Breadcrumb Home Old Oak Early activation and meanwhile uses Early activation and meanwhile uses At OPDC, we recognise the transformative potential of ‘early activation’ and meanwhile uses as a tool to foster engagement, build momentum and catalyse long-term regeneration in one of London’s most ambitious development areas. Early improvements We’re delivering real benefits and local improvements ahead of our longer-term regeneration plans. These positive changes are already being seen and felt across the area. We are continuing to work with our partners and the community to find ways to activate spaces and deliver improvements that celebrate Old Oak and support the economy, sowing the seeds for future regeneration. Alongside short-term activation projects across North Acton, Park Royal and Old Oak, we will be working with our future private sector partner on opportunities for meanwhile uses during the delivery period. We will want to work with local residents, businesses and community organisations to help develop how these spaces can take shape. Early activation map Map key Projects delivered Willesden Junction: public realm improvements including planting, benches, public art, signage and community notice board. Harlesden Canalside: towpath improvements, planting and landscaping, canoe club facilities and permanent moorings for community use. Old Oak towpath: improved access to the canal supported by new landscaping and planting. Canal placemaking: greening and cleaning in partnership with Canal & River Trust. Over 580m2 of planting; 23 new wildlife habitats; 200 trees planted; and 2,000 bags of rubbish collected. Signage and planting in Park Royal: working with local artists to design new signage for 36 businesses and partnering with Groundworks to deliver 900m2 of planting and 137 new trees. Standard Road Market and Food Festival: independent traders selling food, drinks and crafts, highlighted by an annual food festival, celebrating Park Royal’s identity as London’s Kitchen. Park Royal Design District: celebrating artists and creatives with exhibitions, workshops, events and tours. Great Places Scheme: arts and culture to uncover, and showcase local creativity and heritage and influence future regeneration through public art, wayfinding, skills-sharing networks, podcasts and more. Midland Terrace Playground: new play equipment, seating and planting with Ealing Council. Minerva Works: Circular Economy Hub for small businesses and community projects to recycle, remake and reuse materials into new products. North Acton Square: local arts and cultural organisation The Republic - Community Projects has led an exciting project to revitalise and enliven the square, creating a social space for the community to come together. The centrepiece is the installation of six carefully converted shipping containers, positioned along the north of the square, that provide a new home for a range of local businesses. Ongoing and planned future projects Wesley Playing Fields: new play equipment, landscaping, planting and lighting – first phase of works commenced in May 2026. Cerebos and Victoria Gardens: improvements developed with local residents, including new entrances and pathways, planting and biodiversity, seating and public artwork. Creative wayfinding: improving legibility and wayfinding through local artist commissions to deliver public art, murals and signage across the whole OPDC area. Future potential for meanwhile uses Old Oak is a large-scale and long-term project that will take place over many years, activation both ahead of and throughout the delivery is important to OPDC. Alongside short-term activation projects across North Acton, Park Royal and Old Oak, we will be working with our future private sector partner on opportunities for meanwhile uses during the delivery period. We will work with local residents, businesses and community organisations to help develop how these spaces take shape. Available spaces As regeneration will happen in phases, some sites will not be needed for development straight away. We make these spaces available for temporary use, helping to bring vacant buildings and land into use. Our meanwhile use spaces are available for commercial enterprises, local community groups and organisations. Supporting and working with the local community is a key priority for OPDC and where possible, we want to offer opportunities for local organisations, charities, schools and community projects to make temporary use of our vacant spaces. Commercial properties Avison Young manages OPDC's commercial property portfolio, including the marketing and management of spaces available for temporary use. Because these properties may be needed for future development, leases are usually offered on a short-term basis. Under OPDC’s strategic oversight, Avison Young manages our property portfolio, including the management, health and safety and marketing of spaces available for temporary use. Because these properties may be needed for future development, leases are usually offered on a short-term basis. Find out more. Spaces for local businesses and organisations If you are a local business, community organisation or just looking for somewhere to expand your business, please get in touch with us or fill out our form to find out more about the spaces available. Find out more. Example of a meanwhile use space: Minerva Works OPDC delivered an 18-month meanwhile Circular Economy Hub in Park Royal, in advance of its eventual redevelopment as an energy centre for the innovative heat network project. Find out more about Minerva Works Minerva Works Circular Economy Hub In Spring 2025 we were proud to open a new circular economy hub at Minerva Works in Park Royal. Find out more. Read more Our approach to regeneration Our strategy for a new and reimagined west London community sets out OPDC's vision for the comprehensive regeneration and will guide the development of Old Oak. 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 Loans for small businesses If you’re a small business or workspace provider in Park Royal, we an affordable loans scheme available to those looking to expand their operations. Read more
Minerva Works Circular Economy Hub In Spring 2025 we were proud to open a new circular economy hub at Minerva Works in Park Royal. Find out more. Read more
Our approach to regeneration Our strategy for a new and reimagined west London community sets out OPDC's vision for the comprehensive regeneration and will guide the development of Old Oak. 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
Loans for small businesses If you’re a small business or workspace provider in Park Royal, we an affordable loans scheme available to those looking to expand their operations. Read more