Breadcrumb Home Communities Local area improvements Grand Union Canal Grand Union Canal The Grand Union Canal is one of Old Oak and Park Royal's greatest assets and a key part of the area's identity. As regeneration progresses, it will become an important focal point and one of the area's main public spaces, connecting new and existing communities. Today, the canal provides a unique mix of wildlife, heritage, green space and sustainable travel routes, as well as a place to walk, cycle and relax. Our vision Working with local communities and the Canal & River Trust, we're helping create a canal that is: More welcoming and accessible for everyone. Better connected to surrounding neighbourhoods. Rich in nature and biodiversity. Supportive of boaters and waterside communities. A place for local people, businesses and visitors to enjoy. Working with Canal and River Trust Canal and River Trust look after 2000 miles of waterways in the UK, and we’ve partnered with them on a number of initiatives to look after the section of the Grand Union Canal that passes through the OPDC area. Canal projects and initiatives Canal Biodiversity Volunteering Programme Bringing together local residents, businesses and community groups to take part in activities such as litter picks, planting, towpath maintenance and nature conservation. Harlesden Canalside A wider towpath, new seating, planting, an amphitheatre, improved boating facilities and better spaces for community groups, delivered in partnership with Brent Council. Old Oak Lane towpath access We brought new access to the towpath on Old Oak Common Lane and improvements to the public space around it. This included step free access to the towpath and improved greenery and planting. Related content Communities By listening to all of our local voices, we’re striving to ensure change is delivered collaboratively – with the people and organisations that already call this place home. Read more North Acton activation In the past few years, we have been working with Ealing Council, key stakeholders and the local community to make improvements to the area. Find out more. Read more Supporting local talent At OPDC we firmly believe that people make places. Therefore, delivering tangible long-term benefits for the communities and businesses (both existing and new) that OPDC serves will rightly be a key measure of success for our work in Old Oak and Park Royal. Read more Small Grants Scheme Our Small Grants Scheme is an opportunity for residents, businesses and voluntary groups who are active in their communities and passionate about local causes to improve the quality of life in their neighbourhoods. Read more
Communities By listening to all of our local voices, we’re striving to ensure change is delivered collaboratively – with the people and organisations that already call this place home. Read more
North Acton activation In the past few years, we have been working with Ealing Council, key stakeholders and the local community to make improvements to the area. Find out more. Read more
Supporting local talent At OPDC we firmly believe that people make places. Therefore, delivering tangible long-term benefits for the communities and businesses (both existing and new) that OPDC serves will rightly be a key measure of success for our work in Old Oak and Park Royal. Read more
Small Grants Scheme Our Small Grants Scheme is an opportunity for residents, businesses and voluntary groups who are active in their communities and passionate about local causes to improve the quality of life in their neighbourhoods. Read more