Designed by scientists, for scientists
PHTA Category 2 labs
Our Category 2 lab spaces offer a regulated, safe and versatile environment for life sciences research. Everything from Class II biological safety cabinets that protect both you and your samples, to sophisticated airflow controls and HEPA filters that prevent cross-contamination, is in place to eliminate risk and ensure reproducible results.
We offer self-contained incubator modules with flexible Cat 2 wet laboratory and adjacent office and write-up space measuring between ~550 sq ft and ~1,300 sq ft.
No lab module is further than 40 metres from key shared amenities including autoclaves, glass wash, sample stores and freezer rooms, allowing you to work with biological samples with full confidence.
What’s inside?
Wet lab accommodation
- Resin cast waste sinks with BROEN accessories
- IPS unit with integrated handwash
- Antibacterial paint finish
- PPC metal ceilings with bioguard
- Ceilings sheet surface safety vinyl
- Equipment access doors
- Vision screen between office and lab
Lab benching and stools
- Linear perimeter fixed laboratory benching, graded to 250kN per linear metre
- Modular mobile benching, graded to up to 350kg per bench
- Solid, homogeneous core and a melamine resin-based benchtop, suitable for chemical, impact and reduced inhibiting organic growth properties
- PPC framing system
- Underbench cupboards included subject to module
A number of incubator modules also include open plan accommodation for occupier fit out. Benching can also be removed to accommodate larger pieces of equipment, for example bioreactors or biological processing equipment.
Additional services
- Mechanical ventilation with fresh air from central plant
- Cleaning and waste removal – including biological and radioactive material
- Gases – not metered*
- Other utilities – electricity, water
- Local ducted fan coil units provide heating and cooling
- Provision for cooling associated with equipment heat rejection
- Domestic hot and cold-water supply to wash hand basin and eye wash
- Local metered distribution board serving the incubator module
- Perimeter dado trunking with extensive power and data points along the workbenches
- Dedicated data cabinet
- Socket outlets on ceiling level trunking over island benching
- Under-bench sockets for appliances (i.e. under-bench fridges)
- Three phase power connection – 16A
- General laboratory lighting with local control (PIR control)
- Provision for fume cupboards connection connected to central extract fan – facility provided in a number of incubator spaces
- Space integrated within the fire detection and emergency lighting of the building integrated within the landlord system
- Access control to main door into module
- Maintenance – HVAC, mechanical ventilation, air handling and equipment all centrally maintained (including preventative maintenance)
- IT – wi-fi throughout, upgraded firewall, third-party IT support, internet access points for soft phones
- Deliveries and sample receipt/despatch zone
- 24/7 access with security provision
- Staffed reception
- Communal lounge, kitchen, WC, hotdesking and meeting room facilities available on each floor
* Gases will initially be provided unmetered with the option to meter if use is above expected levels
Why it matters
Handling biological samples means you need a Category 2 (also known as Containment Level 2 (CL2)) laboratory space. The regulatory bottom line: UK researchers must adhere to the Health and Safety Executive’s (HSE) Approved List of Biological Agents, as well as the Advisory Committee on Dangerous Pathogens (ACDP’s) guidelines. Our premium Cat 2 labs meet every requirement, giving you full confidence – and reassuring funders and collaborators that your research is compliant.
When you take Cat 2 lab space at PHTA, you gain much more than just benches and equipment – you plug in to a network of academic pioneers, biotech entrepreneurs, support staff and translational experts. Our ecosystem not only accelerates innovation, but also raises your profile, making it easier to attract investment and land high-impact collaborations.
From ensuring regulatory compliance and uncompromising safety to catalysing powerful collaborations – and driving down both time and cost – PHTA’s Cat 2 lab space is the foundation for cutting-edge life sciences research.
