Dickens Yard, Ealing

Dickens Yard is the result of a partnership between Ealing Council and St George, transforming a four acre car park into a community of 700 homes.

It has brought shops and restaurants together, elegant new streets and three public spaces, infusing the old town centre with fresh confidence and style. There are also 70 new homes specifically for people over the age of 55 relocating from existing social homes which had been under-occupied.

Flexible design of the outside space plays a pivotal role accommodating a range of uses throughout the year. A regular Artisan Market now takes place, drawing in local people and businesses from across Ealing.

Meanwhile, a Community Plan, initiated by St George, is used to deliver regular events and activities. It puts structure around the process of connecting residents to each other and gives them a direct say over what goes on.

Key Facts

• 4 acres
• 700 homes, including social rent and discount market sale
• 1.2 acres of flexible public space, a community room, public art and new pedestrian routes
• Shops, cafés, restaurants and leisure facilities including a gym and a yoga studio
• £10.9million contribution to services and infrastructure