Planning permission granted for transformative life sciences district

  • 27th November 2024

One of the proposed new buildings in the Whitechapel life sciences district. Image, Allies and Morrison

NHS Property Services (NHSPSP) has received a resolution from the London Borough of Tower Hamlets to grant planning permission for the proposed Whitechapel Road life sciences district.

NHSPS is working with partners Barts Health NHS Trust, Queen Mary University of London, the Greater London Authority, and Tower Hamlets Borough to revitalise a series of outdated buildings and empty sites in the area near the Royal London Hospital into a thriving life sciences district.

The development will include four new and repurposed buildings, ranging from three to 13 stories.

Allies and Morrison and Gibson Thornley have designed the buildings which are expected to be completed by 2028.

Once complete, they will provide lab-enabled commercial workspaces, educational facilities, and new public spaces.

The goal is to establish Whitechapel as a premier life sciences hub, offering adaptable, high-quality spaces for a variety of life sciences and public health organisations, from small start-ups to larger enterprises.

The development also sits within the London Hospital Conservation Area and is adjacent to several listed buildings characterised by their unique brickwork, fine detailing, decorative features and high level of craftsmanship which has been a key inspiration for the proposals.

The masterplan features all buildings with ground-floor public spaces, including community areas, retail, and outreach services.

And the success of the new plans are underpinned by an inclusive and contextual public realm, connecting with a complex mix of existing communities, businesses, and institutions, while also providing an environment that is green, safe, and climate resilient.

The proposed transformation of these five vacant sites has been developed over a number of years through extensive engagement with the local community.

Creating this much-needed space will not only deliver a new home for life sciences but also deliver any benefits such as:

  • Inclusive research that will focus on improving the health of people in Tower Hamlets and East London
  • A significant boost to the local economy, with workers estimated to spend £7m-£10.1m per year alongside £7.5m per year generated in business rates
  • 4,180 new jobs, apprenticeships, and training opportunities for local people, crucial for supporting Tower Hamlets’ young and fast-growing population

Adrian Powell, director of investment and development management at NHSPS, said: “We’re delighted that the council’s Strategic Development Committee has approved our planning application, which will create a new home for life sciences in Whitechapel.

“The approval of the planning application is the next step in delivering this long-held vision, which is shared with Queen Mary University of London, Barts NHS Health Trust, and the London Borough of Tower Hamlets, and other stakeholders.

“The proposals will regenerate a series of outdated buildings and empty sites around the Royal London Hospital and Queen Mary University, being the catalyst in creating a thriving life science cluster.

“The development will deliver a range of economic, health, and social benefits for Tower Hamlets, including the creation of thousands of jobs, as well as attracting major investment into the UK’s life science sector.”

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