Experts from West London’s academic, business and public sectors gathered at White City Campus for a roundtable exploring the area's economic growth.

Hosted by Imperial at the White City Deep Tech Campus, in partnership with West London Alliance (WLA), the roundtable examined research into polycentrism in London and the implications for West London’s economic growth. Traditionally, London has had two dominant business districts in the City of London and the West End. Polycentrism refers to the emerging economic hubs in areas outside of London’s centre, as part of a broader trend towards decentralised urban growth. 

Early research indicates that this has had a positive impact on town centres outside of central London, and attendees considered the opportunities and challenges that this developing economic model poses.

John Anderson, Imperial’s Chief Investment Officer, opened the event and pointed to White City Innovation District as an example of this economic diversification. Since the publication of Hammersmith & Fulham Council’s Industrial Strategy in 2017, which led to the formation of the District, the borough has attracted £6billion of growth investment. 

Chaired by Councillor Peter Mason, Leader of Ealing Council, the roundtable also included contributions from Councillor Stephen Cowan, Leader of Hammersmith & Fulham Council, Stuart Bridgett, Finance Policy Manager at London Councils and Antonia Jennings, CEO of the Centre for London. The Centre for London are currently examining the opportunities of polycentrism in West London, and insights from the roundtable will help to shape this research, which is being supported by Imperial, Ealing Council and WLA.

Imperial WestTech Corridor - a world-leading innovation hub

New economic opportunities are emerging in West London – the Imperial WestTech Corridor is anchored by Imperial’s unique innovation assets across South Kensington, Paddington Life Sciences, White City Innovation District, Old Oak and Park Royal, and Silwood Park. The WestTech Corridor will be a vibrant new ecosystem of globally competitive scale that is a powerful engine for investment, inclusive economic growth, and local and national job creation.

West London has all the characteristics needed to deliver a globally competitive innovation ecosystem. These include exceptional anchor research institutions, a diverse and productive population, access to investment capital, high-quality existing and planned infrastructure including major transport links, and a political environment that supports planned urban development and inclusive growth. 

West London Alliance (WLA) is a partnership of seven West London boroughs, committed to delivering public value and connecting communities in this globally-connected, diverse region. Through collaboration, the WLA aims to build a more inclusive, more productive, more resilient, and more influential future for West London.