In the academic year 2027–8, King’s will open the doors of the newly redeveloped South West Wing of Bush House, a project that builds on our legacy of evolving to meet the demands of a changing world. When complete, the building will be a lively, inclusive hub where learning, research, support and wellbeing sit side by side. Designed around how the King’s community really studies, works and connects today, it responds to one of the Strand Campus’ most pressing challenges: space.  

The South West Wing will help meet the demand of increasing student numbers, but the ambition goes well beyond adding square metres.

The redevelopment will include:

• A new Student Services Centre, removing the need to travel across different campuses to access support.
• A home for King’s Edge, our flagship programme of extracurricular activities designed to help every student make the most of their time at King’s and step confidently into fulfilling careers.
• A unique Agora – a multi-use space where students, staff, alumni and the wider world can come together to exchange big ideas and share learning.
• Much-needed social areas for students to meet, relax and build a sense of community – this will be the largest single student space across King’s campuses.
• Academic space for 200 staff from across a range of specialisms, encouraging collaboration across disciplines on vital new challenges in digital and AI research.
• A showcase space, celebrating the achievements of our students and staff through exhibitions, talks and events. 

By retrofitting an existing building, we are consolidating our Strand Campus and creating much-needed space in an already dense part of London, while also reducing the carbon impact that comes with demolition and new construction. When it opens, the South West Wing will be the largest certified sustainable refurbishment across the capital’s universities.  

And crucially, as a space for students, the building is being designed with their needs in mind. We’re seeking input from our student body on how to set up and use the spaces, with the ideas gathered helping inform what the building will look like and how it will function.  

Fatima Hire, Vice President for Welfare and Community at King’s College London Student Union, said: ‘The student spaces being created are much needed and will be welcomed. They will give students a strong sense of validation, knowing that student space sits at the heart of the South West Wing. Our first-year students will benefit from the new building immediately, but even those who have left can return as alumni and feel proud.’