Plan to create canalside community in north-west London
THE Old Oak and Park Royal Development Corporation (OPDC), working in partnership with the London Borough of Brent and the Canal & River Trust, is planning improvements to the Grand Union Canal between Acton Lane and Steele Road.
Proposals are being created in close collaboration with local residents and will include outdoor ‘pop-up’ recreational, work and leisure facilities, as well as new public space to bring life to the canal and support for a wide range of business and community activities.
Ideas for future use include a workshop for boaters, a canoe club base, a community hub and outdoor cafe or market space.
OPDC has appointed specialist community and commercial space operator, 3Space, and architects, We Made That, to work with local people to scope and design the project which is part of a £1.2 million community investment, funded by the Mayor’s Good Growth Fund to bring forward a range of improvements to public spaces on the canal.
CRT’s London & South East regional director Ros Daniels said: “As people are looking more and more to green space to support their well-being, the value of London’s canals as places to relax and enjoy, and also as vibrant destinations, is to be celebrated.
“We know that people who spend time by the canal are healthier and happier and we are excited to see how this canalside space will develop and come to life through the ideas of people who visit, live or work in Harlesden and Park Royal.”
OPDC’s chief executive, David Lunts said: “Covid-19 has shown us that public outdoor space in London is more precious than ever and our plans will enable people from Harlesden and beyond to enjoy the benefits of the canal.
“The idea for regenerating Harlesden Canalside came from the local community and we are now reaching out to local groups, residents, businesses and boaters to decide exactly how this space should take shape.”
What is OPDC?
OPDC is a Mayoral Development Corporation established to oversee one of the largest Opportunity Areas, catalysed by HS2 and the Elizabeth Line. The regeneration of Old Oak, Park Royal and surrounding areas has the potential to deliver 25,500 new homes and 65,000 jobs over the next 30 years.
OPDC’s Canal Placemaking Study sets out a vision for the protection and enhancement of the Grand Union Canal in Old Oak and Park Royal. It was developed in partnership with the Canal & River Trust and the local community.
Harlesden Canalside is part of a suite of OPDC’s In the Making
Due to Covid-19, OPDC has paused face-to-face engagement events and will be consulting on this project remotely until it’s safe to do otherwise.
More information will be available soon and representatives from 3Space will be reaching out to community projects funded through a £1.2 million grant from the Mayor of London’s Good Growth Fund aiming to deliver key elements of OPDC’s vision for the canal set out in the Canal Placemaking Study.
In addition, the following projects will be delivered with the funding:
a) rebuilding a DDA-compliant towpath access ramp and adjacent public realm at Old Oak Lane;
b) delivering wayfinding and interpretation along the canal in Old Oak and Park Royal;
c) delivering biodiversity and wildlife improvement along the offside of the canal in Old Oak and Park Royal. groups in due course to begin consultation. In the meantime, anyone who is a resident or represents a local business or community organisation and would like to be involved can contact OPDC by emailing info@opdc. london.gov.uk