Construction of KOVA KX, our 70,000 sq ft life sciences development in partnership with Native Land, has now ‘topped out’, ahead of its planned completion in spring 2027.
Marked by a topping out ceremony on the roof of the building, the redevelopment of KOVA KX has progressed at pace and has been defined by its approach to sustainability. Around 75% of the original five-storey structure has been retained and restored, with a two-storey extension increasing the total floor area from 57,000 sq ft to 70,000 sq ft; over 80 tonnes of steelwork has been recycled into temporary works with a further 70 tonnes recycled; 4,000 carpet tiles were reused and avoided landfill; the building will be net zero carbon in operation with all electric services; and the development is on track to achieve the highest accreditations including BREEAM Outstanding, NABERS 4.5* and EPC A.
Originally built as the Salvation Army headquarters, the development has been designed by architects Stiff + Trevillion and offers high quality laboratory and office space with terraces on the upper three floors. The building is pre-let to LifeArc, the self-funded medical research charity, and is located in the heart of the Knowledge Quarter, five minutes from The Francis Crick Institute and King’s Cross St Pancras.