Imperial College plans new AI campus in White City

The new campus building brings together computer scientists and business experts

One of London's leading universities has set out its vision for a new academic building in west London specialising in artificial intelligence.

Imperial College has started a consultation on plans for the 12-storey facility, which would include a range of research and laboratory spaces plus public amenities such as cafés and exhibition areas.

The proposed building is part of Imperial's wider masterplan for its campus in White City.

It said the new building would "create a powerful engine for data science, AI and machine learning by bringing together computer scientists, mathematicians and business experts".

Outline planning permission for the site was granted by Hammersmith and Fulham Council in 2019, paving the way for a number of additional developments including research spaces, homes and a hotel.

The public consultation is to run until 26 October with a planning application expected to be submitted with Hammersmith and Fulham Council later this year.

The proposed new building will have laboratories and public areas such as cafés

If approved, the ground and first floors of the building would be open to users of the campus and the local community.

Construction is hoped to begin mid-2026 with completion in 2029.

Imperial is said to be one of the world's leading universities focused on science, technology, engineering, medicine and business.

It was founded in 1907 and its main campus is in South Kensington.