The NLA’s latest report, Adaptive London highlights that the move towards prioritising reuse it not just in response to the climate emergency. Retrofits can also offer plenty of opportunity for economic growth. The report pinpoints key examples of where reuse has been delivered in the best way possible and we are pleased to share that two Native Land projects – KOVA KX and SIRA have both been featured.

KOVA KX

KOVA KX was the largest life sciences letting of 2025 yet stands as a 100-year-old building – unexpected considering that most typical laboratories are futuristic buildings in remote out-of-town locations. A landmark project, KOVA KX breaks new ground for sustainable, Grade-A lab and office space in a repurposed heritage building. It is proof that existing buildings can be creatively repurposed to cater to the most exacting and demanding of property occupiers, delivering the highest standard of space while outperforming the RIBA and LETI 2030 goals for embodied carbon. LifeArc – the self-funded medical research organisation established by the UK’s Medical Research Council – is set to the be the sole occupier of KOVA KX once complete.

Native Land identified the potential of this opportunity within the Knowledge Quarter and attracted an investment partner in Ashby Capital to jointly realise a project of unrivalled quality. Expected for completion in 2027, you can read more about this on page 102-103.

SIRA

Situated in London’s tech district, SIRA is a striking heritage building and the former Lipton Iced Tea headquarters. It is now being transformed into a highly sustainable workspace, complete with an abundance of premium amenities.

Importantly, 75% of the existing structure of the historic building is being retained. Designed by Stiff + Trevillion, the all-electric building will make use of energy-efficient systems for net zero carbon operations. It is targeting a BREEAM Excellent rating once complete.

To read the full NLA report on Adaptive London, click here.