Canary Wharf’s life science transformation is creating opportunities across London…

Centred on the West India Docks, Canary Wharf was at the heart of London’s bustling shipping industry for centuries, handling goods from across the world.

After the dock’s decline in the 1960s, the area was reborn as a thriving international financial district to rival the City of London.

Today, it is undergoing another transformation, but this time, as one of the capital’s largest hubs for life sciences.

The Mayor of London’s Growth Plan recognises the life sciences sector as key to creating 150,000 high-quality jobs across the city, giving young Londoners the chance to enter an industry that is shaping the future of medicine, sustainability and technology.

Despite this, demand for lab space in the capital has grown fourfold since 2016, with half a million sq ft of space required to support research and development.

Excellent transport links, modern infrastructure, expansive offices and open spaces make Canary Wharf the perfect place to meet this challenge and one which is opening opportunities for nearby residents and London’s school-leavers.

One of the most exciting projects currently underway at Canary Wharf is LS Estates’ 17 Columbus Courtyard (17CC), a pioneering office-to-lab retrofit that will set a new benchmark for sustainable development.

17CC is in the West of the Canary Wharf Estate, next to the North Dock and close to Cabot Square and Wesferry Circus.

The scheme will transform the existing building into 2560,000 sq ft gross of cutting-edge laboratories and collaborative workspace, designed to meet the evolving needs of life sciences and technology companies.

Flexible lab space, co-working zones, meeting suites, and a new café, will establish 17CC as a vibrant hub where scientists, entrepreneurs and innovators can meet to collaborate and innovate.

Although life sciences careers might have once conjured up images of PhDs, microscopes and lab coats, today, the sector offers a wide range of opportunities open to people from all backgrounds.

Led by Morgan Sindall, 17CC’s construction will create a wide range of opportunities, from engineering and design to digital modelling and project management. The Morgan Sindall team have also created The Knowledge Quad – a dedicated space for delivering accredited programmes to help people gain skills and access employment opportunities.

17 Columbus Courtyard, developed by LS Estates with Morgan Sindall Construction, is committed to engaging the local community. The teams have delivered skills programmes, built partnerships with schools and colleges and supported young people from Tower Hamlets and beyond to access training and employment pathways.

This is a rare chance to watch a new industry cluster emerge in real time and to play a part in it.

Whether you’re interested in opportunities through construction or beyond, Canary Wharf could be just the place to launch your future career.