Bridge Park

The future of Bridge Park

Brent Council is working with the owners of the Unisys buildings to redevelop the Bridge Park site, which has been partially derelict for over 15 years, to enhance the area for residents.

This redevelopment is part of a wider initiative to invest in sites along Hillside, aiming to create new homes, more jobs, and beautiful outdoor spaces for everyone to enjoy. The project is a partnership between Brent Council and Stonebridge Real Estate Development Limited (SRED), with a significant investment to improve the neighbourhood.

Artist impression of what the new The new Bridge Park redevelopment could look like

Artist impression of what the new Bridge Park redevelopment could look like.

The exciting development proposals feature a brand-new Community Hub with improved leisure facilities, adult education, affordable workspace, and new homes. The new Bridge Park Leisure Centre will be significantly larger than the current building and will include:

swimming pool
sports hall
larger gym
function hall
meeting rooms
café.

Additionally, the redevelopment will include:

affordable homes
a hotel
shops and cafés
affordable workspaces for small and start-up businesses
adequate parking bays with spaces for electric vehicles
dedicated disabled parking
extensive cycle parking for sustainable transport alternatives.

The proposals aim to create a vibrant, inclusive, and sustainable neighbourhood that honours the history of Stonebridge while meeting the needs of future generations. Bridge Park will be a great place to live, work and play. With new parks, homes and places for communities to come together, it will be a place everyone can feel proud to call home.

Unlocking investment in Bridge Park - the Hillside corridor

The Bridge Park redevelopment is an important part of Brent Council’s bigger Hillside Regeneration Corridor proposals. The Hillside Regeneration Corridor will be a lively, connected, and strong neighbourhood. It will celebrate its history while embracing new ideas and growth. It will offer different types of high-quality housing, job opportunities, community facilities, and green spaces for everyone, fostering an even stronger sense of community.

The corridor consists of:

Twybridge Way
Morland Gardens
Roy Smith House
Bernard Shaw House
Bridge Park

Background

The Bridge Park Community Leisure Centre is owned by Brent Council and has a significant place in the borough’s history. Once a disused London Transport bus garage, the hard work and dedication of local residents, working with the council, transformed it into what became the largest Black-led community enterprise in Europe. It has always been more than a leisure centre – offering space for business, education, a recording studio, a nursery, and places to bring people together.

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.

In June 2013, Brent Council explored options for developing the Unisys and Bridge Park sites for residential and commercial use to fund a new sports centre.

In February 2014, Brent consulted with residents on the layout of the new facility. By June 2017, the council agreed to sell part of its land to the owners of the Unisys buildings on the condition that the site would be redeveloped to include housing, a modern leisure centre, and a new hotel. In October 2017, the council conducted a six-week consultation to gather feedback from residents on the modern leisure centre, receiving 286 responses and over 200 participants in consultation meetings.

Unfortunately, a protracted legal dispute over Brent Council’s ownership of the site had put a temporary halt on development proposals. Nevertheless, in 2020, the High Court ruled in favour of the Council, thereby clearing a significant hurdle.

Since 2020, Brent Council has been working in collaboration with Stonebridge Real Estate Development Ltd on comprehensive redevelopment proposals for Bridge Park. These proposals have been crafted with careful consideration of community needs, financial planning, and intricate legal agreements, all of which strengthen the long-term prospects of the project.

Have your say

Have your say on the proposals by Monday 6 January 2025

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the history of the Bridge Park Leisure Centre?

The Bridge Park Community Leisure Centre has a rich history. Originally built in 1905 as a tram depot, it later served as a London Transport Bus Garage. In 1987, local residents transformed it into a leisure centre.

Over the years, it has provided not just leisure facilities but also spaces for business, education, a recording studio, a nursery, and community gatherings.

However, 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 new redevelopment plans aim to preserve its legacy while providing modern amenities for future generations.

Why has there been such a long gap between the original planning proposals and the current redevelopment plans?

While the project faced a legal challenge that delayed progress for four years, we have now incorporated valuable feedback from the community and stakeholders into the scheme. The updated plans include a swimming pool, community spaces with the capacity to host events for up to 500 people, an Adult Education Centre, and an affordable workspace provision. These changes aim to meet the diverse needs of our community and ensure that the centre remains a vibrant and accessible hub for all.

What steps are being taken to preserve the cultural significance of the site, especially given its historical importance?

The redevelopment will honour Bridge Park’s legacy by creating a new leisure centre that continues its role as a community hub. The new centre will have spaces for community events, sports, and education. The design and landscaping will celebrate the site's history, ensuring it remains a welcoming space for all residents, including the vulnerable and elderly. The centre will offer adult education courses and affordable workspace, promoting healthy outcomes for the community and creating a lasting legacy for those who have long valued its cultural significance.

When will the leisure centre close, and will there be any interim facilities for current users?

The proposal is for the leisure centre to close next year with a decision expected in early 2025. The exact closure date will be communicated in advance to ensure a smooth transition for users. During the redevelopment, Brent Council is committed to providing alternative arrangements for current users. This includes access to nearby leisure facilities and community spaces to minimise disruption. Details of these interim provisions will be shared with users well before the closure to ensure continuity of services.

What facilities will be provided in the leisure centre?

The new Bridge Park Leisure Centre will include a swimming pool, a sports hall, a modern gym, flexible fitness studios, and an indoor climbing wall. It will also feature community spaces like a function hall, meeting rooms, a café, and youth activity areas. Additionally, there will be Brent Start education rooms for adult learning.

How will local residents and businesses be affected during the redevelopment?

Both the council and the project team are committed to minimising disruption during the redevelopment. Construction will be managed to reduce noise, dust, and traffic impacts, with regular updates provided. Safe access routes will be maintained, and local businesses will be supported with clear signage and access points. The construction timeline is phased to minimise inconvenience and keep the area accessible and vibrant.

What is the expected phasing and timeline of development?

The redevelopment will be carried out in phases to minimise disruption and ensure efficient progress. Here is the anticipated timeline:

Early 2025: Second public exhibition to present refined designs.
Spring 2025: Submission of the planning application.
Late 2025: Expected decision on planning approval.
2026: Start of construction, beginning with the new leisure centre and other facilities.
2028: Completion of the new leisure centre.
2035: Full completion of the Bridge Park development.

This phased approach allows for gradual transformation while keeping residents informed and involved throughout each stage.

How will the redevelopment address parking for both residential units and the new leisure centre, and what measures will be taken to manage traffic and congestion in the local area?

The redevelopment will prioritise sustainable transport with enhanced walking and cycling routes, secure cycle parking, and improved access to public transport, including nearby bus routes and Stonebridge Park station.

There will be adequate parking bays with spaces for electric vehicles, dedicated disabled parking, car club options, and extensive cycle parking for sustainable transport alternatives.

The internal loop road and consolidated access junctions will ensure smooth traffic flow and promote greener travel choices to minimise traffic and congestion.

How will the Bridge Park redevelopment ensure accessibility for people with disabilities and older residents, and what benefits will these plans bring?

Accessibility is a core focus of the redevelopment. The new leisure centre, residential units, and community spaces will have step-free entrances, lifts, and adaptable facilities. Dedicated housing units will support older residents and those with disabilities. The development will also include disabled parking spaces, improved pedestrian pathways, and accessible links to public transport, ensuring everyone can easily access and enjoy the facilities.

How will the redevelopment incorporate climate change and sustainability considerations, including managing flood risks from local rivers and integrating sustainable design features?

The redevelopment will focus on sustainability and managing flood risks. Buildings will achieve a BREEAM "Excellent" rating with energy-efficient designs, green roofs, and eco-friendly materials. Renewable energy sources like solar panels and air source heat pumps will cut carbon emissions by 60%. Additionally, over 300 new trees will be planted to enhance biodiversity and air quality. These commitments promote environmental responsibility, and ensure a greener future.