
A new life science facility for Southwark


Following on from consultation with the local community and stakeholders, King’s College London and Pioneer Group have submitted plans to Southwark Council to sensitively transform 1-9 Newcomen Street into a highly sustainable, local life science hub.
The proposals will preserve the historic façades of 4-9 Newcomen Street while replacing the deteriorating structures with a state-of-the-art life sciences facility, bringing a long-vacant site back into use. The proposed design will enhance the streetscape, celebrating the site’s Victorian heritage while delivering a high-quality, sustainable scheme. In response to feedback, the proposals also seek to activate the entire building frontage with new entranceways and visible lobbies, fostering a stronger connection with the surrounding neighbourhood.
By delivering new R&D and life sciences floorspace, the proposals address the significant local, regional and national demand for modern, purpose-built laboratory space while supporting the growth of the SC1 life sciences ecosystem. Situated next to the globally renowned King’s College London and Guy’s & St Thomas’ Hospitals, it is uniquely placed to do so and create job opportunities locally.
We would like to thank everyone that took part in our consultation and provided feedback on the proposals.
Southwark Council is now holding a period of statutory consultation on the planning application, during which time you can review its documents and share your comments with the council. All these documents can be viewed on Southwark Council’s planning portal (searching for the reference number 25/AP/0591).
If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to get in touch by emailing 1-9newcomenst@thisislca.com
Meet the team
King’s College London
King’s College London (KCL) is internationally renowned for the delivery of exceptional education and its commitment to delivering world leading research. It specialises in collaboration with businesses, cultural institutions and healthcare providers and has five campuses in London, three of which are closely linked to hospital sites. King’s Vision 2029 includes creating Guy’s Biomedical Hub, focusing on advanced therapies and clinical research.


Pioneer Group
Pioneer Group’s mission is to help life sciences and high-tech businesses to thrive, tackling challenges in both human and planetary health. Pioneer is a UK expert in not only designing and creating the right type of environment through life science real estate but also nurturing the scientific advances, through its expert network of scientists, entrepreneurial support and venture building business. These ingredients enable Pioneer working with KCL, to support these enterprises from the early-stage development to grow and scale.