Landmark science and technology centre in Cally gets the go-ahead

Islington Councillors have given planning permission for a landmark 9 storey life-sciences building. The site at 176-178 York Way is located on the corner of Randall’s Rd and will be the latest addition to the King’s Cross “knowledge quarter”. The building will house 12,000sqm of research and laboratory space, 1,200sqm of affordable workspace, a flexible community and events space, and flexible makers’ space. The planning department’s report to Councillors can be read here (item B1).

The developers say this science and technology building will house research organisations helping to solve the world’s biggest medical challenges. It will also support growing businesses in Islington, and provide skills and jobs for residents. Part of the building (10%) will be low cost “affordable workspace” in line with Islington Council’s policies. There will be a 5-year social value plan – aligned with the We Are Cally Community Plan – which will engage Islington schools and residents to improve skills and access into science and technology jobs.

Islington Council has also helped the scheme go ahead by releasing some land which will ensure a new walking route is opened up from Caledonian Road to York Way through Bingfield Street. The entire public realm around the site will get a massive upgrade too.

Cllr Paul Convery said: “We’ve been trying for over a decade to get this site developed and have rejected several unrealistic schemes. This project by developer Delancey is going to make a huge difference to the Cally. Our neighbourhood is located at the eastern end of Europe’s largest life-sciences cluster stretching along the Euston Road corridor, through Kings Cross and into Islington. This is already bringing thousands of good quality jobs and the Council has a recruitment “pipeline” with employers making an inward investment to our Borough; and our local schools are building great relationships with new knowledge intensive businesses.”