Hounslow’s Labour Cabinet will bring forward plans to transform Brentford’s Golden Mile into a thriving cultural and economic hub.

The potential

The Golden Mile is London’s largest Creative Enterprise Zone by GVA, generating over half of its £10.7billion turnover in 2021 and accommodating 45% of London’s media production jobs. It accounts for approximately 22% of the borough’s commercial floorspace and 30% of rateable values.

The area stands at the gateway to Central London and is just 15 minutes from Heathrow.

It is located near major natural and cultural assets including Boston Manor Park, Gunnersbury Park, the River Brent, Grand Union Canal, festivals, museums, academic institutions including University of West London and Brentford Football Club.

The plans align with the Council’s recently approved Culture Strategy which highlights Brentford and Chiswick’s role as major cultural anchors.

The ambition

Tech innovation and skills

• Become the leading Creative-Tech Innovation District with key growth sectors like digital media and production and advanced technologies.
• Be a leading centre of Knowledge Excellence, Skills and Partnerships in AI, Aviation, Biomedical sciences.

Creating a cultural destination

• Elevate the Golden Mile as a London destination for thriving culture, leisure, immersive experiences and sport.

Greener neighbourhoods

• Transform the A4 corridor from motorways to avenue-like streets, with green neighbourhoods to support existing and future communities.
• Regenerate the River Brent Corridor as a vital place for nature, well-being and a part of the new West London Regional Park.

Connecting communities

• Deliver and connect the new West London Orbital Railway line to the national and London rail network via HS2.
• Improve links to the Heathrow economic zone alongside enhanced transport connectivity.

What does this all mean?

• 7,500 new homes ranging to 14,000 to meet the borough’s housing requirements.
• 14,000 new jobs ranging to 25,000 across key growth sectors including Creative-Tech and innovation, transport, sustainability and experience economy.
• Estimated £60million invested in modern leisure facilities in addition to a cultural arts hub for Brentford.
• 2.5 hectares of new and upgraded green spaces as part of the proposed West London Regional Park.
• £5billion of public and private sector investment.
• World-leading expanded academic campus specialising in medical life sciences at University of West London.
• £1.9billion-£3.5billion GVA to the borough economy in annual value from regional wide rail infrastructure through the West London Orbital project, additional bus provision, upgraded road and cycle networks.

Commenting on the Golden Mile Investment Framework, Councillor Tom Bruce, Cabinet Member for Assets, Regeneration and Development, said:

“This is our plan to make the Golden Mile a cultural and economic hub, an artery of investment and regeneration, and a thriving corridor of growth.

“But what does all that mean in practice?  Over the next decade and a half, we’ll see up to 25,000 jobs created, up to 14,000 new homes, and around £5 billion of private sector investment.

“We will deliver upgraded green spaces, £60 million investment in modern leisure and culture facilities, and new rail infrastructure in the form of the West London Orbital.

“The Golden Mile was once the industrial backbone of our borough. We’ll make sure it becomes the innovative centrepiece of our future.”