Royal College of Art Kensington Campus Renewal

Phased renewal of the Royal College of Art’s Kensington campus centres on the listed Darwin Building, with new teaching spaces and modernised studios and workshops.[1]

Current position

On 5 October the College announced full planning permission. It says phased works began in 2025 and are planned to finish in 2032.

Benefits

The plans improve access and public space and reinstate the historic entrance facing the Royal Albert Hall. The College estimates the project will cost about £90 million.

Latest developments

Heritage & Culture · 5 October 2026

RCA announces permission for Kensington campus renewal

The College has announced full planning permission for its phased campus renewal, including new teaching spaces and modernised studios and workshops. Works began in 2025, with completion planned for 2032. The College estimates the programme will cost about £90 million.

Sources

rca.ac.uk ↗
historicengland.org.uk ↗
gb.britishlistedbuildings.co.uk ↗