Austen House and Blake Court

We are excited to announce the proposed integration of the Austen and Blake sites with the neighbouring MWD site (Masefield House, Wordsworth House, Dickens House, Kilburn Open Space, and Carlton Vale Infant School), a pivotal step in maximizing site capacity and enhancing project viability.

Initially conceived as separate schemes, these sites are now being considered as a single, cohesive redevelopment effort aimed at delivering a transformative impact on the local community.

Project Vision

This combined redevelopment aims to create a vibrant, sustainable, and inclusive community. The proposed plans will introduce:

mix of new residential units
Community facilities
Green spaces, fostering a dynamic urban environment that caters to the needs of existing and future residents.

Design and Sustainability

Leading architectural firm Karakusevic Carson Architects along with the London Borough of Brent are spearheading the design efforts. The integration of Austen and Blake with the MWD site will ensure a seamless blend of modern architecture, sustainable practices, and community-oriented spaces.

Key design elements include:

Diverse mix of housing tenures, including affordable units, to accommodate South Kilburn residents.
Thoughtfully designed public spaces and green areas that encourage social interaction and foster a sense of community.
Preservation of mature trees and implementation of green building practices to minimize environmental impact.

The redevelopment will also include the construction of a replacement primary school, providing state-of-the-art educational facilities for children aged 3-11. The school will feature provisions for a nursery and support for children with special educational needs, ensuring an inclusive learning environment.

Community Engagement

We are committed to involving the local community throughout the redevelopment process. Regular consultations and feedback sessions will be held in due course to ensure that the project aligns with the aspirations and needs of the residents.

Timescales

The planning application for the combined Austen and Blake and MWD site redevelopment is anticipated to be submitted in the first quarter of 2025. The development will be phased, with the first phase expected to be completed by late 2028.

Stay tuned for more updates as we embark on this exciting journey together.

A South Kilburn resident notes:

Over a 100 tenants are still living in the 5 buildings and are waiting to be decanted. The council cannot develop the scheme until every building is empty.

Currently the demolition notice for Blake Court is due to expire by June 2025 so I assume the Council will need to rehouse the remaining tenants as soon as possible in order to demolish it.

The replacement school for Kilburn Park Junior and Carlton Vale Infants, as a primary school, may prove controversial, particularly in terms of viable pupil numbers.