What are some of the prominent landmarks and facilities located in the White City district?

White City is home to several notable locations, including Television Centre, White City Place, Westfield London, and Loftus Road, which serves as the home stadium for Queens Park Rangers F.C.

What is the origin of the name "White City" for this London district?

The district earned its name from the white marble-like appearance of the fibrous plaster cladding used to construct buildings during various exhibitions held in the area between 1908 and 1914.

What was the land use in the area now known as White City prior to 1908?

Before 1908, the area that is now White City was characterized by level arable farmland.

Which major international exhibitions were held in White City between 1908 and 1914?

Between 1908 and 1914, White City hosted several major international exhibitions, including the Franco-British Exhibition (1908), the 1908 Summer Olympics, the Imperial International Exhibition (1909), the Japan–British Exhibition (1910), the Latin-British Exhibition (1912), and the Anglo-American Exposition (1914).

What event caused the Anglo-American Exposition of 1914 to end prematurely?

The Anglo-American Exposition of 1914 was brought to a premature end by the outbreak of the First World War.

Why was the area referred to as the "Great White City" during the exhibition period?

The area was known as the "Great White City" because the fibrous plaster used to construct the exhibition pavilions had the appearance of white marble, giving the area a distinctive look.

When was White City Stadium officially opened, by whom, and what was its seating capacity?

White City Stadium was officially opened by King Edward VII on April 27, 1908, and it had a seating capacity of 66,000.

What significant event in Olympic history is linked to White City Stadium, specifically regarding the marathon distance?

White City Stadium was the finishing line for the marathon race at the 1908 Summer Olympics. The marathon's distance of 42.195 km (26 miles 385 yards) from Windsor Castle to White City stadium was adopted as the standard marathon distance in 1921.

After its use for athletics, what other sports and activities took place at White City Stadium?

Following its use for athletics until 1914, White City Stadium was converted into a greyhound racing track in 1927. It also hosted Queens Park Rangers football club for short periods and was used for other sports.

What notable sporting event, besides athletics and greyhound racing, was hosted at White City Stadium in 1966?

In 1966, White City Stadium hosted the match between Uruguay and France during the FIFA World Cup.

Who staged the World's Championship Rodeo at White City Stadium in 1934, and who were some of the notable participants?

The American rodeo promoter Tex Austin staged the World's Championship Rodeo at White City Stadium in 1934. Notable participants included champion cowboys and cowgirls such as Pete Knight, Weldon Bascom, Clark Lund, Ted Elder, and Vera McGinnis.

What was the name of the motorcycle speedway team that used White City Stadium, and during which periods did they compete?

The White City Stadium was home to the White City Rebels motorcycle speedway team. They competed as part of the inaugural British League in 1929 and again from 1976 to 1978. Speedway meetings were also held intermittently from 1928 to 1983.

What led to the demolition of White City Stadium starting in late 1984?

White City Stadium was demolished starting in late 1984 to make way for the construction of the BBC White City building.

How are the athletes of the 1908 Summer Olympics commemorated in the White City area?

The athletes of the 1908 Summer Olympics are commemorated by a list inscribed on the side of the BBC Broadcast Centre Building, and the athletics finish line is marked in the paving outside the building.

When was the BBC Television Centre built in White City?

The BBC Television Centre was built in White City in 1960.

What incident occurred at the BBC White City building in 2001?

In 2001, the BBC White City building was damaged by a bombing incident carried out by the Real IRA, with the bomb detonating on Wood Lane in front of the Television Centre news building.

When did the BBC announce plans to sell Television Centre, and what was the reason?

In October 2007, the BBC announced plans to sell Television Centre as part of a cost-cutting programme.

What recommendation did English Heritage make regarding parts of Television Centre in 2008?

In June 2008, English Heritage recommended that parts of Television Centre be listed as a Grade II listed building.

Who purchased Television Centre from the BBC in 2012, and for how much?

In July 2012, the BBC sold Television Centre to a partnership comprising Stanhope plc, Mitsui Fudosan, and AIMCo for £200 million.

What original features were retained during the redevelopment of Television Centre?

During the redevelopment of Television Centre, original features such as the "doughnut" structure, the atomic dot wall, and the Helios statue were retained.

What types of facilities and amenities are offered by the redeveloped Television Centre?

The redeveloped Television Centre offers entertainment and leisure facilities, including a branch of the members' club Soho House, offices targeted at the creative sector, and approximately 1,000 new homes. It also provides pedestrian access connecting to the local area, including Hammersmith Park.

What is the ongoing redevelopment project in the White City area called, and what are its projected outcomes in terms of housing, commercial space, public space, and jobs?

The ongoing redevelopment project in the White City area is known as White City Place. It is projected to provide over 5,000 new homes, 2 million square feet of commercial office space, 30 acres of public space, and create 19,000 jobs.

What was the purpose of constructing the White City Estate?

The White City Estate was built to accommodate the growing population of Shepherd's Bush.

When was the White City Estate built, and how were its streets named?

The White City Estate, a five-storey housing development, was built in the late 1930s and after World War II. Its streets were named after countries that had been featured in the exhibitions held in the area.

What is the name of the Anglican church serving the White City Estate, and when was it established?

The Anglican church serving the White City Estate is St Michael and St George, established in 1955 on Commonwealth Avenue.

When did Westfield London officially open?

Westfield London opened on October 30, 2008.

What significant event related to terrorism was thwarted at Westfield London in July 2015?

In July 2015, terrorists attempted to bomb Westfield London, with the intention of timing the attack to coincide with the 10th anniversary of the 7 July 2005 London bombings, but they were stopped by the police.

What two new stations were built to serve the White City centre?

Two new stations were built to serve the White City centre: Wood Lane station and Shepherd's Bush station.

Which London Underground lines serve Wood Lane station, and what connection does it provide?

Wood Lane station serves the Circle line and the Hammersmith & City line, and it is located to provide a walking distance connection with the Central line station at White City.

Which railway line serves the Shepherd's Bush station near White City, and what operator runs trains on it?

The Shepherd's Bush station near White City is served by the West London line, operated by London Overground.

How does Shepherd's Bush station relate to the Central line's Shepherd's Bush tube station?

The Shepherd's Bush station on the West London line is situated to the east of the White City site, adjacent to the Holland Park roundabout, and is a short walking distance from the Shepherd's Bush tube station, which is served by the Central line.

Which educational institution purchased the BBC Woodlands site in White City, and when?

Imperial College London purchased the BBC Woodlands site for £28 million in 2009.

What facilities are included in the new Imperial College London campus in White City?

The new Imperial College London campus in White City includes an "innovation hub" with research facilities and commercialisation space, as well as postgraduate accommodation.

When did Imperial College London's chemistry department move to the Molecular Sciences Research Hub?

Imperial College London's chemistry department moved much of its research to the new Molecular Sciences Research Hub on the campus in 2018.

What are the Invention Rooms at Imperial College London?

The Invention Rooms are a college hackerspace and community outreach centre located on the Imperial College London campus in White City. A hackerspace is a community-operated workspace where people with common interests, often in computers, machining, science, digital art, or electronic art, can meet, socialize, and collaborate.

What are the names of two schools located in the White City area?

Two schools located in the White City area are Ark Burlington Danes Academy and Phoenix Academy.

What are some of the nearby districts or places to White City, London?

Some of the places located near White City include Wormwood Scrubs, Notting Hill, Kensal Green, Bayswater, Harlesden, North Kensington, Acton, West Kensington, and Shepherd's Bush.

What is listed as the nearest railway station to White City?

Shepherd's Bush is listed as the nearest railway station to White City.

Who is mentioned in the "People" section of the article?

Daisy Waugh is mentioned in the "People" section of the article.

How is the London area of White City referenced in the work of Pete Townshend?

Pete Townshend released a solo album in 1985 titled *White City: A Novel*, which included a story set in the London area of White City and a related film was also produced.

What role did the Dimco Buildings in White City play in the 1988 film *Who Framed Roger Rabbit*?

The Dimco Buildings, which are grade II listed and were refurbished as a bus depot, were used as the location for the 'Acme Factory' in the 1988 film *Who Framed Roger Rabbit*.

In which author's novels is Shepherd's Bush, including White City, a setting?

The Bill Slider Novels by Cynthia Harrod-Eagles are set in Shepherd's Bush, with the first title, *Orchestrated Death*, beginning with a body found in a White City flat.

Which film had parts shot in White City, specifically mentioning the BBC White City building, Wood Lane, and the Central Line?

Parts of the film *Nuns on the Run* were filmed in White City, utilizing locations such as the BBC White City building, Wood Lane, and the Central Line.

What related topic is listed in the "See also" section?

The "See also" section lists the "History of Shepherd's Bush."

What is depicted in the first image of the gallery?

The first image in the gallery depicts the BBC Television Centre.

What is the BBC Media Village located on the site of?

The BBC Media Village is located on the site of the Olympic Stadium.

What view is shown in the third gallery image of the BBC TV centre?

The third gallery image shows the BBC TV centre as seen from Shepherd's Bush Market tube station.

What is shown in the fourth gallery image?

The fourth gallery image shows White City tube station.

What does the fifth gallery image depict regarding White City Stadium?

The fifth gallery image depicts the White City Stadium in 1908.

White City London Wiki: White City: London's Nexus of Innovation and Transformation

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District Overview

Location & Identity

White City is a district situated in the northern part of Shepherd's Bush, within the London Borough of Hammersmith and Fulham. It lies approximately 5 miles west-northwest of Charing Cross. The district earned its distinctive name from the striking white marble-like cladding used on buildings during its initial development phase, which spanned from 1908 to 1914.

Key Landmarks

Today, White City is a significant urban area, notable for hosting major institutions and venues such as Television Centre, White City Place, the expansive Westfield London shopping centre, and Loftus Road, the home stadium of Queens Park Rangers F.C.

A History Forged by Exhibitions

The Great White City Era

The area, previously level arable farmland, was dramatically transformed starting in 1908. It became the site for a series of major international exhibitions, including the Franco-British Exhibition (1908), the Imperial International Exhibition (1909), and the Japan–British Exhibition (1910). These were followed by the Latin-British Exhibition (1912) and the Anglo-American Exposition (1914). The extensive use of fibrous plaster for the exhibition pavilions, giving them a white, marble-like appearance, led to the area being known as the "Great White City," a name that has endured.

1908: Franco-British Exhibition
1909: Imperial International Exhibition
1910: Japan–British Exhibition
1912: Latin-British Exhibition
1914: Anglo-American Exposition (prematurely ended by WWI)

Following these exhibitions, apartment blocks for lower-income residents were constructed in the 1930s, marking the beginning of the area's transition into a residential district.

Olympic Grandeur and Legacy

The 1908 Games and Beyond

The district's connection to international sport was cemented with the opening of White City Stadium by King Edward VII on April 27, 1908, for the 1908 Summer Olympics. This colossal stadium, also known as the Great Stadium, had a seating capacity of 66,000.

The stadium served as the finishing line for the marathon at the 1908 Olympics. The race's starting point at Windsor Castle established a distance of 42.195 km (26.219 miles), which was later adopted as the standard marathon distance worldwide. After the Olympics, the stadium continued to host athletics until 1914.

Stadium's Evolving Role

From Track to Demolition

In 1927, White City Stadium was repurposed as a greyhound racing track. It also served intermittent periods as the home ground for Queens Park Rangers football club. A 440-yard running track was installed in 1931, hosting the Amateur Athletic Association Championships from 1932 to 1970. The stadium also hosted a match during the 1966 FIFA World Cup between Uruguay and France. In 1934, it was the venue for the World's Championship Rodeo, attracting international competitors and media coverage.

Motorcycle Speedway: Hosted the White City Rebels team in the inaugural British League (1929) and again from 1976 to 1978. Speedway meetings also occurred in 1928, 1953-1958, 1961, and 1979-1983.
Demolition: The stadium began demolition in late 1984 to make way for the BBC White City building. The finish line of the 1908 Olympics is still marked in the paving outside the BBC building.

Media Hub: BBC Television Centre

A Broadcast Icon

The BBC Television Centre was constructed near the former stadium site in 1960. It experienced damage from the Real IRA in the 2001 BBC bombing. In 2007, the BBC announced plans to sell the centre as part of a cost-cutting initiative. English Heritage recommended listing parts of the building in 2008. The sale was completed in 2012 to a partnership that redeveloped it, retaining original features like the iconic "doughnut" and Helios statue.

The redeveloped Television Centre now offers entertainment and leisure facilities, including offices for the creative sector and residential spaces. BBC Studioworks returned to operate studios in 2017, and BBC Worldwide occupied office space after refurbishment.

Westfield London: Retail Powerhouse

A Modern Commercial Hub

Westfield London, a major shopping complex, opened in White City on October 30, 2008. In July 2015, an attempted terrorist bombing targeting Westfield London was thwarted by police, with the perpetrators aiming to coincide the attack with the 10th anniversary of the 7 July 2005 London bombings.

Connectivity and Transport

Key Stations

The district is well-served by public transport, with two stations built to provide convenient access to the area's attractions:

Wood Lane: Located on the Circle and Hammersmith & City lines, offering a connection to the Central line at White City station.
Shepherd's Bush: Situated on the West London line and served by London Overground trains. It is also a short walk from Shepherd's Bush tube station on the Central line.

Academic Advancement: Imperial College

Innovation Campus

Imperial College London acquired the former BBC Woodlands site in 2009, demolishing it the following year to establish a significant second campus. This development includes an "innovation hub" featuring research facilities and commercialization space, alongside postgraduate accommodation. The Molecular Sciences Research Hub opened in 2018, with further departments and industry partners joining the campus. The campus also hosts The Invention Rooms, a college hackerspace and community outreach centre.

Cultural Resonance

Art and Literature

White City and its surroundings have inspired various artistic and literary works:

Pete Townshend: The musician released a solo album titled White City: A Novel in 1985, accompanied by a story and film set in the area.
Film: The Dimco Buildings, a Grade II listed structure in White City, were used as the 'Acme Factory' in the 1988 film Who Framed Roger Rabbit. Parts of the film Nuns on the Run were also filmed in White City, utilizing the BBC White City building and Wood Lane.
Literature: The Bill Slider Novels by Cynthia Harrod-Eagles are set in Shepherd's Bush, with the first title beginning with a body found in a White City flat.

Local Context

Surrounding Areas

White City is situated near several other notable London districts and areas:

Wormwood Scrubs
Notting Hill
Kensal Green
Bayswater
Harlesden
North Kensington
Acton
West Kensington
Shepherd's Bush

Nearby Stations

The closest railway station serving the area is:

Shepherd's Bush railway station

Key Transport Hubs

Station Details

The district is directly served by the following stations:

White City tube station (Central line)
Wood Lane tube station (Circle and Hammersmith & City lines)

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References

A full list of references for this article are available at the White City, London Wikipedia page

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Important Notice

This page was generated by an Artificial Intelligence and is intended for informational and educational purposes only. The content is based on a snapshot of publicly available data from Wikipedia and may not be entirely accurate, complete, or up-to-date.

This is not professional advice. The information provided on this website is not a substitute for professional consultation regarding London's urban development, history, or transport infrastructure. Always refer to official sources and consult with qualified professionals for specific needs.

The creators of this page are not responsible for any errors or omissions, or for any actions taken based on the information provided herein.

White City: London's Nexus of Innovation and Transformation

💡 Dive in with Flashcard Learning! 💡

District Overview ℹ️

📍 Location & Identity

🏢 Key Landmarks

A History Forged by Exhibitions 📜

✨ The Great White City Era

Olympic Grandeur and Legacy 🏅

🏟️ The 1908 Games and Beyond

Stadium's Evolving Role 🏟️

🏇 From Track to Demolition

Media Hub: BBC Television Centre 📺

🎬 A Broadcast Icon

Westfield London: Retail Powerhouse 🛍️

🛒 A Modern Commercial Hub

Connectivity and Transport 🚇

🚉 Key Stations

Academic Advancement: Imperial College 🎓

🔬 Innovation Campus

Cultural Resonance 🎭

🎵 Art and Literature

Local Context 📍

🗺️ Surrounding Areas

🚉 Nearby Stations

Key Transport Hubs 🚉

🚇 Station Details

Teacher's Corner 🧑‍🏫

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References

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Disclaimer ⚠️

📜 Important Notice

Dive in with Flashcard Learning!

District Overview

Location & Identity

Key Landmarks

A History Forged by Exhibitions

The Great White City Era

Olympic Grandeur and Legacy

The 1908 Games and Beyond

Stadium's Evolving Role

From Track to Demolition

Media Hub: BBC Television Centre

A Broadcast Icon

Westfield London: Retail Powerhouse

A Modern Commercial Hub

Connectivity and Transport

Key Stations

Academic Advancement: Imperial College

Innovation Campus

Cultural Resonance

Art and Literature

Local Context

Surrounding Areas

Nearby Stations

Key Transport Hubs

Station Details

Teacher's Corner

True or False?

Test Your Knowledge!

Gamer's Corner

Discover other topics to study!

References

Feedback & Support

Disclaimer

Important Notice