The Brentford Project, London Borough of Hounslow for Ballymore with Allford Hall Monaghan Morris, Howells, Maccreanor Lavington and Grant Associates

The Brentford Project, London Borough of Hounslow for Ballymore with Allford Hall Monaghan Morris, Howells, Maccreanor Lavington and Grant Associates

This major mixed-use waterfront development regenerates a 12-acre site in the heart of Brentford into a vibrant destination comprising homes, retail, restaurants, cafés and leisure opportunities. The masterplan aims to rejuvenate the High Street by linking the town centre to the waterfront and reinstating lost connections to the River Brent and inland waterways with a new street pattern echoing the historic working yards. Phase 1 completed in 2024 with Phase 2 completing in 2028.

Describe the context of this project and the point it has reached in its development. Who was there in this place before development, where have they gone, who is there now and who will be there in future? When is the project expected to be complete?

The site is bounded by Brentford High Street to the north and the River Brent to the south and is adjacent to key London landmarks such as Kew Gardens, Syon Park, and the River Thames. Existing buildings on the site predominantly faced away from the waterfront, with retail units opening onto the high street and social housing above. With low quality architecture and a lack of footfall for retail, the area was in much need of rejuvenation to bring it back to life as a destination in West London. The masterplan seeks to refresh the high street and refocus the wider development to face the water, creating a new natural landscape along the river which supports health and biodiversity while re-establishing a sense of place and creating value for the local community.

AHMM worked with Howells, Maccreanor Lavington and heritage specialists to understand the site’s heritage, defining massing and improvement of views. This approach restores the site’s heritage, retaining buildings of historical value, and reintroduces wharf and shed style buildings with steel frame buildings, simple grids, and an industrial brick aesthetic.

Phase 1 completed in 2024 with Lewis House (AHMM), an anchor building for the new Town Square with existing warehouses and historic lanes restored, Hollandbury House (Howells) which responds directly to the bend in the river addressing Workhouse Dock to the east as a key piece of public realm and Calville House (Maccreanor Lavington) featuring large brick arches that give the ground-level commercial spaces an industrial feel.

How are you seeking to foster community, welcome visitors and attract tenants? How are you responding to changing demographics, behaviour, market context, policy, transport habits and the climate crisis since winning planning?

Part of the project’s concept is to act as a catalyst that will revitalise the wider area - helping to breathe new life into the adjacent high street and add richness to local community life.

Ballymore undertook extensive research on Brentford’s demographic to ensure the future place will cater for the true demographic of the area across age, cultural and socio-economic diversity. Through this meticulous planning and execution, the project introduces a plethora of enhancements aimed at improving the overall quality of life for residents and visitors alike.

Phase One has been very successful with new residents living in brilliantly designed homes surrounded by shops, restaurants, an Everyman Cinema, green spaces and a luxurious outdoor swimming pool – a feature one resident described as makes her feel as if she is “permanently on holiday”. 

Homes here are attracting a multitude of buyers from downsizers to young professionals, resulting in a dynamic and bustling new community which is already thriving. The mix of restaurants, shops and cinema is making this one of London’s most exciting new destinations to visit. Resident feedback has been positive with one saying the amenities help her feel like “part of a community”, adding: “to be part of something that is new but has more development to come, makes me really happy. I am surrounded by really good people.”

Pedestrians are prioritised throughout the development with dedicated lanes opening up to yards to create a cohesive and connected neighbourhood.

Please explain the governance of the project, such as its viability, purpose, motivation and any consultation and community engagement undertaken. 

Where others may have delivered high-rise buildings (given the size and scale of the site), Ballymore opted for 11 high-density, low-rise buildings interspersed with generous public space that puts pedestrians first. As such, the neighbourhood is zoned into a series of distinct yet connected pockets, including a revitalised high street, pedestrianised yards and the waterfront.

Since inception, community engagement has sat at the very heart of The Brentford Project and remains a top priority as it moves into its final phase. Initiatives such as regular meetings with local community groups such as Brentford Liaison Group and Brentford Voice, as well as Ballymore’s proactive delivery of many community interest events, have engaged thousands of people from Brentford and wider west London and ensured that The Brentford Project stays true to its original vision and purpose over its full lifecycle.

One of its standout features is its retail and commercial strategy, which champions independents and local start-ups. Guided by local needs, it is designed to contribute to the economic vitality of west London and beyond, with notable examples including the involvement of west London businesses like Sam’s Waterside and Sam’s Larder, along with a permanent space for Duke of London following support of the brand since the project’s beginning with a meanwhile accommodation during the early stages of the development.

The project is now home to a larger community than before, fostering talent and supporting creative businesses alongside creating new areas of communal green space for users to relax and enjoy.