Urban waterfront regenerator, Waterside Places – a strategic joint venture between leading town and city-centre developer, Muse Developments and the Canal & River Trust – has signed a £20m build contract with McAleer and & Rushe to deliver a significant enabling works package at Brentford Lock West, which will unlock the third and final phase of development at the multi-award-winning scheme.
Over the next two years, the team will demolish existing warehouses to clear and prepare the site ready for phase three, as well as building a new bus depot for Metroline, which operates a number of bus routes across London. With active travel and connectivity key to the overall Brentford Lock West masterplan, the team will build a new pedestrian and cyclist bridge across the Grand Union Canal, which will substantially reduce walking time to Brentford train station, while connecting the scheme to other areas of the borough.
The new bridge will be accessible to pedestrians, cyclists, wheelchairs and buggies and will connect Robin Grove Recreation Ground to a new public square, which will be delivered as part of phase three. The new crossing will open before this phase is complete and Waterside Places are also contributing funds towards lighting, CCTV and landscaping improvements at Robin Grove Recreation Ground.
The enabling works are being completed ahead of the main development works, which are due to begin in early 2024. The final phase of this vibrant and diverse residential neighbourhood will deliver 452 new homes, with 187 ringfenced as affordable, alongside flexible commercial space.
A new public square will be fronted by commercial and retail spaces, along with a new frame overhanging the canal, which mirrors the existing overhanging warehouse and recognises the industrial heritage of the area. Towpath improvements, new mooring facilities and the renovation of the existing dock will enhance this stretch of the waterway. To promote sports and leisure activities, new community facilities will be provided for use by local sports clubs.
James Hanford, development manager at Waterside Places, said:
“We’re delighted to reach this significant milestone, which is absolutely essential to bringing forward the final phase at the scheme and we can’t wait to get started.
“Together with our partners, we’re committed to further enhancing and adding to this vibrant, diverse and connected waterside community, while blending Brentford’s rich history with its aspirations for the future. Delivering the enabling works will further drive inward investment in the borough, as well as providing opportunities for people to thrive and prosper.”
Since the scheme began in 2012, the multi-award winning Brentford Lock West has delivered over 300 homes, comprising stylish town houses and apartments in a neighbourhood street setting carefully designed to maximise the water frontage. The scheme has won a variety of awards including four prestigious RIBA awards, three Sunday Times awards, including best developer for Waterside Places.
Jonathan O’Neill, Senior Director at McAleer & Rushe, said:
“We are delighted to be appointed with this important element of the Brentford Lock West development which will unlock the third and final phase of works and continue our partnership with Muse Developments and the Canal & River Trust. This will signify our return to Brentford following our completion of the award-winning Phase 2 in 2018, and we are looking forward to working with the local community and residents to bring forward enhancements to this vibrant waterside area.”
