LaSalle and Trilogy win planning consent for first-of-its-kind innovation campus at appeal

LaSalle Investment Management (“LaSalle”) and Trilogy Real Estate (“Trilogy”) have won their planning appeal to secure planning consent for a 940,000 sq ft second phase of Republic, their first-of-its-kind innovation campus at London’s East India Dock. This consent provides the opportunity to bring the total accommodation at Republic to more than 1.28 million sq ft.

The planning application was taken to appeal after Tower Hamlets Council’s planning committee refused permission in October 2022, against the guidance of its own planning officers. In their report on the appeal decision, the planning inspector concluded that the design of the proposed buildings and landscaping are of a high quality and would have a positive effect on the character and appearance of the area.

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, LaSalle Investment Management, said, “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.”

By Mark Adair – Correspondent, Bdaily

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