Plans in for £750m East London life sciences and housing campus

Plans for a major new integrated healthcare and research campus for Whitechapel have been revealed in a planning application submitted to Tower Hamlets borough council by the landowners, the global real estate management firm BGO, with the support of the Barts Health NHS Trust.

The ambitious plans will see land near The Royal London be redeveloped to create an integrated healthcare, housing and amenity campus in the heart of Whitechapel. It has been designed to meet NHS needs, deliver affordable homes for key workers and unlock new green spaces for the local community.

The 1 million sq. ft scheme sits within the Barts Life Sciences Cluster and is projected to add £1 billion annually to the UK’s Gross Value Added (GVA). It represents a £0.75 billion investment into Whitechapel and is expected to create 1,325 new jobs – a significant boost at a time of minimal national economic growth.

A key feature is the prospect of a new building in the block to the south of the hospital, replacing our Ashfield Street offices, John Harrison House, and Princess Alexandra House. This could include offices, flexible workspaces for life sciences companies, public space, and amenities for NHS staff.

The proposed development also includes over 500 new homes, including refurbished terraces, with a mix of private apartments, affordable homes, and accommodation for key workers. Philpot Street and Walden Street would become accessible green routes through a landscaped site with trees and gardens.

Shane DeGaris, group chief executive of Barts Health NHS Trust said: “This is an exciting example of how we are working with local partners to bring much-needed investment into Whitechapel and regenerate the area around our flagship teaching hospital, The Royal London. The potential benefits for our staff, patients and their local communities are enormous.

"We will continue to work closely with BGO and others in the Barts Life Sciences Cluster to attract industry and turn our research into life-changing clinical practices and products for our patients.”

BGO managing director Merrik Baggallay commented: “People living in Whitechapel and wider Tower Hamlets experience some of the poorest health outcomes in London. Life expectancy remains significantly below the London average, and the borough has high levels of deprivation, long-term health conditions and chronic disease.

"This development responds directly to that context, delivering essential NHS infrastructure, enabling space for care, and establishing an inclusive campus that reflects the social, clinical and cultural needs of the city. I am incredibly proud of BGO’s involvement in this groundbreaking and significant masterplan and look forward to working with the Cluster and local stakeholders as we move through delivery.”

The application envisages demolition on the site could start in 2027, subject to approval by the council, with construction taking place in stages over ten years.