An application by Imperial College to build a 618-room halls of residence at a former BBC site in Wood Lane has been submitted to Hammersmith and Fulham Council.
The bid marks the first phase of the university's ambition to transform the 7.7 acre site, which it bought from the corporation in September last year, into a new learning centre and public space.
The proposed plot for the accommodation would be at the south end of Shinfield Street, and would provide living space for junior doctors, lecturers and their families.
Also included in the application are proposals for a meeting room, which would be available to people living and working in the area.
The aim is to complete the initial stage of building by September 2012 so accommodation would be available to new postgraduate students joining the college in 2012-13.
The college, which trains 14,000 students and employs 6,000 staff, says the new campus would be a significant boon for the area, as well as providing its students with new research and learning space to support its expansion plans.
It says demand has increased to the point where it's existing campuses, including at Hammersmith Hospital, have become too congested.
Benefits would include public access to a proposed new green space, new pedestrian and cycle routes, new shops, restaurants, a hotel, and new jobs.
John Anderson, an Imperial College London director responsible for the plans, said: “This application represents the first stage in establishing a campus for Imperial College London on the Wood Lane site that is academically led, but which offers a range of uses that will benefit the local community and London.
"Subject to the postgraduate accommodation proposals receiving consent, the site will provide the college with exciting opportunities for future developments, including new facilities for academic centres of international excellence and for technology transfer activities.
“The new campus is located in the White City Opportunity Area and its development will help to build confidence in the long-term future of the area, in line with the strategy adopted by the London Borough of Hammersmith & Fulham and the Greater London Authority.”
