Lambeth Council has granted planning permission for the London Institute for Healthcare Engineering (LIHE), an initiative led by King’s School of Biomedical Engineering & Imaging Sciences with the Guy’s and St Thomas’ NHS Foundation Trust.
HLM Architects will deliver the multi-disciplinary building embedded within St Thomas’ campus, which will bring together King’s research excellence, Guy’s and St Thomas’ NHS Foundation Trust’s leading clinical practice, and the medtech sector’s commercial innovation, power, and talent, engaging multinationals, SMEs, and start-ups simultaneously.
The first of its kind in the UK, the project aims to create a seamless pipeline to develop novel medical technologies from conception to commercialisation, and in turn transform patient care by accelerating the translational pathway and enabling early NHS adoption of technology.
The Institute’s initial focus will be on key clinical challenges in cancer, neurological, cardiovascular, ophthalmology, oral health and prenatal conditions, which have been selected for their high disease burden and potential for transformation through healthcare engineering.
The site is situated at the southern end of the St Thomas’ campus, elevated above the Albert Embankment, opposite the Houses of Parliament, and overlooking the River Thames with many of London’s cultural landmarks visible.
HLM Architects has led on all aspects of the design, which includes research, office and meeting space; teaching and learning space; LAB and testing sites; and shared public space as well as areas for events and socialising.
The proposal also incorporates a landscaped roof terrace accessible via an event space and, at ground level, provides a high-quality public space and linking into the wider campus.
Philip Watson, Director and Head of Design, HLM, said:
“The London Institute for Healthcare Engineering will be located in a carefully crafted piece of contemporary architecture blended within an historic area. The facility will incorporate the most advanced amenities available and a design that will allow research and learning to thrive. The layout features open floor plans connected by a giant staircase to visually and physically integrate levels and encourage an interactive environment. Externally, every last detail has been meticulously considered to ensure appropriateness in scale, massing, and materials in order to complement the local setting with the adjacent listed buildings. We are excited to be able to bring forward this sustainable and modern facility specifically designed to encourage collaboration, innovation, and creativity.”