$140m expansion to increase R&D space at The Biopolis

To be completed in 2013, expansion will add 46,000 sq m to total 310,000 sq m

BIOMEDICAL research and development hub The Biopolis will undergo a $140 million expansion which will boost its total R&D space to some 310,000 square metres - a move aimed at meeting the increased demand for biomedical R&D space.

According to developer JTC Corporation, the expansion plans will add about 46,000 sq m to The Biopolis and is slated for completion in 2013.

The expanded Biopolis will also incorporate energy-efficient laboratory designs, which will translate to reduced energy consumption as well as higher savings for tenants where operational costs are concerned. Some of the measures that JTC will implement include more accurate sizing of laboratory equipment to reduce energy wastage, solar control and glazing for laboratory spaces to reduce heat gain, better lighting selection to reduce maintenance and running costs as well as the incorporation of natural ventilated spaces to reduce the building's cooling load.

'In the upcoming expansion of The Biopolis, sustainability will be taken a step further with . . . energy-efficient lab design. Some of the sustainable lab design strategies . . . will be more practical and cost- effective in nature,' JTC said. The Biopolis has been purpose-built for public and private biomedical research institutes and organisations.

In 2009, Singapore's biomedical sciences manufacturing output rose 2.5 per cent year-on-year to $20.7 billion, while total employment climbed 7.2 per cent to 13,174. Singapore aims for the sector to hit a manufacturing output of $25 billion by 2015.

Meanwhile, total business spending stood at $700 million last year while fixed asset investments (FAI) were $1.2 billion.

Located at one-north, The Biopolis is currently in Phase 3 of its development. By end-2010, Phase 3 will add 41,500 sq m of space to the biomedical hub for R&D laboratories and supporting offices.

Phase 1 of The Biopolis (a 185,000 sq m seven- building development) is fully occupied, as is Phase 2, which comprises a cluster of two buildings spanning 37,000 sq m.

Source: Business Times, 6 May 2010