Imperial College campus redevelopment set for approval

Imperial College London is set to get the green light for the 2m sq ft redevelopment and expansion of its White City campus in west London. The college plans to redevelop a site that includes a former Dairy Crest milk bottling factory, bought from investors Aviva and Helical Bar back in 2014. Together with Imperial’s existing adjacent campus, the new project would form a sprawling “research and innovation masterplan” that will be built across seven development zones over 22 years. Imperial wants to develop new research and development space and offices, as well as up to 373 residential units, a hotel, cafes, restaurants and leisure space on the site. The application has been recommended for approval by officers at Hammersmith & Fulham London Borough Council ahead of a planning committee meeting in early September. Housing on the site would include one-, two- and three-bedroom apartments, with 35% of units comprising a mix of social and intermediate rent affordable housing. The tallest residential building on the site will be 32 storeys. The project will also include a new bridge for pedestrians and cyclists over the Central Line. If planning permission is granted, the project will be referred to London mayor Sadiq Khan. [gallery type="slideshow" size="full" ids="994794,994793,994792,994791,994790"] When Imperial revealed details of the masterplan in February 2018, Neil Alford, associate provost for academic planning, described the new campus as “an exciting new chapter in the college’s history”, adding: “We want our campus to be an open, welcoming place that enriches the local area, is sensitive to the needs of our neighbours and offers exciting new opportunities for business, academia and local people alike.” Officers at Hammersmith & Fulham Council said in their recommendation that the project “would bring a significant number of benefits to the borough”, allowing Imperial to “regenerate a large, inaccessible and underutilised brownfield site”. They added: “It would consolidate the presence of a world-leading academic institute with significant socio-economic benefits to the borough and London.” Imperial said 73% of respondents to a consultation were in favour of the campus development overall, with 67% supporting the plans for new homes, a hotel and retail and leisure space. The Greater London Authority has said it is supportive of the new campus but added that the current plans fall short of London Plan targets for reducing carbon dioxide emissions. The neighbouring Royal Borough of Kensington and Chelsea has objected to the scheme on the grounds that the height of some buildings would harm views across its conservation areas. London Underground has also expressed concern that the proximity of the redevelopment to Underground tunnels and infrastructure could put passengers and staff at risk. To send feedback, e-mail tim.burke@egi.co.uk or tweet @_tim_burke or @estatesgazette Aerial photo: Jason Hawkes