AshbyCapital and Native Land are delighted to announce that Camden Council have approved the planning proposal to tailor the technical, scientific specification of KOVA KX to meet the requirements of its future occupier, LifeArc.
In May this year, LifeArc signed the UK’s largest life sciences letting of 2025 to date to move into KOVA KX in 2027. LifeArc is one of the UK’s leading medical research organisations, which has delivered breakthroughs in important areas including childhood cancer, motor neurone disease, and rare diseases. The registered charity signed the 70,000 sq. ft pre-let agreement at 105 Judd Street in its entirety.
Strip out, remodelling and restoration work of the characterful Edwardian office building that forms the basis of KOVA KX are well underway, with practical completion scheduled for summer 2026. The consented amendments to the planning application mean that LifeArc will occupy the development as a purpose-built headquarters, with two floors of laboratory accommodation alongside offices for their researchers and management staff.
Designed by Stiff + Trevillion Architects, KOVA KX, will be a striking headquarters building in the heart of the Knowledge Quarter in King’s Cross, Euston and Bloomsbury. Around 75% of the existing five-storey structure will be retained and restored, with a two-storey extension lifting the total floor area from 57,000 sq. ft to 70,000 sq. ft.