Saying Yes to Talent, Chairs and Sustainable Stories

September was a month of movement across campuses, communities and conversations. Our Oyster cards and Lime bikes got a workout.

From immersive college labs to mustard chairs and air ducts in listed buildings, we saw how small actions and shared values can unlock real momentum. And in Old Oak, the story is gaining speed.

Building Talent Pipelines: College Visits

We began the month at North Hertfordshire College, thanks to our partners at CK Group. From GMP-ready labs and VR sets to reconstructed hospital wards, the facilities were a powerful reminder of how education and industry can co-create the skills our economy needs.

Later, we visited West London College’s Ealing campus, hosted by Daljit Singh Bains and Julie Claridge. Specialist labs and immersive rooms showcased the depth of local talent being developed.

These visits are part of our commitment to connect enterprise with education, building future tenant pipelines at One Portal Way while giving students a glimpse of science in action right in their community. We feel very strongly about our duty and opportunity to make an impact on this.

Gamification with Purpose: Imperial’s Digital Media Lab

We also visited the Digital Media Lab at Imperial College London, where digital media, VR games and immersive STEM experiences are designed to inspire the next generation.

What stood out most was the team’s grounded approach. Technology was treated as a tool, not a trend. Huge thanks to Daniel Mitelpunkt and Robyn Lowe for the tour. Plenty of inspiration as we shape our own digital space at One Portal Way, and hopefully we will work with this talented team in the near future.

Circular Economy in Acton: A Chair Exchange

At 8am, Panji Kaonga from Fabulr Studios collected surplus mustard chairs from One Portal Way, North Acton (AKA Old Oak). By 9am, they were already in use at Scale Space, part of the White City Innovation District.

A small but powerful example of circular economy thinking and a reminder of how close we are to our friends at White City. These everyday exchanges build bridges between hubs, between people and across WestTech London’s growing innovation community.

Sustainability in Labs: Learning with I2SL

We joined the I2SL General Meeting and Summer Party, co-hosted by Pioneer Group and Oxford Properties, for a first look at the transformation of Victoria House in The Knowledge Quarter.

The standout feature was air handling units suspended on bridges, with visible ducts threading through Grade II listed architecture. A striking blend of heritage and modern lab design.

Sensibly Sustainable #1: Reuse First

Our reuse-first approach is gaining traction. From sinks to chairs to whiteboards, we are re-homing and reusing as much as we can.

Given the success of our approach and the feedback we re getting, we’ve launched the first blog in our Sensibly Sustainable series

👉 Read #1: Reuse First here

Let us know what you think and share ideas we could pilot next!

LEAP Incubator Opens: Optimism in Action

LEAP, the new incubator at ARC in Hammersmith powered by Imperial Incubator, is now open. It’s an ode to optimism with inviting design, a roof terrace and access to world-class facilities.

A single bench at LEAP connects scientists to a mighty network, and with the LEAP Pass two lucky startups could get it for free, for a year! Apply now.

In just a few months, we’ll open our own hub at One Portal Way, with Imperial Incubator,  and we can’t wait to link tightly with this network of innovators.

Onsite On Tuesdays..

Strategy moves into execution at One Portal Way. We’re building a space that works hard for our future tenants and we’re thrilled by the interest we are getting. Want a tour? We’re usually onsite on Tuesdays, and have plenty of hard tops to share!

Just ask Charlie, Cat or Zara to show you around the building and the area.