Unisys buildings
I have prompted Brent Council several times recently over the Unisys/Bridge Park development. The twin Unisys buildings have been empty for decades. In answer to a series of questions I tabled in September 2024 to Full Council LINK Brent Council said that the immediate priority was to progress scheme plans for a pre-planning resident consultation towards the end of 2024 which would include the latest on the New Bridge Park Centre and target dates for planning submission, determination and on-site delivery.
The resident consultation was launched yesterday on the Brent Council website and although the focus is on Bridge Park Centre the wider major development that includes 1,000 homes and a hotel is also important. The consultation closes on January 6th 2025.
From the Brent Council website:
Residents are invited to have their say on the future of Bridge Park Leisure Centre as part of an ambitious plan to invest £600 million into the Hillside Regeneration Corridor in Stonebridge.
Brent Council is working with the owners of the Unisys buildings, Stonebridge Real Estate Development Limited (SRED), to redevelop Bridge Park and the neighbouring land currently occupied by the Unisys buildings which have been derelict for more than 20 years.
The proposals, which will be shown at two exhibitions in November, show the new Bridge Park Leisure Centre will be more than double the size of the current building. Residents are being asked for their views including on a new state-of-the-art swimming pool, a new sports hall, a larger gym, a function hall, meeting rooms and a café.
The proposals include more than 1,000 high-quality homes, including family homes and affordable options; new parks and green spaces; a new 263-room hotel, commercial and affordable workspace. The designs are worked up to maximise the environmental benefits of the new buildings and encourage sustainable and active travel.
The redevelopment is part of a wider plan to invest in a number of sites, including Bridge Park, Morland Gardens, Twybridge Way, and Bernard Shaw House, along Hillside corridor.
The existing Bridge Park Community Leisure Centre has reached the end of its useable life. The current condition of the building demands substantial investment to keep the site open, including major and expensive works to the lifts and other parts of the building, which is not affordable. The proposal is therefore for the building to close next year with a decision expected in early 2025.
Councillor Muhammed Butt, Leader of Brent Council said:
Bridge Park has always been a symbol of community and togetherness. So, as the building comes to the end of its life, it’s important that we do justice to both its history but also to what comes next. We take that responsibility very seriously.
We’ve listened to what residents have told us they want in a new, state-of-the-art centre. Our proposals not only provide a new Bridge Park Leisure Centre but expand and improve it for future generations. Wider plans for investing in the site will create new opportunities for everyone in Stonebridge, as well as desperately needed new homes.
Please take part in the consultation, we want to hear what you think of these proposals. Together, we can make sure that Bridge Park continues to serve and unite our community.
Mr. Mohammed Al-Miqdadi, SRED Director and Senior Director of International Development of GMH General Mediterranean Holding S.A., SPF. said:
Stonebridge Real Estate Development is excited to be working with Brent Council to bring forward a transformative vision for Bridge Park and the Unisys site. These plans focus on creating vibrant green spaces for everyone, with a commitment to inclusivity, ensuring accessibility for people with disabilities, older adults, and neurodiverse individuals. This project underscores our dedication to sustainable, community-centred spaces that enhance quality of life for local residents."
We’re proud to be delivering much-needed new homes, including affordable housing options, as well as creating hundreds of job opportunities across the hotel and leisure sectors. This major investment into Stonebridge will enrich the area and catalyse wider regeneration, whilst building on Bridge Park’s legacy as a place for connection, activity, and opportunity for all.
- Have your say at two exhibitions to find out more in person at Brent Start, Twybridge Way, London NW10 0ST on Thursday 28 November, from 3 to 7pm or Saturday 30 November, from 10am to 2pm
- There will also be an online version, which will be live from Monday 25 November on the website
- Email the team at BridgePark@four.agency
Get involved and have your say by Monday 6 January 2025.
SOME BACKGROUND ON BRIDGE PARK/UNISYS ON WEMBLEY MATTERS
November 2024 Unanswered question on viability of Bridge Park/Unisys development
September 2024 Question on Brent Council’s Mediterranean relationship with General Mediterranean Holdings
January 2024 What is happening with the Bridge Park/Unisys development?
July 2015 Cllr Dan Filson warns Brent Council over making deals with a ‘convicted fraudster’
5 comments:
So this is the "public engagement" or "consultation" on proposals that have already been drawn up and will now be exhibited, before going to Cabinet for approval early in 2025.
As with some other Brent Council schemes with development partners (I still have memories of the 2012 "consultation" on the redevelopment of Willesden Green Library Centre), it appears that it will be managed by a public relations company.
Four Agency's website says:
'Four specialises in public sector communications, using insights and behaviour change to design and deliver impactful campaigns. From local to national and international and devolved governments, we tackle some of the knottiest societal issues and design communications that support communities.'
Will they be supporting the views of the local community, or will they be giving Brent Council and the developer the answers they want to hear?
And even if it is the former, will that make any difference, especially now that the Council Leader is also the Cabinet Lead Member for Regeneration?
So what exactly are you asking to happen instead?
In response to Philip's comments regarding FOUR AGENCY. "using insights and behaviour change to design and deliver impactful campaigns" says it all
The Unisys buildings in the photograph cast a long shadow. The proposed new building will cast a much longer one!!!
Full consultation and engagement before plans are drawn up!
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