LaSalle Investment Management and Trilogy Real Estate have won their planning appeal for the 940,000 sq ft second phase of the Republic innovation campus at London’s East India Dock.
LaSalle IM and Trilogy submitted plans for the site to Tower Hamlets Council in September 2021 following extensive consultation with the local community. The council’s planning committee refused permission in October 2022, against the guidance of its own planning officers.
In the appeal decision report, the planning inspector said the design of the proposed buildings and landscaping were of a high quality and would have a positive effect on the character and appearance of the area.
LaSalle IM and Trilogy intend to deliver 716 purpose-built student accommodation rooms and 150 BTR homes in two high-rise buildings, a 376,000 sq ft data centre and 64,000 sq ft of lab-style workspace.
Robert Wolstenholme, founder and CEO of Trilogy Real Estate, said: “Over the past eight years, Trilogy has created a campus for education and innovation at Republic that defines this new alternative asset class. In the process, we’ve transformed an unloved office estate into a coherent and sustainable development with a real sense of place and connection to the community – one that anticipated the challenge of the new world of work and sought to have a significant positive social impact in Tower Hamlets. The work we’ve done with universities and other education providers to deliver space for training, education and skills alongside workspace has created an engine for the future economy of East London.
“The next phase of Republic builds upon the strengths of the development and our location. Bringing a community of students and residents onto our campus will reinforce Republic’s mission to be a place that serves the full spectrum of needs of colleges and universities and integrates with the local community. We’re also adding capacity at one of the UK’s most in-demand hubs for data centres, providing vital infrastructure that will support future jobs.”
Tim Frost, fund manager at LaSalle Investment Management, added: “Securing this planning consent provides an exceptional opportunity to continue the transformation of Republic into a vibrant place for existing occupiers and the local community. The mix of education, living and a data centre will offer a dynamic space for the existing campus, whilst helping support the growth of local businesses and educational opportunities. We are delighted by the decision to support the delivery of this market-leading scheme in Tower Hamlets.”
Nick Owen, partner at SimpsonHaugh, which designed the masterplan for phase two, said: “We are delighted at the appeal decision to give consent to the Republic scheme, and the inspector’s conclusion that the high quality design of the proposed buildings and landscaping would have a positive impact on the character, heritage and appearance of the area. The vision that informed our proposals is to continue the transformation of the Republic Estate to create a sustainable future for the site through the development of an exemplary mixed-use neighbourhood, integrating education and innovation spaces, shared communal amenities, and high quality living accommodation. We look forward to the next stages of this exciting project.”
