East-West link: connecting White City and North Kensington

Imperial has secured planning approval for its plans for the East West Link

In June 2025, London Borough of Hammersmith & Fulham and the Royal Borough of Kensington and Chelsea both approved Imperial’s plans to create a new East West Link connecting White City and North Kensington. Imperial is now progressing its plans for the link and aims to commence construction in late 2025. 

About the East-West Link

The new East-West Link would create a publicly accessible pedestrian and cycle connection between White City and North Kensington, which will open up a direct route linking the two communities together and improve access through better walking and cycling links.

Our proposals will deliver:

• A key piece of public infrastructure linking communities in White City and North Kensington
• Improved access to local facilities, amenities and public spaces
• A well-lit, secure and maintained route with clear lines of sight
• An opportunity for new public art that will create a vibrant, welcoming space
• An attractive design with planting around both entrances

Location

An East-West connection beneath the railway line between the London Borough of Hammersmith and Fulham (LBHF) and the Royal Borough of Kensington and Chelsea (RBKC) formed part of the Greater London Authority’s ‘White City Opportunity Area Planning Framework’ (OAPF) in 2013.

This document described an East-West link as ‘essential to link communities from the east in RBKC with the White City development area and transport connections.’

Imperial are now looking to 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 communities in White City and North Kensington, improving access through better walking and cycling links.

A new direct route for pedestrians and cyclists

Currently 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, which adds significant time to an average journey. The proposed link will open up a new direct route between White City and North Kensington, linking the two communities together.

Attractive design and landscaping

Imperial has worked with internationally renowned landscape architects West 8 to design the East-West Link.

To improve visibility and ensure the link integrates with its surroundings, the entrances will feature rounded corners with planting around both entrances to create a natural visual appeal.

A varied selection of plants will be chosen, expressing a range of colours and adding to the dynamism and inviting nature of the new link.

The link also offers the opportunity to integrate public art which will enliven the space and create an inviting connection between White City and North Kensington.

Opportunity for Public Art

We are keen to draw inspiration from local communities for our public art, as well as reflecting the innovative and scientific focus of Imperial. We want to enrich this pedestrian route and encourage people to feel welcome.

As we develop ideas for public art, 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.

What's coming up

If you have any questions, please email Sehj Kaur (skaur@conciliocomms.com) or phone us on 0800 193 0884