Developers sought for £1bn BioQuarter mixed-use plan

Anna Stamp, interim programme director for the Edinburgh BioQuarter

Anna Stamp, interim programme director for the Edinburgh BioQuarter, explains the crucial role that private sector organisations will play as the newly emerging community realises its goal of becoming Edinburgh’s health innovation district.

The BioQuarter was established in the 1990s and following investment totalling £520 million around 2.5 million sq ft of space has already been developed – mainly hospital, educational and research facilities – on 70 acres of land.

Now the mix of land uses is to be expanded as the BioQuarter achieves its aim of becoming a multi-faceted urban community, integrated with the existing city of Edinburgh.

Additional 61 acres for private sector schemes

Extensive residential development, a quality hotel, nursery facilities, retail space such as a supermarket and a well-being centre are all planned as well as a new innovation hub and a range of collaboration spaces. About 61 acres of land has been identified for private sector use and the consequent development will have an estimated gross development value of £1 billion.

A public private partnership, called EBQ5 Ltd, will take the development forward.

Stamp says that the district already has the essential key components to attract a private sector partner: it has achieved critical mass; it is a global destination for health-focused innovation and entrepreneurs; and the partners behind the project share ambitions to accelerate health solutions while fostering economic growth and regenerating the local community.

The full interview is available as a video, or download and listen as a podcast: