Cancer Research UK and the British Council have celebrated a major milestone with the topping out of their new headquarters at International Quarter London (IQL). The new building was recently forward sold to DWS as their second investment in the project for c. £240m. These leading organisations are the latest choosing to relocate to IQL, the £2.4 billion joint venture development between Lendlease and LCR in the heart of Stratford. They will be joining Transport for London, the Financial Conduct Authority and UNICEF which have also chosen Stratford for their new headquarters.
The topping out, or reaching of the highest point in the building, is the latest landmark in the rapid growth of IQL, which is now set against the established Stratford backdrop of business, leisure and culture. The new building will accommodate Cancer Research UK and the British Council in 2019. There is continued interest and confidence in IQL as a thriving new location for London.
Organisations relocating to IQL are also enjoying a packed program of events at Endeavour Square, the social heart of IQL. Endeavour Square is an impressive public space, which this summer will host a busy series of over 60 events for the whole community, with everything from thought-provoking lunchtime talks to cultural evenings and fun family weekends, firmly establishing IQL as a great place to live and work.
Jonathan Emery, Managing Director, Property, Lendlease Europe, said: “Today’s topping out marks a major milestone for IQL, which is quickly becoming London’s new home for progressive organisations. We are proud of the diverse neighbourhood we are creating together with our partners LCR, which will see some 25,000 people working here when complete.”
David Joy, Chief Executive of LCR said: “The topping out of Cancer Research UK and the British Council’s new headquarters today marks another turning point for IQL. Next year, these two world renowned organisations will be able to enjoy all the area has to offer in terms of business, leisure and culture alongside other established firms such as the FCA, UNICEF and TfL, which have already made the move to Stratford. The confidence placed in IQL by investors and businesses is reflective of the appeal of the area as both a place to live, work and visit.”
Stratford has a long standing connection to the arts, one of the key drivers for the British Council’s relocation. This heritage was further reinforced recently with the Mayor of London’s announcement of the new £1.1bn East Bank cultural district, which will see Sadler’s Wells, London College of Fashion (part of University of the Arts London) and the V&A move to the area.
