The outline redevelopment proposals for the former GlaxoSmithKline site at Greenford Green were voted through unanimously by members of Ealing Council's Planning Committee on 23rd April 2014, following recommendations for approval from officers.

All of the key disciplinary teams at Iceni Projects – planning, engagement, transport and sustainability – have worked closely with Ealing Council and the local community since 2011 to bring forward the scheme. Subject to the completion of s106 negotiations and referral to the Greater London Authority, the applications for this key Brownfield site will provide for 593 new homes and a canal side leisure hub including a cinema, food store, restaurants and cafes. The proposals would also preserve the Grade II listed Glaxo House and include new public space, opening up the site for the first time in decades.

The applications focused on a mixed use scheme for the southern part of the site, which has been largely empty since GSK moved out in 2009. The northern site is currently occupied by higher education college GSM London who moved onto the site in 2012 following a successful change of use application from the Iceni team.

Supporting the application at committee, local politicians praised the way the project has been approached. Ward member for Greenford Green, Cllr Will Brooks, emphasised his support for the scheme, highlighted the “unprecedented” lack of objections for such a major scheme and complimented the project team for “engaging well with the community and councillors”. His colleague Cllr Jason Stacey, a former leader of the council, echoed the comments, stating that the “level of interaction had been high” throughout the project. Several members of the committee also praised the quality of the scheme and the fact that it was mixed use, bringing in new jobs, leisure, and community space in addition to new homes.

Nick Cooper, Community Planning Director at Iceni Projects who has led the Engagement process for the project since 2011, said:

“The main focus of this project has been to bring the local community and their representatives into the process from the start. We have spent a huge amount of time in Greenford with residents, businesses, community groups and others explaining he proposals and taking on board comments. We have also been very clear about what the project can and can’t deliver and the community has responded well to this.”

David Churchill, the Director at Iceni Projects who has led the planning work for the scheme, said:

“It has been a privilege to work alongside officers and our professional team to bring the proposals forward and gain the support of the Council. We are looking forward to continuing to progress the regeneration of the site through to delivery.”

Progress of the scheme can be followed at the project website: www.greenfordredevelopment.com

Local community press coverage here

Regional trade press coverage here

For any further details on the project going forward please contact Alun Hayes in the Iceni Projects Engagement Team.