On 14 January, a breaking ground event was held with senior colleagues from King’s College London (KCL), contractors (Keir) and external partners, as construction on the new Bush House South West Wing started in late 2025.
Speaking at the event, KCL Vice-Chancellor and President, Professor Shitij Kapur, said, “As we approach King’s 200 year anniversary, the redevelopment of Bush House South West Wing will create a new centre for students firmly at the heart of the campus, acting as an anchor for many generations to come.”
The South West Wing, which is set to open in September 2027, is a major development for student and staff space at KCL.
Plans for the site include a new student support centre, academic space for postgraduate research, a showcase space to celebrate student and staff achievements, and more flexible social and study areas aimed at building a “sense of connection and belonging.”
At the heart of the redeveloped building will be ‘The King’s Agora’, a 160-seat, multi-purpose space for teaching and events.
Senior Vice President, Professor Rachel Mills, described the transformation as representing a “fundamental shift in how we support our whole community at King’s.
“It’s about creating welcoming, adaptive spaces where our students and staff can come together and develop meaningful connections across our institution and create our future together.”
The South West Wing will also be fully electric, designed to meet sustainability standards, reduce carbon emissions and lower operating costs.
Baiyu Liu, President of King’s College London Student Union (KCLSU), said, “This wonderful new development puts King’s at the heart of London with students firmly at the centre.”
About the authors
