‘World-class’ science hub bringing thousands of jobs moves step closer

Five new buildings are to be built on land next to Royal London Hospital in Whitechapel, while a sixth building which already exists on the site and provides specialist HIV services is to be retained.

Life sciences is the study of living organisms and life processes and is relevant in multiple areas such as biology, genetics, cell biology and neurobiology.

The plans, green lit by the council but still in need of final approval by the Mayor of London, are from the Department of Health and Social Care, supported by NHS Property Services and will see nearly 70,000 sq m of floor space dedicated to life sciences.

There will also be community spaces that can be used by residents and local schools as well as a café, public toilets and a brand new public square.

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The plans had previously been deferred so councillors and planning officers could visit the proposed site, after concerns were raised about the daylight and sunlight impacts the buildings could have on residents living nearby.

During a meeting with the council’s strategic development committee this month, councillors heard how the scheme could provide up to 4,180 full-time end phase jobs. Of these, 1,045 have been set aside for Tower Hamlets residents.

The Department of Health and Social Care has additionally pledged to create 61 construction phase apprenticeships for residents and a minimum of 20 end phase apprenticeships.

Planning officer Gareth Gwynne said: “Members set out in the last committee that they wanted to understand better the public benefits of the scheme and expressed concerns around those including the level of apprenticeships. I’m pleased to report that the applicant has addressed that with the securing of end phase apprenticeships which wasn’t previously proposed.”

Also included in the plans are a new life science research and teaching building for Queen Mary University of London and an on-site school community lab which will give students and teachers first-hand experience of life science activities.

As part of financial contributions, £1.7million will go towards employment skills and training while £2.5m will go towards community health and wellbeing projects.

Committee chair Amin Rahman said: “I really like the application, I’ve done a site visit as well. I think it’s a beautiful opportunity in our borough.”

The plans saw five councillors vote in favour of the development, while two councillors abstained meaning the vote was carried and the plans were ultimately approved.

Tower Hamlets mayor Lutfur Rahman later said in a statement: “This is a boost for Whitechapel and the latest in a series of developments in the area that is putting Whitechapel on the map as a go-to area of London.

“The development will benefit local people now, with the creation of jobs opportunities, but it will also be a boost for the future.

“If our young people can see a world-class facility on their doorstep, it will help inspire our next generation of scientific talent.”

The plans will now be referred to Mayor of London Sadiq Khan before a final decision is issued.