British Land is increasing its exposure to the life sciences real estate sector and has a programme to deliver 1.9m sq ft (176,530 sq m) of lab and innovation space.
We met with Roger Madelin, Joint Head of Canada Water, for an informative chat and tour of the 53-acre (21.4- ha) site which British Land and its JV partners AustralianSuper are transforming into London’s first new town centre in 50 years. Over the next 12 years, the masterplan will deliver a new high street and town square, up to 3,000 new net zero carbon homes, and 2 million sq ft (185,820 sq m) of workspace, including laboratory and flexi space to accommodate the growing science and tech sector in London.
The plan also includes 12-acres (4.8ha) of new public space, including a 3.5-acre (1.4ha) park, revitalised wetlands and a new town square. A key attractor for businesses is access to talent, where Canada Water scores highly, with more under-35s living within a 45-minute commute than almost any other part of London.
