Queen Mary University has secured control of 80,000 sq m of land adjacent to its East London campus through a landmark agreement with the Department of Health and Social Care. Reports Contract Journal
This strategic deal unlocks bold plans to develop a world-class life sciences hub—set to be one of the largest of its kind in London.
Located directly opposite the Royal London Hospital on the south side of Whitechapel Road, the site will be transformed with five new and refurbished buildings. The design, led by renowned architectural practices Allies & Morrison and Gibson Thornley, already has planning approval from Tower Hamlets Council.
Professor Colin Bailey, President and Principal of Queen Mary University, hailed the deal as a milestone moment that secures the institution’s long-term future.
“This major investment gives us the opportunity, working with partners, to drive economic growth and healthcare benefits in an increasingly hyper-connected area of London within which we have deep historic roots,” he said.
Queen Mary originally acquired part of the land in 2021, marking one of the most significant research investments in the university’s history. Today’s agreement finalises the acquisition and deepens the university’s commitment to Whitechapel—a community it has been part of since 1785.
The new campus will be developed alongside key facilities operated by its long-standing partner, Barts Health NHS Trust.
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