Work is getting underway on the first phase of the refurbishment and redevelopment plans which is estimated to be worth around £70m. This first phase is due to complete in Q4 2025 paving the way for future works to start on the seven-phase, 10-year masterplan for the estate.

The scheme is owned by the Nan Fung Group and managed by the in-house expertise of Nan Fung Life Sciences Real Estate, Endurance Land, and The Mills Fabrica.

Jason Curtis, managing director for ISG said: “This important milestone is the culmination of extensive collaboration over the past 12 months, and we are excited to get started on the construction phase and deliver this transformational project for King’s Cross.

“This scheme represents one of the UK’s largest life science conversion projects and creates significant opportunity to deliver wider social value benefits as we work with local stakeholders and Islington Council to maximise this investment potential.”

Regent’s Quarter area next to King’s Cross Station in London

The first phase will deliver a transformation for the estate with the adaptive reuse of Jahn Court from commercial office to a fully fitted CL2 60/40% 100,000sqft laboratory and office environment to address the unmet needs of the London life sciences community.

Matthew Powers, NFLSRE CEO, said: “This marks a significant moment in the journey of NFLSRE expanding beyond the United States into a key market of United Kingdom.

“Following extensive consultation and planning activity, construction will now start on this major first phase of repositioning Regent Quarter into a Life Science led Ecosystem in the heart of the Knowledge Quarter. ”

The repositioned buildings will have strong environmental credentials, including: BREEAM excellent, low embodied carbon (353kgCO2e/m2), as well as an all-electric services solution.

The scheme is designed by Piercy and Co with other members of the team including nbbj, Hoare Lea, Arup and Gardiner and Theobald. The leasing team is jointly led by the life sciences teams at Savills and Cushman & Wakefield.