Grand Union, Brent
Regeneration Case Study
| Feature | Details |
| Site Area | 22 acres (Alperton, London Borough of Brent) |
| Homes | 3,350 mixed-tenure (private and affordable) |
| Public Open Space | Approx. 50% |
| Commercial & Industrial Space | 135,000 sqft flexible employment space (SEGRO) |
| Community Hub | 5,000 sqft, run by Grand Union Development Trust |
| Biodiversity Net Gain | Targeting 240% |
| Sustainability Rating | BREEAM ‘Excellent’ for non-residential buildings |
| Green Infrastructure | 540 trees, beehive, green/brown roofs, solar panels |
| EV Infrastructure | Circa 600 electric car parking spaces |
| Jobs Created | 600 permanent jobs, 200 apprenticeships |
| Transport Connectivity | Improved access to Stonebridge Park Station |
| Planning Authorities | Brent Council, Greater London Authority |
| Delivery Partners | SEGRO, Sheppard Robson, Terence O’Rourke Architects |
Grand Union is one of London’s most ambitious brownfield regeneration projects, breathing new life into a 22-acre derelict industrial estate in Alperton, within the London Borough of Brent.
Led by St George in partnership with Brent Council, the development is a bold reimagining of urban space, blending housing, nature, employment, and community into a vibrant, inclusive neighbourhood.
Once cut off from its surroundings and dominated by disused warehouses and infrastructure, the site is now being transformed into a thriving canalside destination.
With over 3,350 homes, extensive green space, pioneering sustainability features, and deep community involvement, Grand Union sets a new benchmark for long-term regeneration in London.
Site Context and Vision
Before regeneration: The 22-acre former industrial estate was cut off to the community.
Access to the canalside has been opened up for the first time in years.
The Grand Union Community Hub, a 5,000sqft community centre delivered in the early phases of construction, is managed by the new Grand Union Development Trust.
The Generator, a 135,000 sqft flexible office space will support SME businesses and encourage co-working (Computer Generated Image).
The brownfield site will be transformed into a welcoming, sustainable neighbourhood (Computer Generated Image).
St George has installed a beehive on site, with around 35,000 bees that can enjoy the extensive new green space and native planting.
An impressive new sculpture, inspired by local school children, was previewed at Chelsea Flower Show before being installed at Grand Union.
The Grand Union site was historically an industrial estate, isolated from the surrounding community and lacking public access to the adjacent canal. The regeneration vision was to reconnect this neglected space with Alperton and Stonebridge, creating a place where people could live, work, and thrive.
The masterplan includes:
- A mix of private and affordable homes
- A canalside piazza and riverside meadow
- Shops, cafés, restaurants, and flexible office space
- A health centre, nursery, and 5,000 sqft community hub
- A six-storey light industrial building delivered with SEGRO
This integrated approach ensures that Grand Union is not just a housing development, but a fully functioning neighbourhood with social, economic, and environmental value.
Housing and Mixed-Use Development
At the heart of Grand Union is the delivery of 3,350 homes, designed to meet a range of needs and tenures. The housing mix includes family homes, affordable units, and apartments, all built to high environmental standards. The development is structured to encourage community interaction, with residential blocks surrounding shared green spaces and public amenities.
The inclusion of a 135,000 sqft flexible employment space (known as The Generator) supports small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) and co-working opportunities. Delivered in partnership with SEGRO, the multi-storey industrial building maximises employment density on a compact footprint, creating space for up to 500 jobs.
Sustainability and Biodiversity
Grand Union is a flagship for sustainable urban living. The project targets a remarkable 240% biodiversity net gain, achieved through extensive landscaping, habitat creation, and green infrastructure. Key features include:
- Riverside meadow and canalside park: Natural spaces for wildlife and residents
- Grassland habitats and wild planting: Supporting pollinators and native species
- 540 new trees: Selected for seasonal diversity and ecological value
- On-site beehive: Home to 35,000 bees
- Green and brown roofs: For insulation, stormwater management, and habitat
- Rooftop solar panels: Reducing reliance on grid electricity
- Combined heat and power system
- Sustainable urban drainage and rainwater harvesting
- Electric vehicle infrastructure: Supporting 600 EV parking spaces
All non-residential buildings are designed to achieve BREEAM ‘Excellent’, reflecting best-in-class sustainability performance.
Community Engagement and Governance
Community involvement has been central to Grand Union’s success. From the outset, St George and Brent Council committed to a collaborative design process, ensuring that local voices shaped the development.
Engagement Highlights:
- A dedicated on-site information centre hosted workshops, exhibitions, and walk-and-talk sessions
- Residents participated in interviews, design charrettes, and feedback events
- Regular newsletters and a project website kept the community informed
- A Community Liaison Group provided ongoing dialogue between developers and residents
This process led to the creation of the Grand Union Development Trust, a community-led organisation responsible for managing the 5,000 sqft Community Hub. The Trust includes local stakeholders such as residents, school governors, and business owners, ensuring long-term stewardship and relevance.
Public Realm and Amenities
Grand Union offers approximately 50% public open space, making it one of the most generous developments in terms of green infrastructure. The public realm is designed to be inclusive, accessible, and engaging, with features such as:
- A canalside piazza with seating, planting, and water views
- A riverside meadow for relaxation and biodiversity
- Play spaces for children of all ages
- A nursery and health centre to support family life
- A canalboat café, restaurants, and retail units
- A community centre for events, classes, and performances
These amenities are not just for residents, they serve the wider Alperton and Stonebridge communities, helping to knit the development into the local fabric.
Infrastructure and Challenges
Transforming a complex industrial site into a liveable neighbourhood required overcoming significant challenges:
- Thames Water infrastructure bisected the site
- Re-provision of industrial space was essential to retain employment uses
- Complex level changes across the site demanded innovative engineering
- Land remediation and enabling works were extensive
- Improved access to Stonebridge Park Station was delivered to enhance connectivity
Despite these hurdles, the project has progressed steadily, with early delivery of key amenities such as the community hub and employment space.
Culture and Creativity
Grand Union celebrates local identity and creativity. A standout example is the installation of a public sculpture inspired by local school children, which was previewed at the Chelsea Flower Show before being installed on site. This artwork reflects the community’s aspirations and adds a cultural dimension to the public realm.
The development also supports events, performances, and exhibitions within the community centre, fostering a sense of belonging and pride.
Economic Impact
Grand Union is a major driver of economic growth in Brent. The project is expected to deliver:
- 600 permanent jobs across retail, office, and industrial spaces
- 200 apprenticeships during the construction phase
- Flexible workspace for SMEs and entrepreneurs
- Training and employment programmes in partnership with local organisations
These opportunities are targeted at local residents, helping to reduce unemployment and support career development.
Leadership and Partnerships
The success of Grand Union is built on strong partnerships:
- Brent Council and the Greater London Authority provided planning leadership
- Sheppard Robson and Terence O’Rourke Architects led the design
- Murdoch Wickham, AECOM, and Turnstone Ecology shaped the landscape and ecology strategy
- SEGRO partnered on industrial space delivery
- The Jason Roberts Foundation and other voluntary groups support community initiatives
Local leaders have praised the project’s ambition and delivery. Cllr Shama Tatler, Cabinet Member for Regeneration & Planning, noted:
“We are delivering what we need in the Borough — homes, including a significant number of affordable homes and family homes, and also the delivery of jobs through construction and new permanent workspace.”
Location and Connectivity
Grand Union is just moments from Stonebridge Park station (Zone 3). It provides easy access to the City and West End via:
- Bakerloo and Lioness Line at Stonebridge Park Station
- Piccadilly line at Alperton Station.
The new Grand Union bridge also provides a direct east-west pedestrian and cycle network in and around Alperton.
Conclusion
Grand Union is more than a regeneration project, it’s a blueprint for sustainable, inclusive urban development. By transforming a derelict industrial estate into a thriving canalside neighbourhood, it demonstrates how brownfield sites can be reimagined to meet the needs of modern cities.
With its mix of housing, biodiversity, employment, and community governance, Grand Union offers a compelling model for future regeneration across London and beyond.
Find Out More
To discover more about Grand Union on our website.
View Berkeley Group’s other regeneration projects.