South London health district to see £3bn in life sciences development

SC1 London has outlined plans for a major life sciences district in South London, with an estimated £3 billion in property development now in the pipeline. The initiative, unveiled during London Life Sciences Week, will see more than 2 million sq ft of innovation and research space delivered across Lambeth and Southwark over the next five years.

The SC1 district, backed by national and local government, includes large-scale schemes at Royal Street and Snowfields Quarter, both of which have secured planning consent. These projects alone are expected to contribute significantly to London’s life sciences infrastructure and create around 20,000 new jobs by 2030.

Southwark Council granted planning approval for the Snowfields Quarter last month, a scheme projected to deliver 900 jobs. Lambeth Council approved the Royal Street project in 2022, with both developments forming the cornerstone of SC1’s real estate-led growth strategy.

SC1’s real estate plans are being developed through a public-private partnership model involving landowners, the NHS, local authorities, and commercial developers. Speaking at the event, Laurie Lee, CEO of Guy’s & St Thomas’ Foundation, highlighted the dual role of these developments: “Our developments at Royal Street and Snowfields Quarter aim to stimulate innovation, new science, great jobs, and inclusive economic growth.”

Claire Holland, Leader of Lambeth Council and SC1 Co-Chair, emphasised the development potential: “We see SC1 as key to unlocking growth in Lambeth, contributing directly to our ambitious plans to increase commercial space by 10%, create 20,000 new jobs and build 10,000 new homes.”

The SC1 district is part of a broader strategy to position London as a global leader in life sciences, with recent data placing the city ahead of all non-US counterparts in venture capital investment for the sector, totalling £1.59 billion so far in 2025.

While SC1’s mission is driven by health and research outcomes, the property element is central to its execution. The developments are expected to attract both domestic and international occupiers seeking high-specification laboratory and workspace in a well-connected location.

The initiative has also launched a skills and training programme aimed at creating a local talent pipeline for the life sciences sector, reinforcing the district’s integration of physical infrastructure with economic and social development goals.