Imperial unveils revitalised green space at the heart of campus

Imperial has marked the completion of Dangoor Plaza and the rejuvenated Queen’s Lawn at South Kensington campus.

Stretching from the Sherfield Building and the Central Library to the Skempton and Chemistry Buildings, Dangoor Plaza creates an accessible and welcoming quadrangle around the Queen’s Lawn. 

It is wonderful to see our vision for Dangoor Plaza and the Queen’s Lawn come to life. Professor Neil Alford Associate Provost

The development was created to unify and enhance the popular area of campus, providing an inviting, comfortable green space for staff, students and visitors. It marks a step forward in the College’s 2018 South Kensington Masterplan, developed in consultation with hundreds of staff and students with the aim of improving the campus environment. 

The reinvigorated space includes new landscaping, creating more than 250 square metres of extra green space on campus. It will also provide a home for a new piece of iconic sculptural art by world-renowned artist Antony Gormley, which is due to be installed next year. 

Dangoor Plaza was funded by a gift from the Dangoor family and The Exilarch Foundation. 

Heart of our community 

Professor Neil Alford, Associate Provost (Academic Planning) led the South Kensington Masterplan project. He said: “It is wonderful to see our vision for Dangoor Plaza and the Queen’s Lawn come to life. This part of campus is at the heart of our community, that’s why we’ve been focused on making it the best it can be. I look forward to seeing staff, students and visitors enjoy the new space” 

Speaking at an event to open the new space, Imperial alumnus David Dangoor CBE reflected on his time at the College and noted his family's long connection with Imperial, which counts three generations of Imperial alumni among them.

David Dangoor CBE said: "This area has a special place in our heart, and to be associated in any way with this College and this space is a real privilege."

"The Plaza will be another step in the many connections we would like to have with this fantastic educational institution that is a beacon for this country and throughout the world."

The gift for Dangoor Plaza forms part of The Exilarch’s Foundation’s wider support with a far-reaching impact across the College. This includes funding an interdisciplinary cancer research centre in the Roderic Hill Building at the South Kensington Campus, and support for The Invention Rooms at the College’s White City Campus. 

Professor Alice Gast, President of Imperial College London, said: “The Dangoor family’s support to Imperial is making a profound difference to students, school children and cancer patients. I am deeply grateful to them for their generosity, which is having a lasting impact on the life and work of the College.