Construction starts on Imperial’s new student hall of residence

A visualisation of the site

Imperial is building a new hall of residence for first year students in North Acton.

The new hall is located on Wales Farm Road, close to Woodward Buildings, and will provide rooms for 700 students.

First announced in February 2017, construction has now started on the new hall, which is due to be completed by July 2020 [visualisation below]. Facilities will include a dedicated common room and outdoor space. The hall will have residential services staff, 24/7 concierge cover and a wardening support system in place, as well as an onsite security office.

The rooms will be allocated as part of Imperial’s guarantee to offer accommodation to all eligible first year undergraduate students. Rent for first year accommodation as a whole is set so that it covers the College’s maintenance, capital and running costs for accommodation – the College does not generate a surplus. The students’ union is involved in setting rent levels for the different halls.

Professor Simone Buitendijk, Imperial’s Vice-Provost (Education), said : “We have a well-established student presence in North Acton. Our students who have lived at Woodward Buildings since it opened in 2015 have enjoyed their time there, and now we will be able to offer this experience to more of our students.”

Housing provision

Alongside the student accommodation, Imperial is also building a block of residential flats, with a mix of studio and 1-2 bedrooms. All of the flats will be rented, and 35% will be offered at the London Living Rent to keyworkers including Imperial staff. The flats are due to be completed by September 2020.