Old Oak: A New West London Town with 25,000 Homes Set to Transform Three Boroughs

2025-06-27
Old Oak: A New West London Town with 25,000 Homes Set to Transform Three Boroughs
Evening Standard

West London is on the cusp of a major transformation with the ambitious Old Oak development – a brand new town poised to deliver over 25,000 homes and reshape the landscape across Brent, Ealing, and Hammersmith & Fulham boroughs. This isn't just about housing; it's about creating a vibrant, sustainable community designed for the future, and the project promises significant economic and social benefits for the region.

A Vision for the Future: What is Old Oak?

The Old Oak project represents a significant commitment to address London's ongoing housing shortage and to stimulate economic growth. The vision is to create a thriving urban hub, seamlessly integrated with existing communities, offering a mix of housing types to cater to a diverse population. The plan extends over a substantial area, strategically located to leverage existing transport links and create new connectivity.

Spanning Three Boroughs: A Collaborative Effort

What sets Old Oak apart is its unique cross-borough structure. The development will unfold across Brent, Ealing, and Hammersmith & Fulham, requiring unprecedented collaboration between the three local authorities. This collaborative approach ensures a cohesive and well-planned development, avoiding fragmented growth and maximizing the potential of the site. Each borough will play a crucial role in shaping the character and amenities of the new town.

Homes, Jobs, and Infrastructure: The Key Components

The core of the Old Oak project is, of course, the 25,000+ homes. These won't be uniform blocks of flats; instead, the plan emphasizes a diverse range of housing options, including family homes, apartments, and affordable housing units. Crucially, the development also aims to create thousands of new jobs, both during the construction phase and in the long term, attracting businesses and boosting the local economy. Significant investment in infrastructure is also planned, including improved transport links, schools, healthcare facilities, and green spaces.

A 30-Year Transformation: A Long-Term Investment

The Old Oak project is a long-term commitment, with a timeline of approximately 30 years for completion. This phased approach allows for flexibility and adaptation as the project evolves, and ensures that the development is carefully managed to minimize disruption to existing communities. The long timeframe also allows for ongoing consultation and feedback from residents, ensuring that the new town reflects the needs and aspirations of the people who will live and work there.

Sustainability and Community at the Heart of the Plan

Sustainability is a key priority for the Old Oak development. The plan incorporates green building practices, renewable energy sources, and sustainable transport options to minimize the environmental impact. Equally important is the focus on creating a strong sense of community, with plans for public spaces, community centres, and local amenities that will foster social interaction and create a welcoming environment for all.

The Future of West London

The Old Oak development represents a bold and ambitious vision for the future of West London. It’s a project with the potential to transform the area, providing much-needed housing, creating jobs, and enhancing the quality of life for residents. As the project progresses, it will be crucial to maintain open communication and collaboration between all stakeholders to ensure that Old Oak becomes a thriving and sustainable community for generations to come.

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