Construction starts on Europe’s tallest laboratory
Construction has begun on One North Quay, Europe’s tallest and most technically advanced commercial laboratory building, located in Canary Wharf, London.
The 76,460 square metre development, designed as a "vertical science campus," is a joint project between Canary Wharf Group (CWG) and Kadans Science Partner. Completion is expected in 2027.
One North Quay will be a major part of Canary Wharf’s growing science, health, and technology district. Shobi Khan, CEO of CWG, described the project as “a significant addition to the life sciences, health, and tech community at Canary Wharf, delivering fit-for-purpose, flexible lab space in London.” He emphasised that the building will support a wide range of businesses, from multinational corporations to start-ups and educational institutions.
Designed by KPF Architects, the 23-storey building will include state-of-the-art lab space, with up to 60% of the building designed as Level 2 (CL2) wet laboratory space. The facility can also accommodate Level 3 laboratory containment (CL3), a critical resource in London’s life sciences sector. In addition, the building will feature double-height floors for Good Manufacturing Practice (cGMP) spaces, which are currently in short supply across the capital.
KPF has designed One North Quay with flexible floor plates and future-proofed infrastructure, allowing tenants to adapt or expand their spaces without disruption. This adaptability is particularly important for technology and life sciences companies, where rapid growth and evolving needs are common. “The vertical campus will set a new precedent in terms of scale, technology, and sustainability,” said Khan.
Situated in Canary Wharf, One North Quay benefits from excellent transport links, including the Elizabeth Line, Jubilee Line, and Docklands Light Railway (DLR), offering connectivity across London and to major airports, including Heathrow and London City.
Kadans Science Partner, a European leader in life sciences real estate, is co-developing the project. Michel Leemhuis, CEO of Kadans, highlighted the UK's leadership in life sciences, saying, “This impressive new building at Canary Wharf is a great example of how we are driving the development of innovative state-of-the-art lab buildings.”
The building will incorporate a low-carbon strategy, featuring an optimised façade and highly insulated, airtight building fabric aimed at reducing energy consumption. It will also include 1,850 square metres of amenities, including collaborative workspaces, social spaces, and a rooftop terrace with a bar and restaurant, as well as a ground floor café.
In recent years, Canary Wharf has become home to over 30 life sciences organisations, including TC BioPharm, Genomics England, and the NHS Transformation Unit. One North Quay will further expand this growing community, providing purpose-built space for innovative research, collaboration, and growth.
Leemhuis added, “By capitalising on our previous experience across Europe and our global connectivity, we are excited to be a step closer in establishing a vertical science campus that will help London maintain its position as a leading global life sciences hub.”
Once completed, One North Quay will offer unparalleled facilities for companies and institutions in the life sciences sector, further cementing London’s role as a centre for scientific and technological excellence.
The project is expected to cost £417 million (€500 million) and is scheduled to open in 2027.
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