We submitted a S73 planning application to the London Borough of Hammersmith & Fulham in September 2025 for changes to the South Campus Masterplan. This planning application was made following engagement with Imperial staff and students, and the local community on the proposed changes.  

In January 2026, Hammersmith & Fulham Council are reconsulting with the local community. Comments and feedback on Imperial’s proposed changes to the White City South Campus masterplan can be made on the Hammersmith & Fulham Council website.

About the South Campus Masterplan 

Imperial was granted outline planning permission from the London Borough of Hammersmith & Fulham for the southern half of the Campus in 2021 ref. 2018/00267/OUT), located south of the Westway (A40). 

This approval granted permission to develop a range of uses, outline building plots, an approach to building design and sustainability, and supporting infrastructure such as transport and access routes. Proposals included new workspaces and labs for innovation and research, as well as new homes, a hotel, cafés and amenities, with a public square at its centre.

We are now looking to progress development on the southern half of the campus and have carefully considered the future needs of staff, students and businesses based at White City Campus, as well as those of visitors and the local community.   

In response to this, we have updated our masterplan in the area south of the Westway, these changes have been submitted in a ‘Section 73’ planning application to Hammersmith & Fulham Council which would vary the outline consent.

Proposed changes to the South Campus Masterplan 

  • An update to our energy strategy – to deliver an all-electric, low carbon energy network for the campus, which will support Imperial’s net zero commitments 
  • Improvements to the servicing strategy – a reduction in car parking provision and removal of an underground servicing road, and further prioritisation of pedestrians 
  • A change of use to establish a greater academic presence – enabling us to bring forward plans for a new academic building and offer more space and facilities for academics, researchers and students  

 

The White City Campus masterplan. This shows development zones located south of the Westway which were approved by London Borough of Hammersmith & Fulham in 2021. 

Updating the energy strategy  

As part of changes to this masterplan, we are looking to deliver an all-electric, low temperature, low carbon, ambient loop energy network in the area south of the Westway which will use heat pumps to distribute heating and cooling to our future buildings. The proposed energy network will not require the use of fossil fuels and will support Imperial’s Net Zero by 2040 commitment.

Improvements to the servicing strategy  

We wish to further limit the number of vehicles coming onto the campus by reducing car parking provision and removing impractical underground servicing routes which will help Imperial to lower the campus’ carbon footprint. Our masterplan includes a vehicle-free public realm, and changes to the masterplan will continue to give pedestrians priority throughout public spaces, minimising interactions between vehicles and campus users. 

Establishing a greater academic presence   

We did not initially envisage a significant academic presence on site when the masterplan was approved in 2021. The existing permission grants use for research facilities and offices in Development Zone 3 (shown on the map above).

In recognising the value and importance of White City as a location for academic excellence, we want to grow our presence here, including relocating more departments from our campus in South Kensington, and offering more space and facilities for staff and students to conduct research, learn, teach and study.

Imperial has requested a change to the outline planning permission to allow for academic uses in Development Zone 3, which will enable us to bring forward plans for an academic building, located at the arrival point from Wood Lane.   

Responses to Hammersmith & Fulham Council’s consultation can be made on their website.

 

Any questions? 

If you have any questions about changes to the South Campus Masterplan, please email: whitecitydevelopment@imperial.ac.uk