After years of complaints from locals about unhygienic conditions, safety and anti-social behaviour at North Acton Square, the public space next to North Acton underground station is undergoing a major revamp aimed at making it safer and more welcoming for residents, workers and visitors.
Ealing Council, working in partnership with the Old Oak and Park Royal Development Corporation, Imperial College London and The Republic Community Projects, is leading the redevelopment, which will see six new retail units installed alongside wider improvements to lighting and landscaping.
The changes follow repeated concerns from locals about the state of the square.
Over recent years residents have told EALING.NEWS of graffiti, broken fittings and water fountains left in a “disgusting” condition.
One commuter said earlier this year: “It really is appalling to see the state of this new entrance and public square. Who is going to risk their health by refilling water with a fountain that is never kept clean? Why is no-one doing anything to secure the handrails which are dangerous and why is it allowed to be run down and look like this?”
Another added: “Why are drinkers allowed to get away with this? It is causing a nuisance and is also frightening to see so much anti-social behaviour going on in a public place with no-one doing anything to stop this.”
In response, the council said it had been “acutely aware” of the problems, citing fly-tipping, graffiti and disorder, and promised to bring forward new uses. “A range of maintenance and clean-up initiatives have been implemented,” it said, “however, the problems have returned.”
Now, work has begun to create new outlets including food and drink providers, a barber and a store showcasing products by local artists and makers. Another unit will host an information hub for the Park Royal Design District.
All businesses will be London Living Wage accredited, paying employees at least £13.85 per hour. A new “village hut” is also planned as a community space for residents and visitors.
Councillor Peter Mason, leader of Ealing Council, said: “Park Royal is a thriving hub for the creative industries, a priority growth sector for the borough and this development will see the creativity of Park Royal brought into North Acton. We have developed these plans for the revitalised square based on the ideas and suggestions of local people, who know the area better than most.”
Councillor Kamaljit Nagpal, cabinet member for decent living incomes, added: “These substantial improvements to the square will create new prospects for businesses and jobs for local people.”
