Queen Mary University of London has agreed a deal with the Department of Health and Social Care that will enable the development of a state-of-the-art life sciences centre in Whitechapel.
The deal forms part of proposals by NHS Property Services to deliver a 1m sq ft life sciences campus across five sties on Whitechapel Road, E1. The sites are all located to the west of the Royal London Hospital, and are mainly vacant or no longer fit for purpose.
The development aims to establish east London as a major centre of excellence in life sciences, creating high-quality jobs and skills programmes, and attracting industry investment from organisations ranging from start-ups to multinational corporations.
Colin Bailey, president and principal at Queen Mary University of London, said: “Throughout our history, we have driven to improve the health and educational outcomes for our local communities, and our role in the Whitechapel Life Sciences Cluster is a new chapter in that long story. The step we have taken signals one of the largest research investments in Queen Mary’s history, and reinforces our continued commitment to the health, wellbeing and economic success of the east London community and to the advancement of world-leading research and education.”
John Biggs, mayor of Tower Hamlets, called the deal a “major coup” for the borough, adding: “By establishing Whitechapel as a major centre for the life sciences, the area will attract significant new investment and business opportunities, and importantly provide our young people with the chance to train and develop high-quality careers in the life sciences.
“Whitechapel is steeped in history, which has made it one of London’s most famous places. We are now creating a new history, with major developments including the new Elizabeth Line station, the renovation of the historic Royal London Hospital building into a new town hall and now a world-class life sciences hub.”
Plans for the campus are expected to be submitted this autumn, with a decision in summer next year. A deal with a developer to deliver the site is anticipated by the end of 2022, with the first buildings scheduled to be completed between 2024 and 2027.
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