Snowsfields Quarter

Southwark Council’s Planning Committee has resolved to grant consent for Snowsfields Quarter, a new world class life sciences hub in south central London.

Three new buildings will create spaces for research and development, support better health outcomes and economic growth for local and global communities. Located next to Guy’s Hospital at the heart of the SC1 Life Sciences Innovation District, Snowsfields Quarter will deliver approximately 360,000 sq ft of multi-functional space, including 245,000 sq ft of cutting-edge laboratory facilities for pioneering research in fields such as medical technology, genetics, and neuroscience.

Snowsfields Quarter is being developed through a partnership between the Foundation (as landowners), Oxford Properties (as investor), and Reef + Partners (as architects). We have worked closely together with our partners to make Snowsfields one of the most sustainable new life sciences developments in London.

In line with our impact goal to tackle sources of air pollution, Snowsfields will:

• Be fossil-fuel free and aim for the highest environmental and wellbeing standards
• Increase biodiversity on site by nearly 50%, prioritising sustainable and active travel through a car-free design
• Deliver improved public spaces

The Snowsfields Quarter development has been shaped by extensive engagement with the local community. As a result, we have made changes to the design to maximise the benefits for nearby residents. Updates include improved street frontages with new shops and more green space, improvements to local housing estates and updates to community spaces such as the inclusion of a new pub and a café.

Once operational, Snowsfields Quarter will support the creation of 890 long-term jobs, helping to fulfil 8.9% of Southwark Council’s Local Plan employment target for the London Bridge Opportunity Area.

The development will contribute to the Mayor of London’s Growth Plan and Inclusive Talent Strategy, which aims to create at least 150,000 high-quality jobs across London, and supports the Government’s Life Sciences Industrial Strategy. 10% of the total workspace will be affordable to support local innovators in growing new business enterprises in London.

Laurie Lee, Chief Executive, Guy’s & St Thomas’ Foundation, said:

“Snowsfields Quarter builds on the Foundation’s long history of investing in the health in Southwark. The development will contribute to the growth and success of the wider SC1 Life Sciences Innovation District, while helping inspire and equip the next generation of scientists and health professionals. Snowsfields will be a place at the cutting edge of healthcare, creating inclusive growth as well as good quality jobs and improving lives locally, while driving groundbreaking research to improve health outcomes globally.”