New scheme fuels London lab building boom
The surge in planned laboratory-led building projects in London shows no sign of slowing with another major scheme submitted for planning in Whitechapel.
Specialist life sciences developer Lateral has teamed up with HIG Realty to submit plans for a 160,000 sq ft laboratory scheme located in the shadow of the Royal London Hospital site.
Designed by AHMM, the 100-136 Cavell Street laboratory building will rise from 5 to 9 storeys and form part of the growing Whitechapel Life Science Cluster, which includes Barts Health NHS Trust, Queen Mary University London, Barts Life Sciences, NHS Property Services and the Department of Health and Social Care.
The developers have assembled a professional team that includes project manager 3M, building services and facade engineer Buro Happold and structural engineer Evolve.
The all-electric building is targeted to achieve a BREEAM Excellent rating.
To clear the way a 120m long, early 20th century former clothing factory will need to be demolished.
Subject to planning approval, enabling works are hoped to start in September, with demolition planned to get underway in April 2025.
This would pave the way for piling work to start in June 2025.
Rob Beacroft, co-founder at Lateral, said: “We share a phenomenal collective vision to create a world-class life sciences cluster that will accelerate life changing health outcomes.
“We are committed to the local community, driving health and wellbeing, delivering long-term high-quality jobs, creating clear pathways into the sector, enhancing economic prosperity, promoting and delivering STEM education across the curriculum, and introducing green, clean and secure spaces.”