Accelerating the Journey from Discovery to Patient Benefit
Advanced therapies have the potential to transform the treatment of cancer, genetic disorders and chronic disease. Realising that potential depends on more than scientific discovery alone. It requires environments that bring together researchers, clinicians, industry partners and innovators to accelerate the journey from laboratory breakthrough to patient treatment.
Designed for Collaboration
Located within one of the UK’s leading concentrations of healthcare, academic and translational research expertise, the facility provides a platform for collaboration between scientists, clinicians and industry partners. The project forms part of a wider ecosystem of research and innovation, helping create stronger connections between discovery, development and real-world healthcare outcomes.
Concept and Strategy
BMJ worked closely with stakeholders to create laboratory and workplace environments that reflect the organisation’s collaborative culture and future ambitions. The design combines specialist laboratory accommodation with flexible office, meeting and collaboration spaces, encouraging interaction between teams with different skills, perspectives and expertise. By bringing these functions together within a single environment, the facility supports faster knowledge exchange and more integrated ways of working.
A key feature of the design is the visual relationship between laboratory and workplace environments. Carefully planned connections between research and office spaces help break down traditional barriers, allowing users to better understand the work taking place across the organisation while encouraging communication, shared learning and innovation.
Unlike traditional research laboratories, the facility includes laboratory environments designed to replicate aspects of advanced therapy manufacturing processes. This allows therapies, technologies and workflows to be developed, tested and refined before progressing towards larger-scale production. By supporting this critical stage of development, the facility helps reduce risk, improve efficiency and accelerate the pathway from scientific discovery to patient benefit.
Explore the Details
Built to Adapt to the Future of Therapy
Flexibility was a central design driver throughout the project. Laboratory, support and workplace accommodation were planned to adapt to changing technologies, evolving research priorities and future therapeutic approaches. The project also made effective use of existing accommodation within Guy’s Tower, extending the life of established estate assets while reducing the need for new-build development.
More than a research facility, the Cell & Gene Therapy Catapult provides a platform for collaboration across academia, healthcare and industry. By creating an environment where ideas can be developed, tested and translated into practical applications, the project supports the next generation of life-changing therapies and reinforces the UK’s position as a global leader in healthcare innovation.
“At the CGT Catapult, we have worked with the advanced therapies industry from its very early days to its presence today as a valuable and growing industry in the UK. We will continue to support the development of the industry, working closely with our partners to ensure that there is an acceleration in the development, manufacturing capability, and access to these life-changing therapies over the coming years.”
Chief Executive, Cell & Gene Therapy Catapult
Built to Adapt to the Future of Therapy
Flexibility was a central design driver throughout the project. Laboratory, support and workplace accommodation were planned to adapt to changing technologies, evolving research priorities and future therapeutic approaches. The project also made effective use of existing accommodation within Guy’s Tower, extending the life of established estate assets while reducing the need for new-build development.
More than a research facility, the Cell & Gene Therapy Catapult provides a platform for collaboration across academia, healthcare and industry. By creating an environment where ideas can be developed, tested and translated into practical applications, the project supports the next generation of life-changing therapies and reinforces the UK’s position as a global leader in healthcare innovation.
