A place of waterways where the Thames and the Grand Union Canal meet. Historically a place of industry and tranquility, there are connections in Brentford to the young life of the painter Turner. Around the Brentford Lock there is an eclectic mix of boatyard grime and West London riverside grandeur. Across the Thames from Brentford is the Royal Botanical Gardens of Kew, and Syon Park home to Syon house. With the Brentford Bees football team heading into the premier league, there are more than a few reasons why Brentford is getting more noticeable on the London map. The Old World charm of the grade II listed Butts residences is in striking contrast to the 1960s housing estate skyscrapers. But in London, this heady mixture of a tribal football ground and houseboat ambience makes for a creative scene. With a lot of investment being injected into the area, there is a range of different housing options and promises of a transformed high street.
Griffin Park
Griffin Park was the stadium home to the Brentford Bees since 1904. The new Premier League stadium, called Brentford Community Stadium is located close to Kew Bridge and the M4 flyover. The iconic tower of the Kew Bridge Waterworks, now the London Museum of Water and Steam can be seen from the ground in contrast with the modern stadium look. Griffin Park has been set for development by the company Eco World who originally proposed a housing development with 75 homes and a memorial garden made from the original Griffin Pitch. Over time this proposal has increased the number of residences to over 145, including houses and flats, and the memorial garden to a central “pocket park”. These modern homes apparently include some that would fall in the affordable housing bracket. Parking spaces are already factored into the design. While demolition was underway in 2022, when the development will be ready is unclear.
The Brentford Project
Flanking the Thames and the High Street is the new Brentford Project. A mixture of residential apartments and commercial spaces, the Brentford Project has its own murals promising great things to come. Broken down into Apartments, The Lanes and The High Street, the Brentford Project is set to change downtown Brentford into a trendy riverside scene. If the popular Santa Maria pizzeria set in the Duke of London classic car hub is anything to go by, it really will be a place to be. Sam Harrison is set to launch a brasserie and deli this summer. With Sam’s Riverside in Hammersmith and Sam’s Larder in Hammersmith and Chiswick. Comprising a 70-cover restaurant, 30-seat bar, and waterside outdoor terrace the brasserie will be an anchor point for the Brentford Project, along with the delicatessen opposite. While Brentford Farmer’s market is on the second Sunday of every month, artisan foods will become a daily option with the development of the Project.
New Homes in Brentford
New investment in Brentford is part of this suburban transformation. With many new build options around Brentford Lock and the river there is a lot of potential here for apartment living surrounded by green open space and nature. With the forecasted developments at Griffin Park, The Brentford Project and all the new builds, it is likely that Brentford will be a very different place in a few years. The Moorings offers affordable housing options for those who want to get on the property ladder on the Brentford Lock. Network Homes are set to have another 69 affordable housing options by 2024. New investment amongst Brentford’s period terraces and council estates as well as houseboats suggest a diverse neighbourhood is on the cards. For anyone considering where to move house to in London, Brentford is a location worth flagging on your map.
Green spaces in Brentford
The river Thames has already been mentioned frequently but is worth the emphasis. Having access to the Thames, particularly the majestic Western is such a benefit. Walking by the Grand Union canal has some authentic shipyard beauty where you can see vestiges of old Brentford and feel its former spirit. Crossing at Kew Bridge gives you long riverside walks alongside Kew Gardens with views of Syon House. Running and rowing are popular activities along this stretch of the Thames. Syon Park is easy to reach and is close to the extensive garden centre, Hilliers. With a wide range of horticultural delights, Hilliers has its own delicatessen, café, and gift shop. St Pauls recreation ground in the heart of Brentford centres around a restored fountain but is more locally applauded for its playground and open space for picnicking. Close to St Pauls is The Griffin, “ a no-nonsense community boozer”, the true hearth for Brentford football fans and the Black Dog. Sunday Roast is available at the Griffin and the Black Dog has an impressive range of food and drinks and a tranquil eating area.
Transport Links
Overground train services leave Brentford and Kew Bridge for Waterloo, with a journey time of approximately 30 minutes. Plans to open a disused railway track to create a Brentford to Southall link would open the fast transportation options of the Queen Elizabeth line. Plus, easy access to Richmond on the overground train gives greater options for restaurants, bars, theatres, and cinema. With the M4 running along the back of Brentford, it is easy to connect with Heathrow Airport, Central London, and the rest of the country. The junction to the M3 is also close by, beyond Twickenham. Bus routes can take you easily on a scenic route to Richmond or Kew, or into Isleworth and Southall. Cycle routes along the canal and the Thames allow you easy access to West London via Chiswick and Hammersmith. If you want to journey into the city along the canal, and you have the vessel, you can do so.
Gentleman and a Van in Brentford
Over the last two decades, we have seen London change as our removals and storage business grows. At Gentleman & a Van, we provide excellent customer service to our customers in their time of need. Our services have adapted over time to include extensive storage facilities in London. So often a move can be made easier with the use of storage facilities and our adaptable services. We even work with small businesses which may require our dedicated Man and Van team on an ad hoc basis. If you have a commercial enterprise you want to set up in this new area, our team can be on hand to assist with our range of professional services. Our customer reviews confirm that we can deliver when it comes to excellence in customer service. Gentleman & a Van intends to raise the bar on London removals and storage and take your experience to the next level. Get in touch today to discuss any removals issue and we can put a plan together based on a free quote.
