In September 2017, Old Oak and Park Royal Development Corporation (OPDC) – the Mayor of London’s development corporation – designated a new neighbourhood area: the Old Oak Neighbourhood Area.

Five months later, on 9 February 2018, OPDC designated a new forum for this area: the Old Oak Neighbourhood Forum.

The designation of the Old Oak Neighbourhood Area and Forum gives local communities in west London the chance to shape the future of their neighbourhood in a tangible way, as the status allows them to now develop a Neighbourhood Plan for the designated Area. This will give communities a greater power to influence how their local surroundings in Old Oak and Park Royal – home to one of the UK’s largest regeneration sites – will develop, including how plans will affect open spaces, the emerging local centre, a section of the Grand Union Canal, as well as locally-listed buildings and conservation areas.

The area covers more than 22 hectares (55 acres) – equivalent in size to St James’s Park – including most of the existing residential neighbourhoods within the OPDC area.

Community engagement, involvement and the co-creation in planning and regeneration, particularly where residents and businesses are given increased power and ownership, is critical to the future success of Old Oak and Park Royal.

Liz Peace, Chairman of Old Oak and Park Royal Development Corporation said:

"It's important that we continue to put the local community right at the heart of the future regeneration of Old Oak and Park Royal and this decision cements our commitment to that ambition."

Victoria Hills, Chief Executive of Old Oak and Park Royal Development Corporation said:

"I'm delighted that OPDC has designated its second Neighbourhood Forum. It's heartening that local residents are so well organised and care passionately about their community; we look forward to many continued years of collaboration and co-creation."