Greenford Quay

Greenford Quay in Ealing has transformed formerly private derelict industrial land adjacent to the Grand Union Canal into a vibrant mixed-use neighbourhood with public realm at its heart. In opening up this site, new pedestrian and cycle links have been established to the wider green infrastructure network and the canalside wildlife corridors restored.

Seven new residential blocks will provide total of 1,965 new homes, of which a substantial 75% will be Build-to-Rent and 590 affordable homes, all set within a network of green spaces. The first phase was completed in early 2020 and includes Grenan Square, the canalside landscape, new streets, residential courtyards and terraces.

In opening up this site, public access has been given to new beautiful spaces and hitherto restricted parts of the canal. New pedestrian and cycle routes connect to the wider green infrastructure network with the installation of a bridge across the canal. This new route links the neighbourhood and wider community to nearby local parks and amenities such as Horsendon Hill and Greenford Station encouraging use of sustainable transport and active lifestyles.

HTA has focused on creating sociable spaces that will support building sustainable and vibrant communities as the new neighbourhood comes into being. The public realm drives activation through a curated programme of events throughout the year; outdoor cinema, food stalls, retail and residential moorings on the Grand Union Canal.

The open spaces has been designed to facilitate these differing activities, with a generous central promenade for markets and pop up events, a water feature for interactive play, spill out spaces for cafes, a south-facing amphitheatre for performances or the everyday enjoyment of the waterside as well as smaller quieter spaces where people can enjoy a moment of respite from the busyness of everyday life.

To create a strong sense of place, the landscape treatment draws upon the canalide setting and its character. There is a crisp contemporary interpretation of the site's industrial heritage using cor-ten steel, temple setts and granite as well as reclaimed materials such as large section quayside timbers, London stock brick and setts. The beautifully executed hard landscape is contrasted with soft textured planting to create an outstanding landscape that appeals to all senses.