Hammersmith and Fulham, traditionally viewed as one of London's more tranquil boroughs, is poised for a dramatic shift in its identity. A series of major development projects are set to fundamentally reshape the area, with 2026 marking a pivotal year as several high-profile sites open their doors to the public.
A Wave of New Openings in 2026
The coming year will see significant progress on long-awaited schemes that promise to elevate the borough's status as a premier destination for culture, entertainment, and living. From a new civic heart to the revival of iconic venues, the landscape of West London is changing rapidly.
Civic Campus: A New Quarter for the Community
After facing delays, including a serious accident in 2022 that injured two builders, the ambitious Civic Campus on King Street is finally nearing completion. An internal timeline indicates it will open to the public in March 2026.
This complex, approved back in 2019, is described by Hammersmith and Fulham Council as "one of Britain's most exciting new arts, cultural, business, government and community quarters." It will feature a mix of restaurants, rooftop bars, office space, a cinema, and new homes, alongside a refurbished town hall.
A council spokesperson highlighted that the development is environmentally positive, featuring solar panels and ground source heat pumps. They confirmed that residents have already started moving into the new homes, with more than 50 per cent classified as genuinely affordable. Council staff will begin working from the new campus early in the new year as final preparations are made.
The Olympia's Grand Revival
Meanwhile, the historic Olympia exhibition centre in West Kensington is undergoing a monumental redevelopment. Also approved in 2019, the project will eventually include a 4,000-capacity music arena, a 1,575-seat theatre, plus bars, restaurants, workspace, and hotels.
While a private school opened on the site in September 2025, 2026 is when the entertainment offerings will spring to life. A key venue set to open is the British Airways ARC, promoted as a space "brimming with world-class music, comedy and live entertainment." The site, once host to legends like Jimi Hendrix and Pink Floyd, is being transformed by owners Yoo Capital and Deutsche Finance International.
Shepherd's Bush Market and The Long-Term Vision
Further change is on the horizon for the cherished Shepherd's Bush Market. Plans approved in late 2023 include new stalls, 40 council homes on the Old Laundry Yard, and a nine-storey commercial building. The applicant, Yoo Capital, intends to begin construction in early to mid-2026.
Looking further ahead, the recently approved Earl's Court development will be one of the borough's most significant projects over the next two decades. The Hammersmith and Fulham portion of the 40-acre-plus site will deliver roughly 2,500 homes, alongside workspace and cultural venues. While the entire scheme will not be finished until the early 2040s, 2026 will be a year to watch for initial progress on this colossal undertaking.
Together, these projects signal that Hammersmith and Fulham is shedding its quiet reputation and stepping firmly into the spotlight as a major centre for London life, leisure, and investment.
