Our facilities

The Biorenewables Development Centre has been set up to allow us to work on diverse biorefining projects across the bio-based supply chain, such as: breeding new types of plants; extracting valuable chemicals from waste; turning biomass into energy or finding new ingredients for cosmetic products.

Lab, office and conference space available for hire

Here at the BDC we have state-of-the-art research and development biorefinery, pilot scale lab facilities and flexible office space available for hire. Close to the University of York, we are conveniently located on the outskirts of the city, close to major road and rail links for easy access from most parts of the UK.

Our facilities and staff expertise cater for companies that are looking for flexible hot desking, office or lab space to companies that want to scale up their products or processes with bespoke lab facilities and equipment. We can develop methods at laboratory scale and we can scale up processes to demonstrate their commercial potential, typically at the 1-100 litre or 1-100 kg scale. All our facilities have been arranged in modules allowing flexibility in design of processes – see our range of equipment below.

No matter what stage your business is at, we have the facilities, space and expertise to help you innovate, scale up and grow.

Lab Space

Here at the BDC our biorefinery lab facilities are open-access, if you know what you want to do but don’t have the equipment to do it, then we can also arrange for you to spend time in our labs working alongside our experienced team. This can be on an ad hoc basis, or it can be a permanent co-working arrangement which could also include your own dedicated office space.

Renting lab space gives your company the opportunity to access specialist equipment and expertise without the initial outlay or upkeep costs as well as share the space with like-minded entrepreneurs and other companies in the bioeconomy. You can also access our dedicated researchers and support staff who are on hand to offer support and advice.

As well as our in-house scale-up facilities the BDC offers access to state-of-the-art analytical facilities in research centres based at the University of York and has an extensive network of specialist partners offering complementary services.

BDC lab and office space for hire

Meeting rooms, hot desking, virtual office package

Throughout the BDC we have flexible hot-desking, a virtual office package and meeting spaces to suit your needs. Renting a hot desk or office space gives your company the opportunity to network with like-minded entrepreneurs and other companies in the bioeconomy. You can also co-work with our dedicated researchers and support staff who are on hand to offer support and advice.

Options include;

• Hot desks £15/day; £45/week; £150/month
• Office space (shared; 2-3 people) £450 pcm (minimum term applies)
• Virtual office package; registration of company address, post handling: from £35 per month
• Meeting Rooms
  • Hemp (2 -3 people) £12 per hour
  • Willow (4-5 people) £20 per hour
  • Hops (10-12 people) £30 per hour

BDC meeting, hot-desking, virtual office to hire (PDF)

BDC-room-booking-form (WORD)

Conference Space

At the BDC we have a unique, flexible space to hold your conferences, meetings and events (for up to 50 people) which includes both ground and mezzanine floor space, kitchen facilities and free parking.  The layout of the rooms is flexible to meet your needs. Refreshments and a buffet lunch can also be provided. We offer free high speed Wifi, the use of a projector and teleconferencing. The centre also includes an innovative exhibition of everyday products made from renewable materials which aims to inspire companies and provide an educational learning space.

Hire: Full day £400 + VAT, half day £200+ VAT

BDC conference and meeting space to hire (PDF)

Get in touch

To find out what equipment and space we currently have available, please contact our Business Operations Team on 01904 328040 or email biorenewables@york.ac.uk

All our facilities have been arranged in modules allowing flexibility in design of processes, our range of equipment includes;