Eastside Update

Read about the plans for new student accommodation

Ground works for the new Eastside student accommodation began earlier this year following the successful demolition of the Linstead Hall student residential block, located to the east of Prince’s Gardens.

Piling, the process of driving steel and concrete columns into the ground to give support to the structure, began on 8 January and will conclude in early March. Two piling rigs are currently located on site and will provide the foundations required to start constructing the superstructure. Substructure works are to be completed during the summer and the building superstructure should be erected by the end of the year.

Occupation of Eastside is scheduled for October 2009 and will provide over 440 student bed places over nine levels. The design of Eastside has followed the principles adopted in the recently occupied Southside student accommodation.

As well as offering en suite facilities and communal spaces, Eastside will also house a restaurant/bar and a convenience store.

Eastside Facts

• Southside and Eastside were both designed by Kohn Pedersen Fox.
• Overall construction height will be two storeys less than Linstead Hall.
• Eastside will complete the Prince’s Gardens square development.
• English Heritage feels that the developments “will enhance the setting of the adjacent listed terraces and the character and appearance of the Knightsbridge conservation area.”

For updates on all the projects currently being undertaken at the College, visit:
www.imperial.ac.uk/buildingprojects/currentprojects.