New food court, gardens and a market – how North London area riddled with gang crime could be reborn

London: Neasden is getting a major facelift! The local council has announced a £10.5 million plan to revamp the town center. This is all about making the area more inviting, especially with new folks moving in.

They’re planning an urban food court, a cool pavilion called the Lighthouse, and a permanent street market. Plus, they want to add some greenery with pocket forests and improve safety to tackle crime and antisocial behavior.

Brent Council is pushing this project through the Mayor of London’s Civic Partnership Programme. They’re hoping to turn Neasden into a vibrant neighborhood. With over 2,000 new homes and workspaces on the way, it’s a big deal!

They’re also looking for spots to build more homes and improve infrastructure for the new residents. The council will decide soon whether to greenlight these changes, funded by a mix of community levies and Greater London Assembly support.

The plan is to roll out the changes in three phases, focusing on better connectivity, safety, and community spirit. The council leader, Cllr Muhammed Butt, emphasized the need for growth while ensuring everyone benefits, especially the youth.

Gang issues have been a real concern in Neasden, and the council believes that engaging young people in positive activities is key to turning things around. They’re hopeful that restoring pride in the neighborhood will lead to good things.

So, what can residents expect? The Ritz will be a multicultural food court with training kitchens, a gym, and even podcast studios. It’s all about creating spaces for community and entrepreneurship.

Then there’s the Lighthouse pavilion, designed to be a fun, colorful hub for events and activities. It’ll be a landmark for Neasden, helping to bring people together and celebrate local culture.

And let’s not forget the new market! The council thinks a regular market could really boost foot traffic and support local shops. They’re planning to make the town center pedestrian-friendly on market days, which sounds like a blast!

Longer-term, they’re looking at adding green spaces like pocket forests and gardens to make Neasden more climate-resilient. They want to plant trees and create areas for community gardening, which is a great way to get people involved.

They’re also tackling crime head-on by improving lighting and security in problem areas. The goal is to make Neasden a safer, more welcoming place for everyone.

Overall, it’s an exciting time for Neasden, and if all goes well, these changes could really transform the area for the better!