Plans for 2,500 homes and town centre in west London

Developer Ballymore Group has revealed it aims to redevelop a 19-acre canalside site at Ladbroke Grove, subject to planning approval. 

The site, part of Kensington and Chelsea London Borough Council’s Kensal Canalside Opportunity Area, is “one of the last major brownfield opportunities” in the borough, Ballymore said. 

A large proportion of the site has been closed off to the public for more than 40 years as a former gasworks.

Wider plans 

In addition to the 2,519 new homes (500 affordable) and high street plans, civic spaces, retail and leisure developments like cafes and restaurants, as well as cultural, community, small business and educational workspaces could be built.  

A 130,000 sq ft Sainsbury’s shop will be constructed, too, as part of the supermarket’s 40 per cent stake in the new partnership.  

Signalised junctions will also be introduced on Ladbroke Grove and Kensal Road.

A historic canal basin is set to be restored, and two parks and play areas designed by Spacehub will also be constructed. 

Stakeholders 

The masterplan, by FaulknerBrowns Architects, has been shaped over the last three years.

The scheme will deliver funding for social infrastructure within the local community such as healthcare and schools.

“The masterplan is inspired by its characterful setting, where Ladbroke Grove meets the sweeping Grand Union Canal and the open space at Kensal Green,” said Ben Sykes, partner at FaulknerBrowns Architects.

“In response, our design has been built around public spaces, including a restored canal basin, play spaces and adding gardens and groves to the borough, to create a series of smaller neighbourhoods with a rich mix of uses and a strong sense of personality and place.

“We are delighted to see the proposals submitted, after working with local residents, the local council, Ballymore, Sainsbury’s and the entire project team for almost four years, to research, design and develop the masterplan.”

John Mulryan, Group managing director, Ballymore, added: “Kensal Canalside is one of the last remaining major brownfield sites to be developed in London and the largest in the Royal Borough of Kensington and Chelsea. 

“The scale and location of the site – in one of London’s 48 Opportunity Areas – presents a real opportunity to create a thoughtfully designed, accessible and sustainable canalside neighbourhood with strong transport links.”

Enjoyed this? Try Fox Brothers to expand after financing deal 

If you have a tip or story idea that fits with our publication, please contact the news team at rory@wavenews.co.uk