Oxford Properties and Pioneer Group have appointed Wates Group as the main build contractor for converting Victoria House in Bloomsbury Square, central London, into a state of the art life sciences hub which is due to complete in Autumn 2024.  

Oxford, Pioneer Group and Wates plan to convert 220,000 sq ft of the building’s 300,000 sq ft internal area into Grade A wet lab-enabled life sciences space. It has been designed to house an ecosystem of occupiers ranging from start-ups in designated incubator spaces, to larger pharmaceutical companies as well as firms supporting the life sciences industry.  

The property will feature 80,000 sq ft of office, amenity, meeting and retail spaces plus heritage meeting rooms, an eighth floor club lounge and a roof terrace overlooking central London. 

Robin Everall, Head of Development, Europe, at Oxford Properties, said: “The location, amenities and historical character of Victoria House make it one of the most unique and complex refurbishments of its kind, differentiated by a mix of modern lab space and heritage design, and our aim is to transform it into a hub that will nurture life sciences ecosystems in close proximity to the city’s Knowledge Quarter. Wates is a leading construction company with a highly skilled team, which makes them ideally suited to undertake the refurbishment of the iconic Victoria House into a state of the art lab space. The group’s strong ESG credentials and experience in sustainable construction methods will help us create a one of a kind, cutting-edge life sciences development in the heart of London.”   

Victoria House is a Grade-II listed building and in the conversion, the main fabric of the building, including its heritage finishes and features will be retained, along with the existing original windows. 

It’s located within London’s Knowledge Quarter in the immediate vicinity of the King’s Cross life sciences hub. It offers close proximity to several world-renowned universities, hospitals and medical research centres including University College London, GSK and Great Ormond Street Hospital.