A group of 30 GBS students recently had the opportunity to visit One North Quay, Europe’s tallest and most technically advanced purpose-built commercial life science building. The site visit, hosted by the Canary Wharf Group, provided an in-depth look at the construction industry and the innovative practices shaping modern developments.

Accompanied by four staff members, the students were welcomed by Ashley Handley-Collins and Jamie Carter, Senior Project and Construction Managers from Canary Wharf Contractors, who delivered an insightful talk at the viewing gallery. They discussed the scale, complexity, and sustainability considerations behind the project, as well as career opportunities in the field.

A First-Hand Look at a Vital Project

During the visit, students had the chance to observe different stages of construction, learn about sustainable building practices, and understand the role of innovative design in shaping the future of life sciences facilities. Isabella Chambers led a presentation explaining the intricate planning and execution behind the One North Quay development, sparking engagement and curiosity among the students.

The visit was an inspiring experience for many, with students sharing their thoughts on the opportunity:

“Yesterday was interesting. I liked that we had a presentation, and it told us a lot about the building coming up soon. And we got to see it in person; overall, it was interesting.” – Florina Tanase

“One North Quay… Europe’s tallest and most technically advanced purpose-built commercial life science building. The presentation helped me understand the importance of off-site construction, where components are prefabricated before being assembled on-site. I also learned about slipform construction, a fascinating technique for building reinforced concrete structures.” – Sidique Kanu

“This was my first time visiting a mega project. I learned about construction activities live and gained more information about the project.” – Shoyeb Ahmed Shohel

“I liked how they presented the project to the main parties, which helped me understand more professionally how everything works.” – Bryan Borja

“Visiting the site yesterday was an excellent experience for me. The presentation was well-structured and gave us a clear idea of the One North Quay project. The design and sustainability features made the biggest impression on me.” – Maralyana Patsovska

 

“We had the privilege of visiting the North Quay construction site, where we experienced exceptional hospitality and professionalism from the team. Their welcoming attitude ensured that we were in the right environment to both learn and fully appreciate the visit. The presentation provided valuable insights into the project’s unique features, innovative construction methods, and overall vision. The team’s detailed responses to our questions further enhanced our understanding, making this visit a significant learning experience.” – Kristalina Dobreva

Building Connections for the Future

Beyond the technical aspects, the visit also highlighted the importance of career pathways within the construction and design sectors. Students were particularly inspired by a staff member’s personal journey, detailing how they secured a graduate position in the industry. This real-world insight reinforced the value of industry experience and networking for future career success.

A special thank you to Helen Coxhead and Angie Ward from Canary Wharf Group for their efforts in organising and facilitating this insightful experience.

Experiences like this are invaluable in bridging the gap between academic learning and professional practice, equipping students with the knowledge and inspiration to explore careers in construction, engineering, and life sciences development. Interested in pursuing a career in construction? Explore our construction courses here.