Canary Wharf offices to be transformed into “state-of-the-art” life sciences facility

Funds managed by Oaktree Capital Management, L.P., supported by LS Estates, have successfully obtained revised planning permission for the repurposing of 17 Columbus Courtyard, marking a “significant milestone” in the advancement of the life sciences project.

Collaborating with architects Scott Brownrigg and planning advisor Avison Young, the approved plans involve transforming the existing office building, situated in the heart of Canary Wharf, into a “state-of-the-art” facility for life sciences and technology, catering to the evolving needs of current and future occupants in this thriving sector.

With connectivity via the Elizabeth Line, the building will undergo expansion to provide approximately 200,000 square feet of flexible laboratory and office space spanning nine upper floors. The repurposing of 17 Columbus Courtyard will align with the UKGBC Net Zero Carbon Framework, minimising both embodied and operational carbon.

This will be achieved by embracing the principles of a circular economy, the proposals aim to retain, repurpose and upgrade as much of the existing building as possible, thereby minimising raw material usage and diverting at least 98 per cent of construction waste from ending up in landfill.

The planning approval will revitalise the building’s lower floors through the introduction of double height bay windows facing the public realm at Columbus Courtyard. The proposals include a welcoming and accessible entrance sequence that will connect into a community science lounge with adaptable meeting spaces and a cafe.

It is anticipated that the ground and first floors will cater for “late-stage” start-up companies, featuring a range of office and laboratory fitted spaces. The upper floors will focus upon larger occupiers seeking to bespoke their occupational requirements.

Anticipated to be finished by Q3 2025, this project aims to exemplify how existing buildings can be repurposed and adapted to accommodate the changing nature of the workplace, while meeting the requirements of occupants and sustainability objectives.

Paul Bailey, managing director Life Sciences at LS Estates, commented: “We have begun to witness the emergence of Canary Wharf as a new life sciences cluster within London and 17 Columbus Courtyard will be one of the first lab-enabled buildings of scale to satisfy that increasing demand.

“With flexible floorspace and specification options available, we feel that occupiers will be able to focus on growing their businesses in a suitably collaborative environment”.

By Matthew Neville – Senior Correspondent, Bdaily

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