Pioneer in synthetic biology, Epoch Biodesign will occupy 12,150 sq ft in 10 Finsbury Square’s Green Room, a recently reimagined fitted workspace offering a high-spec agile working environment including adaptable studio, lab-space, and substantial end-of-trip facilities to support their growing workforce.

Founded in 2019, Epoch Biodesign is the Total BioDesignTM company developing natural solutions to unnatural problems. Their first order of business has been to design enzymes that transform plastic waste into everyday chemicals and is backed by $14.5m in venture funding from leading investors such as Lowercarbon Capital.

Epoch Biodesign plan to use their new space to expand their protein engineering platform, grow their R&D team and scale their first process to transform plastic waste.

As a developer of sustainable technologies, Epoch Biodesign have also taken the opportunity to create a London HQ which aligns with their own sustainable values. The property, which achieved BREEAM Excellent on completion, provides low-carbon heating through a ground source heat pump; has a green roof to support wildlife and reduce the “urban heat island effect”; and provides for innovative water conservation measures including rainwater harvesting.

Sandra Cooper, Director, Asset Management, comments: “The strong environmental and wellbeing credentials of 10 Finsbury Square were fundamental to securing this letting to such an innovative occupier like Epoch Biodesign, offering the space and facilities that support a business growing at scale. A letting such as this highlights continued demand for well-located, amenity-rich workspaces in central London, and 10 Finsbury Square will allow Epoch Biodesign to continue its pioneering research.

“As the needs of today’s workforce evolve, we recognise the importance of meeting the needs of occupiers and we are continually enhancing the customer-focused facilities and premium services that support their wellbeing.”

Jade Dedman, Associate at Savills, comments: “The Covid 19 pandemic has shone a spotlight on the strength and depth of the UK’s science market which continues to develop. In Central London we are seeing ever more appetite for space from life science players, for both traditional office space and more bespoke labs. Like many other sectors, these businesses recognise London’s unrivalled pool of talent. Relative to Cambridge and Oxford, our colleagues in Savills Science will explain London remains a new and emerging hub for life sciences, presenting huge scope for growth.”

Jacob Nathan, CEO Epoch Biodesign, comments: “We’re excited to embark on the next stage of our company’s development by taking up space in this fantastic building. 10 Finsbury Square is an excellent new home for us as we expand our team, capabilities and progress our ground-breaking first product.”