As part of the project brief, our designs looked to create a stronger communal ethos for the development, providing spaces and facilities which could be enjoyed by residents and the wider public.

The Grand Union Canal is an underutilised community asset and has unfortunately remained inaccessible with the Estate becoming dominated by cars. We have therefore proposed to make much needed repairs to the local street pattern and create a new pedestrian priority landscape, which will connect the Estate to the local neighbourhood and open the canal to the public for the first time in many years.

In addition to new public routes to the canal, a number of courtyard gardens and children’s play areas will be provided across the development, creating a space where people can relax and socialise with friends and family.

With a rich history dating back to the 1930s, the Abbey Manufacturing Estate is an important historical and local asset to the community of Brent. We have sought to incorporate the area’s industrial heritage in our designs, through the proposed material palette and use of varied roof forms, which include ‘saw tooth’ and ‘double-pitched’, that seek to mimic the industrial buildings that currently occupy the site.

Alperton is an excellent example of a place that is adapting to meet the demand for high quality housing and employment spaces. In developing our urban strategy, we sought to respond positively to the local landscape, focusing the taller buildings in the plans towards the centre and south of the site, with the mid-to low rise townhouses situated around the east, west and northern boundaries.