EUROPE’S LARGEST COMMERCIAL LAB BUILDING TO BE BUILT AT CANARY WHARF, LONDON, AS FIRST PHASE OF WORLD LEADING HEALTH AND LIFE SCIENCES CLUSTER

EUROPE’S LARGEST COMMERCIAL LAB BUILDING TO BE BUILT AT CANARY WHARF, LONDON, AS FIRST PHASE OF WORLD LEADING HEALTH AND LIFE SCIENCES CLUSTER

30 March 2022.  Canary Wharf Group (“CWG”) and Kadans Science Partner (“Kadans”) have formed a joint venture to develop a new 750,000 sq ft GIA life-science focused, wet lab enabled building at Canary Wharf in London. The development will be the first phase in the creation of a world leading centre for health and life sciences on the 3.3 hectare North Quay site next to the new Elizabeth Line station.

The project brings together two market leaders with highly complementary skills and resources. CWG’s construction, development and placemaking experience is matched by Kadans’ expertise as a European leader in the development and management of life sciences buildings and ecosystems.

With 750,000 sq ft of space across 22 storeys, the building, which will be delivered in 2026, will be the largest commercial wet lab enabled life science building in Europe.  Importantly it will be a laboratory building at its core, with full flexibility allowing lab space on all floors. 

Designed by KPF and developed to the highest sustainability and technological standards, the building will leverage Kadans’ experience of curating multi-let lab and office projects with vibrant communities.  The building will create a campus under one roof, housing SME’s and academics as well as global healthcare and pharmaceutical companies.

Canary Wharf is one of the best-connected locations in London, served by the three newest lines on the transport network: DLR, Jubilee Line and from later this year the Elizabeth Line, which will create a direct connection to London Heathrow Airport within 38 minutes. With London City airport around 15 minutes away, the new scheme will be a critical international hub for life sciences companies.

Shobi Khan, CEO Canary Wharf Group, said:  “Canary Wharf Group has been developing a vision for health and life sciences since 2019 and we are proud to be working with an exceptional partner in Kadans, the European leader in the development and management of life sciences buildings and ecosystems.”

“We are creating a world class building that will provide state of the art laboratory, office and innovation space for some of the most exciting and fast-growing businesses in the health and life sciences sector.”

“Canary Wharf is a true live, work and play destination, with 20 acres of outdoor green space, 5 km of dockside boardwalks, hundreds of shops, restaurants and leisure facilities. We have developed 2,300 apartments on site with another 2,300 homes currently under construction - we have homes for every income level, which will enable researchers and their colleagues to live close by.”

“There could not be a better environment for the U.K.’s most innovative life sciences businesses.”

Michel Leemhuis, CEO of, Kadans Science Partner added:  “Kadans aims to contribute to the innovative power of the life sciences sector by developing state-of-the-art lab buildings as well as offering support and an international community.”

“This joint venture with Canary Wharf Group, which is fully supported by our sponsor and partner AXA IM Alts, provides us with a rare opportunity to not only develop a significant and sustainable new life sciences lab building, which will be the largest in Europe, but also for it to be the catalyst for a new world leading life sciences cluster and ecosystem in the U.K. capital.”

“The Canary Wharf district offers exceptional connectivity, providing access to a huge talent pool and numerous funding partners from its existing tenant base, which will be a highly compelling combination for potential occupiers as well as an exceptional addition to our existing network.”

Cushman & Wakefield advised CWG and JLL advised Kadans on the joint venture.