_Brentford calling: Why Brentford is becoming one of the largest waterside hotspots in London
It was once seen as the poorer cousin to its more glamorous west London neighbours Chiswick and Kew, but now attention is turning towards Brentford.
Brentford is set to become one of London’s largest waterside regeneration hubs thanks to a multi-million pound makeover.
But what makes Brentford a great place to invest in? In a nutshell, it’s all down to excellent transport links, great employment opportunities and access to green spaces.
Industry and transport
As a former industrial area, Brentford is steeped in history. It was once a key interchange joining the Grand Junction Canal to the River Thames during the late 1700s and early 1800s. Its connectivity expanded in the following centuries, which was followed by the opening of the train line linking Brentford to Heathrow Airport and London's West End.
It still has great links into central London, with Waterloo just half an hour away by train. You can also enjoy great international links thanks to Heathrow airport, which is only a 15 minute drive away.
Green spaces
If you're looking to escape from the hustle and bustle of city life, you won’t have to go far to get a taste of nature. Syon House and Park, Kew Gardens and Richmond Park are close by and offer you the chance to enjoy wide open spaces, splendid views and impressive wildlife. All three parks are around 20 minutes away on public transport.
Employment opportunities
The largest employers in the area are pharmaceutical company GSK, Sky and Sega, which makes Brentford particularly attractive for businesses. According to the report on Brentford, employment is forecast to rise 8%, which means anyone looking to work in the area they live, will find Brentford extremely tempting.
Patrick Gower, from Knight Frank’s Residential Research, says, “With a large number of global office tenants nearby and high levels of connectivity with central London and Heathrow, TW8 is becoming a focal point for residential development.”
Retail and leisure
As well as significant investment in new residential homes, Brentford High Street is set to be overhauled with 140,000 sq ft of new retail and leisure space. So, there’ll be plenty to do.
Residents can enjoy exploring the historic, industrial gems Brentford has to offer, which includes an old boatyard and marine re-fitters on Brentford Wharf.
Those into the arts will be delighted by Brentford Gallery on the tiny, charming island Johnsons Island. It’s home to a thriving community of painters, sculptors, artists and photographers.
The Brentford Project
The Brentford Project is a brand new transformational development. Once complete, it will provide a new high street for Brentford, 50 new retail spaces and a selection of studio, one, two and three bedroom apartments—most with direct access to outside space available for purchase. Residents will be able to enjoy a range of on-site amenities including a gymnasium and outdoor swimming pool.
Conceived, delivered and ultimately managed by the developer Ballymore to celebrate the creative diversity of the town and to establish it as a bold platform for the arts, live music and food. The site incorporates eleven new buildings and will combine residential, retail and leisure uses.
Ballymore is an award-winning developer behind some of London's most iconic regeneration projects and have vast and varied experience in placemaking. Quality of life, connection to the arts and culture sit at the core of their work. Their track record in London includes; London City Island, Good Luck Hope, Royal Wharf, Wardian and Embassy Gardens.
The Brentford Project is situated at the meeting point of the River Brent and the River Thames, and surrounded by verdant parks and wide open spaces.
You can explore the historic lanes and yards connecting the high street to the waterfront, and enjoy a range of eateries, entertainment venues and retailers.
The apartments will be available to purchase through Knight Frank from 5th September 2019. Guideline prices from £362,500.
Brentford station is within an hour’s journey to London’s top universities and the development is in close proximity to 17 Ofsted outstanding rated primary and secondary schools.
It’s situated on the south side of Brentford High Street and it’s just a five minute walk to Brentford station.
If you want to find out more about the Brentford Project, call the Broker Team on 020 3826 0673 or email them at brokerteam@knightfrank.com.
Read the full report on Brentford here: