Construction has begun on Europe's tallest and most advanced purpose-built commercial laboratory building at Canary Wharf, London.

A joint venture between Canary Wharf Group (CWG) and Kadans Science Partner, the project, One North Quay, will create an 823,000 sq ft vertical campus, marking one of the largest commercial developments launched in London this year.

One North Quay will supply London with best-in-class, purpose-built lab space that will support an ecosystem of companies ranging from multi nationals to educational establishments, as well as fast growing, innovative life science and technology companies. It represents a significant and exciting part of London’s future as an international hub for science and innovation excellence, offering unparalleled facilities and opportunities for collaboration in the heart of one of the world’s most dynamic urban environments.

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Up to 60% of the building will be delivered as level 2 (CL2) wet laboratory space and can accommodate up to level 3 laboratory containment (CL3), an undersupplied type of space in the London life sciences sector. The building will also have double height floors to support Good Manufacturing Practice (cGMP) spaces, which are also in limited supply in London.

In contrast to other commercial life sciences buildings and science parks in the UK, architects KPF designed One North Quay as a 23-storey ‘vertical science campus’ that has flexible floor plates and future-proofed infrastructure that can support technological advancements across sub-sectors and enable occupiers to adapt their space or facilitate a seamless transition to larger spaces without disrupting operations, something that is unique in the London market.

Situated in Canary Wharf, its location also offers its customers unparalleled connectivity with strong transport links via the Elizabeth line, Jubilee line and Docklands Light Rail (DLR), across London, and to Heathrow Airport and London City Airport.