News article

In Conversation with Dr Helen Davis Long-time local resident, retired physician and observer of the changing face of healthcare in the Harley Street Health District.

Author
Cavendish Square
Partners
Reef + Partners
Published
Topic
Project Update

Dr Helen Davis, a retired physician and long-time local resident, has witnessed first-hand the evolution of healthcare in and around the Harley Street Health District. Having spent much of her professional life in medicine, she brings a unique perspective on an area that has been at the forefront of healthcare and medical excellence for generations.

Living close to Cavendish Square, Helen has also seen the neighbourhood evolve beyond its clinical heritage — as a place to live, work and spend time. From its historic architecture and garden squares to the people and institutions that give the area its distinctive character, her connection to this part of London is both professional and personal.

As Cavendish Square enters a new chapter, we spoke with Helen about her memories of the area, the changes she has seen throughout her career, and her hopes for the future of the Square, its gardens and the wider community.

Having spent your career in medicine, how
have you seen healthcare and the Harley
Street area evolve over the years?

“The change has been quite remarkable. Harley Street has always been synonymous with medical excellence, but healthcare today is far more connected, collaborative and technology-led than when I began my career. We’re seeing clinicians working much more closely with researchers, scientists and technology specialists, and that is changing both how we understand disease and how we care for patients.

What has been particularly interesting is seeing the area evolve while retaining the reputation and expertise that make it so special. There is an extraordinary concentration of medical knowledge here. The opportunity now is to complement that heritage with the facilities, technology and infrastructure needed for the next generation of healthcare. Developments such as Cavendish Square feel like a natural continuation of that story — building on what Harley Street has always done exceptionally well, while creating new possibilities for the future.”

Looking to the future, what would you like
Cavendish Square to offer the people who
live, work and receive care here?

Patient demand is expected to increase significantly over the coming decade, driven by structural population trends and increasing healthcare needs. At the same time, healthcare providers continue to face a shortage of modern and scalable clinical space. Cavendish Square has been conceived to help address this infrastructure challenge by delivering future-ready healthcare facilities in the heart of London’s premier medical district.

The Harley Street Health District already supports more than 5,000 medical specialists and consultants across more than 250 clinics and healthcare providers, including The London Clinic, HCA Healthcare, The Royal Marsden and King Edward VII’s Hospital. The scheme will enjoy direct access to this and to leading hospital networks including University College London Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust and Imperial College Healthcare NHS Trust.

You’ve lived near Cavendish Square for many
years. What does the area mean to you
personally?

“Cavendish Square has always felt like a very special part of London to me. I’ve lived nearby for many years, so it has been part of the rhythm of everyday life — somewhere I’ve walked through countless times, met friends and colleagues, or simply stopped for a few moments in the gardens. Despite being surrounded by some of the busiest streets in London, it has always offered a sense of calm.

There is also something quite unique about living so close to Harley Street. As a physician, I’ve always appreciated the extraordinary concentration of medical knowledge, experience and institutions within such a relatively small area. There is a real sense of history here, but also of medicine continually moving forward.

For me, the gardens are an important part of that character. Green space is incredibly valuable in central London, particularly somewhere associated so closely with health and care. I’m excited to see them thoughtfully reimagined and made more welcoming and accessible, while retaining the qualities that have made Cavendish Square such an important part of the neighbourhood for generations.”

What our partners are saying

"Cavendish Square is one of the most significant healthcare real estate opportunities currently available in Europe. Its scale, location and design create a unique proposition for healthcare operators seeking state-of-the-art facilities within the Harley Street Health District. The combination of structural demand growth, limited supply of modern clinical accommodation and proximity to one of the world's leading healthcare clusters creates a compelling platform for occupiers."
“An important investment in Westminster's future, supporting our ambitions for economic growth and innovation.”
“An opportunity to strengthen London's healthcare and innovation ecosystem.”

Media Contacts

About Reef + Partners

Reef + Partners is a leading real estate developer and investor delivering connected science, healthcare and innovation ecosystems through the power of partnerships. We combine exceptional design, deep sector expertise and long-term investment to create mixed-use places that accelerate innovation, create lasting value and support occupiers ranging from early-stage companies to global pharmaceutical, healthcare, technology and academic organisations.

Our portfolio includes London’s largest purpose-built science and innovation campus at Tribeca and Royal College Place in the King’s Cross Knowledge Quarter, alongside London’s first subterranean healthcare facility at Cavendish Square. Together, these projects comprise over 3 million sq ft of highly technical science, healthcare and innovation space, positioning Reef + Partners at the forefront of delivering the next generation of innovation ecosystems.

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