Plans to establish a £350 million life sciences hub in London Bridge have been approved by Southwark Council. The project, led by Guy”s & St Thomas” Foundation and Oxford Snowsfields Development Limited, will result in the construction of three new buildings within the Snowsfields Quarter, adjacent to Guy”s Hospital, and situated in the South Central London health and life sciences innovation district.
The council”s Planning Committee granted approval during a meeting held on October 14. This development will encompass a total of 360,000 square feet of versatile space, including 245,000 square feet dedicated to laboratory facilities aimed at advancing research in medical technology, genetics, and neuroscience.
The project consists of three distinct plots: Plot 1, Plot 2, and Plot 3. Plot 1, located west of Kipling Street, currently features a pub named The Miller along with a variety of shops and residential accommodations. These structures are set for demolition to make way for a new six-story building that will house life sciences laboratories and office spaces. Additionally, the ground and first floors will include a pub, along with a proposed rooftop plant enclosure.
Plot 2, situated to the east of Kipling Street, is currently occupied by an eight-story car park. Plans for this site include replacing the existing structure with a 15-story building that will contain a reception area, a cafe, and a public atrium known as “Science on Display” at the ground level. The remainder of this building will be allocated for life science labs and office spaces, incorporating amenities such as showers and changing facilities.
Plot 3, also in the vicinity, currently features a three-story c-shaped block. Following its demolition, the site will be redeveloped into a building with varying heights—part two, part four, and part seven stories—designed for commercial use and additional life science facilities. This plot will also include a two-story basement and two retail units on the ground floor.
During the meeting, Laurie Lee, CEO of Guy”s & St Thomas” Foundation, emphasized the development”s potential benefits for Southwark residents. He stated, “All of us will potentially benefit from the health research conducted here. SC1 is about inclusive growth and Snowsfields Quarter will inspire and train the next generation of scientists.” He also highlighted that the project is expected to create 890 accessible jobs, significantly contributing to the council”s goal of 3,000 life science jobs while enhancing the local economy.
Despite the approval, the project faced challenges during the public consultation phase, receiving 127 responses, including 110 objections. Concerns raised included the safety of proposed laboratory research and the aesthetic impact of the development on the surrounding area. Some objections were specifically related to the loss of the car park, which serves a specialist cancer facility catering to patients traveling long distances.
In response to these concerns, planning officers assured that existing parking facilities within the Controlled Parking Zone, along with paid and Blue Badge parking spaces, would provide adequate alternatives.
Community group We Love Snowsfields voiced opposition during the meeting, highlighting worries over construction traffic, building height, and potential disruptions. One member stated, “The community believes nobody is listening to our concerns about construction traffic, building height and essential mitigation works that we”ve spent the last two years working on.” The group expressed fears regarding noise, air pollution, and the overall impact on health, particularly for vulnerable residents.
Ultimately, the Planning Committee approved the plans, which will generate over £400,000 in Section 106 funding for improvements to Guy Street Park and an additional £500,000 for environmental enhancements in a nearby estate.
