Improvements to Willesden Junction Station and Grand Union Canal Start

Type:
Press release
Category:
Project updates
Area:
Willesden, Grand Union Canal

Construction starts today on the first two in a series of the Old Oak and Park Royal Development Corporation’s (OPDC) local improvement projects to make the spaces and places in Old Oak more welcoming, accessible and enjoyable for the community.

Supported by the Mayor of London’s Good Growth Fund, OPDC is making improvements to the public space in Willesden Junction Station and creating new and improved access to the Grand Union Canal at Old Oak Lane.

  • Willesden Junction Station: improving the public space in and around the station with new landscaping, planting, benches, community noticeboards, signage and public art.
  • Old Oak Lane towpath access: providing a new entrance and ramp with step-free access to the canal towpath for wheelchairs, pushchairs and bicycles, as well as planting and landscaping.

 

An illustration of a canal featuring a ramp down to the canal side

Both projects were extensively shaped by views from the local community to ensure the plans best meet the needs of residents, businesses and visitors through surveys, drop-in exhibitions, co-design and online events.

Construction starts from the end of March 2022 and is due to be complete in July 2022. Work will take place between 8am and 4pm, Monday to Friday.

During the work, access to Willesden Junction Station will remain open at all times. The Grand Union Canal can be accessed from Old Oak Lane at the entrance next to the Collective and the towpath will remain open at all times.

The public artwork at Willesden Junction Station will be produced by local artists, STATIC who have delivered public art across west London, including Willesden Green, Church End and Rayners Lane. They were chosen by a panel of local residents and will begin this summer, after undertaking public engagement to create designs that reflect Willesden Junction and Harlesden’s character.

David Lunts, CEO of OPDC said:

"People are at the heart of our plans. We’re making improvements to public spaces that celebrate the area’s rich character, heritage and diversity, for everyone to enjoy.

"Our projects have been developed in partnership with local people to ensure they meet the whole community’s needs by making local assets like the canal and train station more accessible, welcoming and attractive.

"These are the first in several Good Growth projects delivered by OPDC and we look forward to delivering more around the local area in the months ahead, including a new community hub in Harlesden Canalside."

Contact the press team

  • Email: [email protected]
  • Phone: 9am-5pm, 020 7983 5732
  • Out of hours: GLA press office, 020 7983 4000

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