From Tiny Bookshop
🎉 FINALLY, WILLESDEN GREEN STATION IS SLOWLY COMING TO LIFE! 📚
We are delighted to announce that TINY BOOKSHOP is opening this Saturday from 12pm!
Please come along and show your support! There will be a wonderful selection of children’s and adults’ books for sale.
❤️ VOLUNTEERS NEEDED!
TINY BOOKSHOP is a registered non-profit and is looking for volunteers to help keep the shop open for as many hours as possible.
Having these spaces open, active and welcoming makes such a difference to the station and our wider community.
If you can spare just an hour or more, it would be hugely appreciated!
Please email: tinybookshopnw2@outlook.com
A huge thank you to everyone helping to bring some much-needed life back to Willesden Green Station.
PLEASE COME AND SUPPORT! ❤️
PETITION:
Revitalisation of Willesden Green Station - Occupation of Vacant Commercial Units
Tiny Bookshop is the second of the disused units to open, the other is a confectioners (above). A petition has been launched urging TfL have them all the units opened.
The Issue
For years, Willesden Green Station has served as a vital transport hub for countless residents and commuters crossing this vibrant North London area daily. However, numerous commercial units within the station remain empty, including Units 1, 6, 7–8, and 9. These spaces, instead of enhancing our community, stand neglected, often boarded up or poorly maintained. This is not just an eyesore for us, the residents, commuters, and local business owners but is attracting crime and increasing antisocial and intimidating behaviour, but also a missed opportunity for Willesden Green to thrive culturally and economically.
We, the undersigned residents, commuters, and local business proprietors of Willesden Green, formally call upon TfL/Places for London to take immediate and effective action to address the prolonged vacancy of commercial units at Willesden Green Station.
Statement of Concern
Willesden Green Station is a well-utilised transport hub; however, several of its commercial units (including Units 1, 6, 7–8, and 9) have remained vacant, boarded up, or inadequately maintained for an extended period. This ongoing vacancy materially detracts from the amenity, safety, and overall perception of the station environment, contributing to neglect and anti-social behaviour (ASB).
Furthermore, it is our considered view that the current rental strategy adopted by TfL/Places for London is misaligned with prevailing local market conditions. Rental levels appear to be set at a threshold that is prohibitive for small and independent enterprises. The resulting failure to secure tenants, and the prolonged vacancy of these units, demonstrates a lack of commercial prudence by effectively foregoing potential rental income and undermining the economic utility of these assets.
Adverse Impacts
Diminution of Local Amenity: The persistence of vacant units undermines the vitality and attractiveness of Walm Lane and its surrounding area.
Loss of Essential Services: The absence of active retail occupancy results in the loss of valuable local amenities, including cafés, newsagents, and independent retailers that serve the commuting public and local residents.
Economic Underperformance: Rather than contributing to employment and local economic growth, these units remain unproductive, increasing the risk of crime and anti-social behaviour.
Requested Actions
Review and Adjustment of Rental Terms: Undertake an immediate reassessment of rental pricing for all vacant units to ensure alignment with current market conditions, including the provision of flexible and commercially viable lease terms to support independent businesses, rather than exclusively targeting large corporate tenants.
Expedited Refurbishment Works: Prioritise and accelerate necessary repair and “make ready” works for units requiring structural or preparatory intervention (notably Units 6 and 9), ensuring they are brought to a lettable standard without undue delay.
Active Promotion to Local Enterprises: Implement a targeted strategy to market these units to local independent businesses that contribute positively to the character and needs of the community, with appropriate consideration given to the nature of prospective tenants.
Publication of Delivery Timeline: Provide a clear, transparent, and publicly accessible timeline outlining when each vacant unit will be brought into active commercial use.
A well-managed and fully occupied station estate is integral to the economic and social wellbeing of Willesden Green. We therefore urge TfL/Places for London to take prompt and decisive action to ensure these publicly owned assets are utilised effectively and responsibly, in a manner that reflects both sound commercial practice and community interest.
TfL/Places for London have the power and responsibility to transform these vacant units into thriving businesses that serve the local community. Let us not allow this wastage to continue. Join us in urging the relevant authorities to take swift and decisive action.
Sign this petition to support the revitalisation of Willesden Green Station's commercial units and help turn our vision into reality. Every signature counts towards creating a vibrant, safe, and economically prosperous community for all
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