The council has published two new 'visionary' town centre masterplans for Brentford and Hounslow aimed at 'revitalising' the two areas, regeneration and new jobs for residents.

Hounslow Council says new investment prospectus and town centre masterplans are expected to see the delivery of over 4,600 new homes and 2,500 job opportunities within the borough.

The launch of the Brentford and Hounslow town centre masterplans, come as Hounslow Council announced a 'groundbreaking' investment prospectus titled, 'Opportunity Hounslow: Gateway to London and the World'.

Hounslow Council says 'Opportunity Hounslow' sets the stage for transformative projects that will help shape the future of the borough.

In Cannes, France where the announcement was made, Councillor Shantanu Rajawat, leader of Hounslow Council said: "Launching 'Opportunity Hounslow' at MIPIM – an international investment conference – is an historic moment for the council and reinforces our ambitious plans for the borough.

"This prospectus not only showcases Hounslow's immense potential but also our clear vision for a sustainable, inclusive future.

"With key development sites ready for transformation, we're inviting partners to join us in realising Hounslow's full potential as a vibrant, green, and connected community."

Alongside the Brentford Project, Hounslow Council says the masterplan will improve Brentford beyond the High Street.

The Brentford Town Centre Masterplan states: "Whilst the masterplan covers a significant portion of land from the south of High Street to waterside, opportunities to protect and enhance the rest of the town centre exist as well as scope to inform subsequent detailed design elements of the Brentford Project."

Hounslow Council admits in the Brentford masterplan that funding for identified projects is 'modest' currently, but that it will increase over time.

The masterplan has set out a list of 'issues' and 'opportunities' within Brentford which the council look to review.

The Brentford Town Centre Masterplan notes that there could be better accessibility to the riverside (credit: Cesar Medina).

Issues

• A growing population: According to the masterplan, Brentford needs an upgraded infrastructure to accommodate 'existing and emerging communities'.
• Mixed uses and economic resilience: limited commercial diversity and lack of employment means the offer of a town centre is undefined.
• Physicality dislocated infrastructure: The town centre is constrained by watercourses to the south and west, busy roads and rail lines to the north, creating fragmented areas that are difficult to walk between.
• Inaccessible riverside: Brentford's riverside has a low profile and is currently largely inaccessible from the town centre, despite being so close.
• Limited green infrastructure: Areas of major green space exist e.g. Syon Park, Boston Manor Park and Gunnerbury Park but are disconnected from the town centre with poor connectivity between them.
• Identity and sense of place: The masterplan says "Brentford's proud history currently feels lost within the town centre, with a tired and unloved character in parts needing investment to elevate its perception."

Opportunities

• Great location with close proximity to major assets and anchor uses: Located in the Great West Creative Enterprise Zone supporting creative businesses and is close to the Great West Road and 'Golden Mile' of major production industries and studios.
• Network of landscape assets and public spaces with potential: Market Place, Syon Park, Watermans Park, Brentford Lock, the river and canal towpath with a unique waterside setting at the meeting of the Rivers Thames, Brent and Grand Union Canal.
• Network of active community groups and cultural institutions: Active groups including West London Chamber of Commerce and Brentford Voice.Home to a community of creative production including Watermans Arts Centre, Protege Gallery, London Museum of Water and Steam, Musical Museum, Johnson's Island and the Jimmy Choo Academy of Fashion (JCA). The September Creative Mile weekend, across 22 venues with input by 80+ creatives.
• Local heritage: Brentford contains numerous designated heritage assets, including Grade I and II* listed buildings, three conservation areas and has a rich archaeological heritage.
• A compact town centre: Brentford provides a strong basis for creating a town centre that is easy to walk and cycle around.

The prospectus launched today can be viewed at Opportunity Hounslow - Gateway to London and the World, while the Brentford Masterplan, and Hounslow Masterplan are also available.

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