This research paper examines London’s relationship to Oxford and Cambridge, the world leading knowledge-intensive region known as the ‘Golden Triangle’ and analyses the key factors influencing the growth of the knowledge economy in a fast-moving sector.
The project showcase presents exemplary projects and schemes having a transformational impact on the education, healthcare, technology and innovation sectors in the UK.
Executive Summary
- London, Oxford and Cambridge — ‘the Golden Triangle’ — have demonstrated global leadership in the response to the COVID-19 crisis. The region’s strengths in life sciences have been at the forefront in developing testing, treatments and, ultimately, a vaccine.
- This unique knowledge cluster has produced some of the most high-profile innovations through the research excellence, collaborations and cutting-edge applications developed by world-leading universities, researchers and companies located in the region.
- This region will play a significant role in the post-COVID economic recovery of the UK. The £1.25 billion support package announced by the Chancellor of the Exchequer in April 2020 confirms the central role of the tech, life science and related sectors.
- The current lack of a regional plan and coordination across the Golden Triangle poses significant challenges for the future of the region. Unlocking opportunity for housing, transport and workspaces in a coordinated approach will maximise growth.
- Over the last two years, we’ve seen significant investment in spaces for knowledge intensive industries in this area. Over 90 projects are showcased in this report.
- The impact of COVID-19 will result in new challenges for the knowledge sector, as universities adapt to remote learning and flexibility of spaces will become even more important.
WEBINAR
Bidwells’ Head of Science and Technology, David Williams will be joining the NLA and other project partners next Tuesday 16th June (10am) to discuss:
- What can we do to future-proof the region to future shocks?
- How might COVID-19 impact the education, science and healthcare sectors in the short to medium term?
- And what longer term implications we may see on the way we plan, design and build for these sectors?