Imperial College
Advance Group
The refurbishment of the catering facilities at Imperial College London’s 170 Queen’s Gate demonstrates how heritage buildings can be successfully adapted to meet modern operational and sustainability standards. Located within a Grade II listed Victorian townhouse in South Kensington, the project involved the complete transformation of a kitchen that had remained largely unchanged for more than 25 years. Serving a prestigious venue used for conferences, executive education and high-level hospitality, the new facility needed to respect the building’s historic character while delivering the performance, efficiency and reliability expected of a modern commercial kitchen.
At the heart of the project was a commitment to decarbonisation. Advance Group replaced the existing gas-based operation with a fully electric kitchen centred around a bespoke induction cooking suite, supported by advanced cooking technology, energy-efficient refrigeration and a new cold room installation. The redesign also introduced a more logical workflow, improved hygiene standards through seamless fabricated workstations and enhanced dishwashing and service operations, creating a kitchen capable of supporting a diverse hospitality offer within a challenging footprint.
Delivering the project within a listed basement environment presented significant technical and logistical challenges. Restricted access meant major equipment and fabrication had to be delivered in sections and assembled on site, while complex extraction systems, fire-rated ductwork and service routes required careful coordination within limited ceiling voids. Working around an operational university campus and strict installation windows, Advance Group combined detailed planning, specialist engineering expertise and close stakeholder collaboration to complete the transformation successfully. The result is a future-ready facility that supports Imperial College’s sustainability ambitions while preserving the integrity of one of its most distinctive historic buildings.
:::
