King's College London

 The Zone 2 London destination is undergoing a 53-acre transformation, the most significant of its scale to be seen in the UK’s capital in a generation. This partnership establishes a framework for collaboration between the joint venture partners and King’s, supporting growth and education in science and technology innovation industries within the local area and East London community. It will ensure King’s and its spinouts have access to high quality work and lab space at Canada Water, providing easy access to a pipeline of space to support the growth of London’s science and technology ecosystem.

At an event held last week (3 July), the MoU was cemented with the official signing of the document by Emma Cariaga, joint head of Canada Water at British Land, Carl Astorri, Head of Investments Europe at AustralianSuper, and Professor Bashir M. Al-Hashimi, Vice President Innovation & Research at King’s.

Effective for five years, the MoU will deliver a long term and innovative partnership through a mix of services and collaboration opportunities. Utilising the range of commercial space available, the campus will host an ongoing programme of events, including educational talks and networking sessions. The partnership will also provide technical services to office occupiers, facilitate introductions, and share the latest research and analysis relating to key sector trends and developments, providing a valuable resource to relevant prospective occupiers and helping establish Canada Water as an inclusive and dynamic environment where science and technology innovation can flourish.

Micheal Wiseman, Head of Workspace Leasing and Science and Technology at British Land, said: “Canada Water is undergoing a major transformation that will see trailblazing corporate occupiers drawn to the campus to participate in its exciting growth story; our strategic partnership with King’s marks a critical step in accelerating the prosperity of science and technology innovation, reinforcing our dedication to supporting these industries within our community.

“The relationship we have fostered with King’s is testament to how developers can work with universities to unlock London’s potential in the sector, providing easy access for early stage ventures to pre-built lab space like that of Paper Yard, our modular campus at Canada Water. Collaboration and the exploration of growth opportunities is central to this Memorandum, and we look forward to working together and creating a hub of innovation at Canada Water.”

Victoria Stanley, Investment Director at AustralianSuper said: “AustralianSuper seeks to invest in critical regeneration projects, such as Canada Water, which not only benefit the Fund’s Members but also the residents, businesses and communities in which we invest. The nexus of innovation and higher education, supported by public and private investment has been identified as a key driver of future UK economic growth, so it’s vitally important we support this sector by not only creating the appropriate spaces for businesses to occupy, but also establishing strategic partnerships which encourage and facilitate opportunities."