Latest on Imperial's plans for the East-West link
In 2025, Imperial received resolution to grant planning approval from the Hammersmith & Fulham Council and the Royal Borough of Kensington & Chelsea on the plans to create a new East-West Link connecting White City and North Kensington. Since then, Imperial has been working with relevant parters to progress its plans.
This is a complex project which involves the creation of an underpass beneath an operational train line, as such it requires engagement and agreement from multiple organisations. Imperial is working with all relevant parties to finalise the necessary property and legal agreements required to enable its construction and long-term operation. Our programme currently assumes construction will start in mid-2026.
About the East-West Link
The East-West Link will create a publicly accessible pedestrian and cycle connection between White City and North Kensington which will open a direct route linking the two communities together and improve access through better walking and cycling links.
The East-West Link will deliver:
- A key piece of public infrastructure that connects the communities in White City and North Kensington
- Improved access to local facilities, amenities and public spaces
- A well-lit, secure and well-maintained route with clear lines of sight from both sides
- An attractive design with planting around both entrances
- An opportunity for new public art that will create a vibrant, welcoming space
Location
Background
This East-West connection between the London Borough of Hammersmith & Fulham (LBHF) and the Royal Borough of Kensington & Chelsea (RBKC) formed part of the Greater London Authority’s ‘White City Opportunity Area Planning Framework’ (OAPF) in 2013.
This document described the connection as ‘essential to link communities from the east in RBKC with the White City development area and transport connections.’
Imperial will deliver on this long-standing commitment associated with White City Campus through the creation of the East- West Link. This will unlock a critical connection between White City and North Kensington, improving access through better walking and cycling links for the whole area.
A new direct route for pedestrians and cyclists
Currently, the railway line separates White City and North Kensington, and there is no convenient pedestrian or cycle access between the two communities.
The closest points across the West London Railway Line are 10 minutes north on Latimer Road, and 15 minutes south at Shepherd’s Bush. The proposed link will create a new direct route between White City and North Kensington, linking the two communities together.
Attractive design and landscaping
Imperial has worked with West 8, the internationally renowned landscape architects, to design the East-West Link and ensure it integrates with and enhances its surroundings.
The entrances to the link will feature rounded corners with planting to create a natural visual appeal. A varied selection of plants will be chosen, in a range of colours to add to the inviting nature of the new link.
Opportunity for Public Art
The link also offers the opportunity to integrate public art to enliven the space and create an inviting route. The aim is for art to enrich this pedestrian route and encourage people to feel welcome.
Drawing on its purpose as a connection between White City and North Kensington, we are keen for the public artwork to be inspired by local communities and the innovative, scientific focus of Imperial.
As ideas for public art are developed, we would like to incorporate the views and voices of local people, enabling the artists we work with to reflect the interests of our diverse neighbouring communities in their proposals.
Any questions?
If you have any questions about the East-West Link, please email: whitecitydevelopment@imperial.ac.uk