£22m investment for new ambulance facilities in east London to meet the needs of a growing population

London Ambulance Service is building new facilities in east London to ensure that the care it provides to the area’s growing population is fit for the future.

Once completed, the East London Campus – with over £22m of capital investment – will lead the way in providing outstanding emergency care to the population we serve, as well as providing the best facilities for our people to work from.

The development in Canning Town will include a brand-new modern ambulance station, a base for specialist paramedics who care for patients during disasters and terrorist attacks, a new facility where ambulances are prepared and stocked for a shift and a new hub for servicing vehicles.

This will allow the Service to expand its fleet of new ambulances and increase the number of paramedics out on the road to address the growing demand for emergency and urgent healthcare.

Rakesh Patel, Chief Finance Officer and Executive Lead for Estates and Fleet at London Ambulance Service, said: “This is an ambitious programme of work to modernise our services and support our transition to net zero. We must ensure that we can care for our communities and adapt to the changing needs of a growing population.

“With the population and infrastructure in east London continuing to grow along with demand on our services, we’re making sure our estate and facilities are fit for purpose and sustainable for future generations.  

“We are proud to be creating more environmentally-friendly buildings with improved energy efficiency and modern infrastructure for both clinical and corporate functions.

“More people are calling east London their home and, as a local employer, we also need to create the best facilities for people to work for us and build a successful career at London Ambulance Service.”

East London has seen a 36.4% increase in its population since 2002 – making it one of the fastest growing areas in England and this is projected to continue over the coming years.

The area has benefited from better transport links with the arrival of the Elizabeth Line, significant investment in infrastructure and planned housing development.

The East Campus development is expected to be completed by the end of 2026.