Construction of Europe’s tallest and most technically sophisticated purpose-built commercial laboratory buildings has started at Canary Wharf.
Canary Wharf Group (CWG) and partners Kadans Science Partner (Kadans) are developing One North Quay, one of the biggest commercial developments to commence in London this year.
The 823,000 sq ft ‘vertical campus’ aims to supply London with a purpose-built lab space to support an ecosystem of companies ranging from multinationals to educational establishments, as well as fast growing, innovative life science and technology companies.
The project is set to complete in 2027 and be part of Canary Wharf’s science, health and technology district.
Architects KPF designed the 23-storey campus, with flexible floor plates and future-proofed infrastructure, to support technological advancements across sub-sectors.
Up to 60 per cent of the building will be delivered as level 2 (CL2) wet laboratory space and can accommodate up to level 3 laboratory containment (CL3).
The building is also set to have double height floors to support Good Manufacturing Practice (cGMP) spaces.
The building’s roof terrace will feature a bar and restaurant, as well as a ground floor café and informal seating area available to customers.
Connectivity is also key to the project, with links via the Elizabeth line, Jubilee line and Docklands Light Rail (DLR), across London, and to Heathrow Airport and London City Airport.
This follows the recently unveiled plans by CWG for the redevelopment of the HSBC Tower, which will see the ‘World’s largest transformation’ of an HQ office tower into a sustainable mixed-use building, also designed by KPF.
In June, Canary Wharf Group chairman, Sir George Iacobescu, announced his retirement following his 36-year career succeeded by Legal & General (L&G) chief executive, Sir Nigel Wilson.
Shobi Khan, CEO of CWG, said: “One North Quay is a significant addition to the life sciences, health, and tech community at Canary Wharf, delivering fit for purpose, flexible lab space in London that offers a broad range of state-of-the-art facilities and offerings to support an ecosystem of companies ranging from multi nationals to start-ups, as well as educational establishments.
“The vertical campus will set a new precedent in terms of scale, technology, and sustainability, and forms part of Canary Wharf’s ongoing 3.0 strategy in creating a vibrant urban mixed use community which has 16.5 acres of green spaces and waterside living, over 350 shops, restaurants and bars as well as a growing leisure and amenities offering and a year-round events calendar.”
Michel Leemhuis, CEO of Kadans Science Partner, added: “The life science sector has been singled out by the UK’s new government as being a critical partner for its plans to deliver positive change and economic growth, and we agree the UK can continue to maintain its strong global leadership position.
“By capitalising on our previous experience across Europe and our global connectivity we are excited to be a step closer in establishing a vertical science campus that will help London maintain its position as a leading global life sciences hub.”
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