Arden University chooses Stratford Cross for London expansion

Business and Innovation
  • 28 May 2025
Business and Innovation

Arden University has chosen the Turing Building at Stratford Cross, on the edge of the Olympic Park for its new London base – cementing the area’s position as a hub for business, education and innovation. Arden will occupy 94,000 sq. ft of this 350,000 sq. ft sustainable office building, designed by Arney Fender Katsalidis (AFK Studios). 

Part of Global University Systems (GUS), Arden University’s move to Stratford Cross reflects an increasing demand for high-quality, well-connected spaces that support both academia and business. The university will benefit from proximity to a growing network of world-class institutions, unlocking opportunities for collaboration and access to future talent. 

Turing was the first building to be delivered as part of Lendlease’s joint venture with Canada Pension Plan Investment Board (CPP Investments) at Stratford Cross. Arden University’s arrival broadens Stratford Cross’ tenant mix, complementing its commercial offering and reinforcing its position as a destination that brings together business, education providers and cultural institutions. 

With dual consent for both office and educational use, the Turing Building provides exceptional flexibility for organisations such as Arden University that are looking to capitalise on Stratford Cross’ expanding cultural and educational infrastructure. The building also offers an Everyman Cinema, 120 capacity event space, terraces and an in-lobby coffee shop run by local independent baker, Signorelli.

Leading sustainability credentials include BREEAM Outstanding, an EPC A rating, ActiveScore Gold and WiredScore Platinum. The building is awaiting verification of WELL Gold status and is a NABERS Design for Performance Pioneer with a Design Reviewed Rating of 4 Stars. 

Alongside its sustainability credentials, the Turing Building also offers outstanding connectivity. Stratford is one of the best-connected locations in London, with the Elizabeth Line, Central and Jubilee lines, DLR, National Rail and high-speed services offering rapid links across the capital and beyond. The City, West End and Heathrow are all within easy reach, and King’s Cross can be reached in just seven minutes, making Stratford Cross an ideal location for ambitious organisations.

Knight Frank, CBRE and BNP Paribas acted on behalf of Lendlease in the deal.

Guy Thomas, Head of Commercial Leasing at Lendlease, said: “Arden University’s move to the Turing Building reflects Stratford Cross’ growing reputation as a destination for education and innovation. With its proximity to world-class institutions such as UAL and UCL East, the area offers a unique opportunity for collaboration between academia and business. The mix of workspaces, cultural venues, and leisure options creates an environment where organisations like Arden University can grow and connect with a wider community which includes leading UK brands such as the BBC, Sadlers Wells and the V&A.”

Professor Carl Lygo, Vice Chancellor & Chief Executive at Arden University commented: “We’re so excited to announce Arden University’s new flagship London campus at the Turing Building, Stratford Cross. As a flexible learning provider, we want to be able to provide our students with a space to connect and engage. This new campus will allow us to do just that, offering a vibrant space for our students to meet each other while being at the heart of all that London has to offer – we can’t wait to open our doors and welcome our students.” 

About Stratford Cross 

Stratford Cross is an emerging cultural and creative workplace destination. Nestled between 560 acres of the Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park, the creative institutions of the East Bank – the UK’s newest cultural quarter – world-class sporting facilities including the London Stadium, and a vast array of shopping, dining and entertainment, Stratford Cross offers something new to explore every day.

www.stratfordcross.co.uk/ 

About Arden University

Arden University is a leading UK-based provider of flexible, online and blended learning, supporting thousands of students in the UK and around the world. As an established pioneer in online learning, Arden University offers learners personalised academic and digital-skills support from enrolment right through to graduation. 

Offering online 24/7, multi-media learning materials and a leading-edge virtual classroom study portal called ilearn, students enjoy exceptional flexibility. Blended learning options also combine face to face, academic-led teaching at one of Arden University's seven student campuses in London, Manchester, Leeds, Birmingham and Berlin, with additional self-study time online. 

The university sees student learning opportunities as the key to embedding knowledge and helping to grow and develop graduates that are ready for the workplace.  

A wide range of courses across specialisms in Business, Law, Psychology, Healthcare, and Marketing and Computing are focused on furthering career progression and improving career potential – many are accredited from UK professional bodies, and all are internationally recognised. 

Arden University's undergraduate and postgraduate programmes also offer flexible entry  requirements and course costs help to give a more accessible choice, especially for students who are returning to education. 

About Lendlease 

Lendlease is a leading integrated real estate group with international investment capabilities. Headquartered in Sydney, Australia, and listed on the Australian Securities Exchange, Lendlease's core capabilities are reflected in its operating segments of Investments, Development, and Construction.

The combination of these three segments provides the Company with a sustainable competitive advantage in delivering innovative integrated solutions for its customers. For more information, please visit lendlease.com. 

About Global University Systems (GUS) 

Global University Systems is an international education group, empowering students to transform their lives through education. It believes that education drives careers, lives, and society forward, enabling a brighter and more sustainable future for all.  

The Group's institutions offer the broadest range of industry-relevant skills through inclusive, accessible and digital-first learning. It provides a choice of career-enhancing certificate, degree and post-graduate level qualifications, equipping its thriving multi-national community of students for lifelong success.