelerate solutions to global health challenges.

The long-term vision for the site includes plans for residential housing, more space for research and healthcare innovation as well as hotel, retail, leisure, and hospitality spaces. The expansion will support an estimated 9000 new jobs, as well as further boosting the pipeline of successful companies created by Edinburgh BioQuarter.

Once complete, this vision could deliver one of the largest healthcare innovation, research and teaching developments in the UK.

A highly skilled workforce, competitive cost base, and hard-to-beat quality of life make Edinburgh an attractive destination. The site is close to international airports, walking and cycling routes, local bus routes, tram services, and national rail services.

Investment opportunities

The team behind Edinburgh BioQuarter has developed a masterplan and place-making strategy to deliver its global ambitions.

Contracting authorities are currently seeking a development partner – through a formal OJEU process that commenced in November 2021 – to accelerate phased developments of the remaining 61 acres of land.

Find out more on the Edinburgh BioQuarter websiteopens in a new window 

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Disclaimer

Whereas every effort has been made to ensure that the information in these pages is accurate, Scottish Enterprise and Scottish Development International does not accept any liability for errors, omissions or misleading statements. And no warranty is given, or responsibility accepted as to the standing of any individual, firm, company or other organisation mentioned. Investors will need to undertake their own due diligence in conjunction with individual project promoters/sponsors in relation to the detailed project investment opportunities presented.