A new multi-faith space in the heart of our South Kensington Campus

Supporting faith, spirituality and community

Property, in collaboration with the Chaplaincy and Islamic Society are refurbishing the east side of Level 4 Sherfield Building to provide a purpose-built space to support faith, spirituality and community. The Chaplaincy, including the Muslim prayer spaces managed by the Islamic Society, will move from 14–15 Princes Gardens to Level 4 of the Sherfield Building at the beginning of 2027.

The move follows Imperial’s decision to lease 14–15 Prince’s Gardens to the neighboring preparatory school. The student garden and some areas of the Business School will also be impacted by the leasing of 14 – 15 Prince’s Gardens.

Last year Sherfield Building levels 3,4 and 5 were redesigned to bring together student-facing mental health and advice services, Careers, Student Support, the Disability Advisory Service and spaces for study and group work. Moving the Chaplaincy to Level 4 Sherfield continues to build on this work, making improvements to student-focused areas to create welcoming, accessible and well-located spaces that support learning, wellbeing and community.

Moves will be carefully planned and reflect Imperial’s values. Changes which impact existing services or people will be completed in consultation and engagement with the relevant student and staff communities. 

When will the Chaplaincy and Muslim prayer spaces relocate to Level 4 Sherfield Building? 

We had originally hoped to open the new Chaplaincy and Muslim prayer spaces for the start of the academic term 2026/27. As the spaces in the Sherfield Building have changed from predominately staff office spaces to student facing spaces, the occupancy of the building has increased and therefore we need to carry out additional works to meet Building Safety Standards. We take the safety of our students and staff seriously and won’t open the space until all necessary work has been completed. We anticipate that this will be at the beginning of 2027. In the meantime, the Imperial community can use the Chaplaincy at 14- 15 Prince’s Gardens. 

How will this work impact student spaces within the Sherfield Building? 

Student services and spaces across Levels 3, 5 and the student study space on the west side of Level 4 Sherfield Building can be used as normal.

Student and community garden behind 14 – 15 Prince’s Gardens and Weeks Hall

The student community garden will remain accessible to students after Imperial vacate 14 -15 Prince’s Garden through a dedicated entrance next to ‘Weeks Halls’. You’ll notice some changes as there will be fencing separating the student garden from 14 – 15 Prince’s Gardens outdoor space. The greenhouse and shed currently located in the garden space behind 14 – 15 will be moved to the plot behind Weeks Halls and fitted out with new lighting.

Key milestones and project timeline 

Construction work started on Level 4 Sherfield (east) at the end of May 2026. 
The new Chaplaincy and Islamic prayer spaces will open to all students in the beginning of 2027.

We have listed some FAQs below and will continue to update this page as the project progress.