One Portal Way
An update from Imperial College London – May 2025
The entrance to the proposed meanwhile building from Wales Farm Road
Planning approval was granted in 2023 for our masterplan for One Portal Way, following extensive public consultation. On completion the proposals will create a new heart for North Acton – providing over 1,300 homes, green public spaces, workspace and shops on a brownfield site. Imperial is a long-term investor in North Acton, having already delivered new developments at 140 Wales Farm Road and the Woodward Buildings, and approval for this central site is an exciting milestone for the regeneration of the area.
You can view the consented application by visiting the OPDC’s planning register here, and searching for the reference number 21/0181/OUTOPDC. A direct link to the application is here.
A reminder of our proposals
We would like to bring in a ‘meanwhile’ use to activate the site while the permanent development is built.
What’s next?
Our approved development will be built in phases, and construction on the later phases will not begin for a number of years.
In the meantime, we plan to repurpose parts of the existing buildings on site to house science and technology start-ups, while the first phase is built around them. After the departure of Currys PLC, this will ensure the site continues to provide jobs and drive investment in the area.
Site map
The new public café within the proposed pavilion
A new science and tech hub for North Acton
We propose to refurbish the eastern portion of the existing Currys PLC building to provide:
C.5,000m2 of laboratory and office space, operated by Sciopolis, who provide spaces and support for growing companies in science and technology
A new single-storey pavilion adjoining the existing building, to provide a more welcoming entrance
Event spaces and an outdoor terrace, along with a new café within the pavilion accessible to the public
An open and attractive frontage, including plants and greenery, replacing part of the existing private car park and some of the railings at the front
We are applying for the facility to be operational for a temporary period. It will not prohibit construction works on the first phase of the One Portal Way masterplan. It will be similar to our other innovation facilities in White City and focused on providing flexible workspace to growing businesses and helping them scale up.
How can I find out more and comment?
We will shortly be submitting a planning application to the Old Oak and Park Royal Development Corporation (OPDC), who will decide whether the plans are granted approval.
You can contact us using the email address below if you have any questions or comments. When the application is live, we will post details of how to view it here. We can also provide guidance on how to submit your comments, if needed.