Construction Commences on UK’s First Skyscraper Laboratory
Construction is set to begin on the United Kingdom’s inaugural laboratory skyscraper in Canary Wharf, East London, on Tuesday. This innovative project aims to address the pressing demand for space for scientific researchers.
The skyscraper, heralded as Europe’s tallest purpose-built commercial lab facility, is being developed through a collaboration between Canary Wharf Group and Kadans Science Partner, a development company from the Netherlands, located at North Quay.
Envisioned as a 23-storey, 823,000 square foot “vertical campus,” the design seeks to bolster the life sciences hub in the region, which is already home to institutions such as the Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency and Genomics England.
Industry leaders in life sciences are concerned about the lack of high-quality, accessible laboratory spaces, particularly within the “Golden Triangle” encompassing London, Oxford, and Cambridge—an area recognized as one of the world’s premier biotech clusters, often seen as inhibiting the progress of startups and small enterprises.
According to Michel Leemhuis, CEO of Kadans, the life science sector has been identified by the UK government as a vital partner in advancing economic change and growth.
The project, named One North Quay and conceptualized by KPF architects, is projected for completion in 2027 and will feature communal spaces strategically located throughout the building to foster collaboration.
Additional amenities will include a rooftop terrace with dining options and a ground floor café.
Shobi Khan, CEO of Canary Wharf Group—currently overseeing a strategic transition following the departure of key financial industry tenants like HSBC—highlighted that this development is integral to their vision of cultivating a dynamic urban community. This community will encompass 16.5 acres of green space, waterside residences, over 350 retail and dining establishments, a diverse range of leisure and amenities, along with a year-round calendar of events.
