Green light for Canary Wharf science tower

Canary Wharf Group and Kadans Science Partner have secured planning approval from Tower Hamlets Council for a new commercial health and life sciences building.The 23-storey tower will provide 823,000 sq ft of of life sciences laboratories and workspace at the North Quay site next to Crossrail Station and new Elizabeth Line at Canary Wharf.Enabling works on the 3.3 hectare site are already well underway and the building, designed by Kohn Pedersen Fox Associates, is anticipated to complete in 2027.A low-carbon strategy has been implemented across the development, which includes highly insulated and airtight building fabric, with an optimized façade, energy efficient MEP systems and the provision of renewable sources and highly efficient photo voltaic panels.Shobi Khan, CEO of Canary Wharf Group, said: “This is a significant milestone in our development of a world-class life sciences hub at Canary Wharf.“While the North Quay development is an integral focal point, we have been working in tandem to nurture and grow our current life sciences community and we have built real momentum this year through leasing success and working with our partners Kadans to develop bespoke and innovative new facilities.‘The next chapter in the evolution of Canary Wharf is well underway with the next generation of health and life science companies set to become a significant presence in our sustainable, mixed-use environment.”Michel Leemhuis, CEO of Kadans Science Partner, added: “In addition to its scale, location and technology, this building sets a new benchmark in its field for sustainability, capitalizing on our previous experience and lessons learned, while engaging industry working groups to ensuring we are delivering a facility tailor-made to industry requirements.“With planning consent secured, we are looking forward to continuing the extraordinary progress we are making with the Canary Wharf Group.”