Contributors
A visionary project aiming to turn Whitechapel into a hub for life sciences has achieved a significant milestone, following support from international law firm Womble Bond Dickinson (WBD).
The firm has supported NHS Property Services on the planning process needed to receive a resolution to grant planning permission from the London Borough of Tower Hamlets to create a new life sciences cluster in Whitechapel.
The cluster, which will transform five plots next to the Royal London Hospital into high-quality, flexible spaces which will work to support inclusive research addressing health inequality, was approved following a meeting of the council's strategic development committee.
A WBD team led by partners in the firm's planning team Sarah White and Claire Brook supported on the process, with support from solicitor Dana Cook on planning matters, and partner Martin Stacey and managing associate Emily Gascoyne-Richards on real estate aspects.
Under the proposals, it is estimated more than 4,100 jobs and training opportunities will be created for the Tower Hamlets community, alongside an estimated economic boost of at least £7m a year.
Sarah said:
"It is fantastic to have been able to work with NHS Property Services and its development partners on achieving this major milestone in realising this transformative project and bring our team's legal expertise to support on various planning aspects of this proposed development.
"Not only will this have the potential to transform the local economy by creating thousands of jobs and opportunities for the area's young population, but it will look to make Whitechapel a true hub of life sciences and advancement in London, and we're thrilled to be able to support this project."
NHS Property Services are working on the proposals in collaboration with Queen Mary University of London, Barts NHS Health Trust, the London Borough of Tower Hamlets, and other stakeholders on the development.
