Morgan Sindall Construction has officially broken ground on Versa, a new purpose-built laboratory and commercial science facility at King’s Cross, London.
A ceremony was held to mark the start of construction, which represents a key milestone for both the local area and London’s growing life sciences sector.
The development is being delivered on behalf of Kadans Science Partner, a European investor in specialist real estate for knowledge-intensive industries.
The scheme brings together a specialist team of project partners: David Miller Architects is leading the building’s architectural design, with PSK providing project management services.
Scheduled for completion in the second quarter of 2026
CB3 is acting as a cost consultant, while HDR is offering laboratory design expertise.
Engineering consultancy Hoare Lea is responsible for delivering MEP (mechanical, electrical, and public health) services, and Steer is advising on transport and access planning for the development.
Located within the Tileyard Quarter, Versa is the second facility developed by Kadans at this rapidly emerging life sciences cluster.
Scheduled for completion in Q2 2026, the four-storey, 51,500 sqft building will offer a flexible mix of spaces, ranging from CL2 laboratories to dedicated production and pilot areas.
The building will offer a flexible mix of spaces ranging from CL2 laboratories to dedicated production and pilot areas
CL2 (Containment Level 2) refers to a standard of safety and containment used when working with biological agents, genetically modified organisms, or other hazards that pose a moderate risk.
The new facility will support key sectors including biomedical research, life sciences, data and precision medicine, providing advanced facilities tailored to pioneering companies and individuals.
Versa will feature a range of high-quality amenities, including secure cycle storage, on-site showers, and private landscaped outdoor spaces for occupiers, all aimed at enhancing wellbeing, productivity, and opportunities for collaboration.
The start of construction follows the recent completion of Mayde, a neighbouring 114,000 sqft innovation hub, also delivered by Morgan Sindall’s London division for Kadans.
Together, Versa and Mayde form part of Kadans’ wider plans to create over 300,000 sqft of specialist laboratory, office, and manufacturing space within the Tileyard Quarter.
Located within the Tileyard Quarter, Versa is the second facility developed by Kadans at this rapidly emerging life sciences cluster
Richard Dobson, Area Director for London at Morgan Sindall Construction, said: “This groundbreaking ceremony marks a significant moment in the growth of London’s dynamic health and life sciences sector.
“Once complete, Versa will provide much-needed specialist lab and R&D space in the burgeoning Tileyard Quarter, complementing the excellent facilities already delivered at Mayde.
The facility will not only offer world-class laboratory and manufacturing accommodation but will also connect occupiers with Kadans’ international network of life sciences businesses, academic institutions, and research partners.
Those based within the Tileyard Quarter will join a vibrant local community of clinicians, independent businesses, creatives, and academics.
Will Fogden, Head of Investment and Development at Kadans Science Partner, added:
“Versa will be an important enabler of Kadans’ expanding ecosystem at King’s Cross, providing flexible, turnkey spaces designed to grow with our occupiers’ ambitions.
“Tileyard Quarter is more than a collection of buildings — it is an active, mixed-use innovation district addressing the demand for spaces that support discovery, development, and collaboration.