New science labs and affordable workspace to replace former clothing factory
A former clothing factory will be demolished to make way for science labs and an affordable workspace as part of Whitechapel’s ‘world-class’ life sciences cluster.
A former clothing factory in Whitechapel is set to be demolished to make way for a new building containing science laboratories and affordable workspace for local people.
Tower Hamlets Council’s Strategic Development Committee approved plans for a new life sciences building, ranging from five to nine storeys at 100-136 Cavell Street during a planning meeting on Thursday 12 March.
The building is the latest development to join Whitechapel’s ‘world class’ life sciences cluster which will see several vacant plots next to the Royal London Hospital transformed into offices, specialised laboratories and educational space. Life science is the study of living organisms and covers a wide range of disciplines from biology, to genetics, cell biology and neurobiology.
The site is currently occupied by a former clothing factory, which shut down several decades ago before turning into office space – though it is now occupied mainly by property guardians. The new building will provide 9,475 sqm of purpose-built floor space which will include 70per cent ‘wet’ laboratory space and 30per cent ‘dry’ laboratory space.
Wet labs are where chemicals, drugs or other biological matter are tested and analysed, while dry labs are similar to offices, and are where writing up reports on computers and analysing data takes place. During last week’s meeting, a planning officer said the building had been ‘carefully designed’ and will contribute to the ‘revitalisation of Whitechapel’.
The plans will also see a ‘Knowledge Centre’ built on the ground floor which will be used for seminars, education and exhibitions related to science, technology and engineering. On the weekends and during the evenings, the space will open up for local community groups who will be able to use it for Science, Technology, Engineering and Maths (STEM) activities.
Subject to planning conditions and obligations, the applicants, New Life Bidco Ltd and Lateral, will contribute £200,000 to community STEM activities while £300,000 will go towards the council’s Education Maintenance Allowance (EMA) and a further £300,000 will towards the council’s University Bursary Award, specifically for students studying STEM subjects.
The building will have roof terraces, a café and a new public route called The Arcade which will connect Cavell Street and the Silk District, a residential development in Whitechapel.
Local people will be entitled to a discount of up to 50 per cent to use the building’s affordable workspace, which includes 362sqm of fully-fitted out ‘incubator’ laboratory space and 370sq.m of ‘grow on’ space which will include laboratory benches, mechanical and extraction services.
When it came to the vote, Cllr Amin Rahman said he thought the development was ‘good’ but he argued the site should be used for housing instead. However, Cllr Kabir Hussain said the plans represented a ‘fantastic opportunity’ for the next generation.
Cllr Hussain said: ‘Yes we do need housing, but at the same time we do need education, we do need jobs and we need to flourish our generation to see there is something to achieve.’
Planning permission was ultimately granted, with five councillors voting for the development and four against.
If you liked this read Construction of new cluster of life science buildings next to the Royal London Hospital approved by the council.
