The transformation of White City Living reached a significant milestone this week, as Solaris Two, rising to 32 floors, the tallest building in the Westmont Phase, officially topped out. The ceremony marks the completion of the structural frame for a major new residential block at the heart of St James’ landmark regeneration development in West London.
In total, the Westmont Phase includes 528 properties – 343 private homes and 185 key worker homes.
Once complete, Solaris Two will comprises 136 new homes, including a significant provision of dedicated key worker homes for staff at Imperial College London, a world-leading university for science, technology, engineering, medicine and business (STEMB), and Imperial College Healthcare NHS Trust.
Alongside its residential offering, the scheme will also deliver over 10,000 sq ft of ground floor commercial space, this is to further energise the evolving neighbourhood and enhance the amenity offering for residents and the wider community by welcoming new F&B, wellness, fitness and hospitality occupiers. The new commercial spaces are located on Imperial Way, a new pedestrianised boulevard which links White City Living and Imperial’s White City Campus.
Neil Ramsdale, Managing Director, St James, said: “Topping out at Solaris Two is a major achievement for everyone involved in the delivery of this ambitious and socially significant project.
“The Westmont Phase boasts a prime location at the front of the development, rising to 32 stories high – with its orientation and architectural design skilfully executed to maximise natural light during the day, alongside breathtaking sunset views across West London’s skyline.”
Of the 528 homes, 185 are being delivered for key workers as a fundamental part of the Westmont vision, supporting housing affordability for essential academic, research, and professional staff and reinforcing White City’s identity as an innovation district.
The key worker homes, part of the Westmont project, are being delivered in close collaboration with Imperial, as part of a shared mission to create inclusive, well-connected urban neighbourhoods that support both economic growth and community cohesion.
John Anderson, Chief Investment Officer, Imperial, comments: “We’re delighted that our long standing relationship with fellow White City pioneers St James is now nearing fruition. Westmont provides a critical boost of residential accommodation in the White City Innovation District at a time when the need has never been greater. The scheme will materially increase Imperial’s own capacity to ensure access to genuinely affordable accommodation for our essential staff community in this exceptional location.”
Construction remains on schedule for completion in 2027, with the first residents expected to move in shortly thereafter.
This latest phase is part of the wider White City Living masterplan, where St James are transforming the 11-acre former industrial site into a thriving and well-connected neighbourhood.
Once complete, it will deliver over 2,500 private and affordable homes, alongside eight acres of public open space, including biodiverse parkland, public squares and waterways. A new five-acre park sits at the heart of White City Living, bordered by a series of restored railway arches which have been brought to life as new cafés, restaurants and shops.
Berkeley Group specialises in brownfield regeneration, working closely with local communities and councils to revive underused land and create good green homes where they are needed most.
The company is the only major UK homebuilder to focus on brownfield land, as it transforms 32 of the country’s most challenging large scale sites.
Find out more about Berkeley’s approach to brownfield regeneration.