£6 billion invested in Hammersmith & Fulham since 2017 after ‘groundbreaking’ initiative

Image: The White City Innovation District has created about 13,000 jobs; Photograph: Imperial College London

White City innovation district: a £6 billion transformation in west London

A groundbreaking £6 billion investment in high-growth business sectors has transformed a corner of Hammersmith & Fulham into a thriving hub for technology and life sciences, according to a newly released report.

At a recent event held at the WEST Youth Zone in the White City innovation district, Hammersmith & Fulham Council unveiled the next phase of its industrial strategy, Upstream London. This “pioneering” initiative aims to ensure that the borough’s economic growth benefits all residents inclusively.

The ambitious transformation began as an idea in a pub, where Hammersmith Council Leader Steve Cowan and Professor Andrew Jones, a fellow councillor, discussed how US models of collaboration between universities, businesses, and government could inspire local development. The duo’s vision gained momentum after persuading the then-president of Imperial College London to establish a new campus in the district.

The council adapted its planning policies to prioritise research and development facilities and provided affordable, flexible lab space to attract start-ups and scale-ups. The result, they say, is a vibrant ecosystem where academia, business, and local government collaborate closely over the long term.

Since 2017, the initiative has brought over 13,000 jobs to the area.

“We’re working hard to turn the borough into a global beacon of innovation and growth,” said Cllr Cowan.

Image: Cllr Steve Cowan; (Credit: Upstream London)

A focus on sustainability and technology

The White City innovation district has drawn inspiration from Kendall Square in Massachusetts and Silicon Valley in California. Its focus on green and climate technology, along with the digital sector, has created a unique environment for businesses and researchers.

Alex Perdrix Rosell, founder of biotech company Sixfold, said:

“The access to flexible lab space, proximity to Imperial College’s state-of-the-art facilities, and excellent transport links made it an easy choice.

“It’s truly special to contribute to the economic growth of the neighbouring area in a socially impactful way, ensuring the local community benefits from the development and opportunities being created.”

Major companies like L’Oréal have also established their headquarters in the area, cementing the district’s reputation as a premier innovation hub.

In a bid to strengthen ties with Hammersmith & Fulham’s residents, Imperial College and local businesses have built connections with 20 primary schools and 10 secondary schools. This collaboration has been formalised through the Upstream Pathway Bond, a guarantee ensuring businesses provide clear pathways for local residents to gain new skills and job opportunities.

Image: The Upstream Pathway Bond will work with local businesses and communities; (Credit: Imperial College London)

Local authorities’ potential role in growth has been “crystallised” through H&F’s experience

Baroness Taylor, who was at the recent WEST Youth Zone event, said:

“It is great to see pioneering innovation in local government helping to generate economic growth.

“In the latest phase of their [H&F’s] local industrial strategy, Upstream London is an example of what local authorities with an entrepreneurial municipal spirit can do to generate a sustainable economic future for local residents.”

The council’s strategy aligns with the government’s emphasis on devolution and its national modern industrial strategy. Cllr Cowan added:

“The key role local authorities can play in supporting economic growth through an entrepreneurial municipal government culture has been crystallised through our experience.”