Revamped Docklands campus aimed at tech and creative buisnesses priced out of central London

Work is now underway on a new scheme to refurbish and reposition an urban campus in London’s Docklands with an aim of attracting new creative and tech businesses.

The development in East India Dock will see the creation of a new 600,000 sq ft workplace, which will appeal to young companies and startups leaving London.

Trilogy Property, the specialist office development and investment firm, and LaSalle Investment Management, the real estate investment manager, revealed that plans for Republic at East India will offer a “truly affordable workplace that meets contemporary professional and personal needs.”

Republic aims to appeal to young companies by focusing on the core values of creativity, connectivity and affordability.

Completing in phases over the next five years, the development has been designed by award-winning architect Studio RHE.

The first phases of the masterplan include the transformation of both Anchorage and Capstan House into 225,000 sq ft and 200,000 sq ft respectively of substantially refurbished space.

Work is already underway to create a 10,000 sq ft coworking and event space with a rooftop bar in Anchorage House, with views over the East London skyline. A marketing suite and gallery is set to launch on site in June.

Once complete, the new area is expected to compete on price with key locations in the South East and major UK regional centres, coming in at half the price of current occupational costs in Shoreditch and just one third of the West End.

Republic’s location, directly accessed by East India DLR station in E14, is within a Zone 2 location, which connects in minutes to the established business districts of Canary Wharf, the City and West End, as well as the cultural neighbourhoods of Stratford and Shoreditch.

Extensive landscaping will replace the streets of the original 1990s development, using planting, open water and trees to create a series of external spaces defined by timber porticos and colonnades. New facades will also be created for independent retailers and food offers.

Robert Wolstenholme, managing director of Trilogy Property, said: “There’s a war for talent in London, and we want to make sure it’s ‘priced in’ rather than priced out. As growing businesses move out of Shoreditch in droves, Republic will not only be affordable for this talented, next-gen workforce, it will be an environment which encourages a sense of innovation and community in a part of London fast becoming a new cultural and digital hub.”

Andrew Meyrick, regional director, LaSalle Investment Management, which is funding the project, added: “Republic at East India is strategically located in the fastest growing borough in the UK, which is already benefitting from changing demographics and the impact of tech on demand for contemporary workspace. Republic will quickly meet this growing demand by providing competitively priced space that will appeal to innovators and creatives looking for a stimulating work and lifestyle environment in London.”