We are working with The Old Oak and Park Royal Development Corporation (OPDC) and Brent Council to improve the canalside in Harlesden.
The project is part of a joint effort to improve the canal environment through Old Oak and Park Royal, with funding from the Mayor's Good Growth Fund, and shaped by our communities.
The main improvements have now been completed (November 2023):
- A widened towpath to provide better access for everyone
- New planting and seating in the space beside the canal
- A new amphitheatre for people to sit and enjoy the canal, large enough to host community outdoor events
- Improved canoe facilities supporting the Sharks Canoe Club
- Installation of visitor mooring rings through the area
- Two dedicated spaces next to the new amphitheatre for local community organisations to moor
- New and improved boaters’ customer service facilities with improved bin storage (available now). New facilities access mooring rings have been installed (including dredging)
- OPENING SOON: The customer service facilities will soon also have a water point and Elsan disposal facilities (Spring 2024), and space for minor boat maintenance and repairs – please check back for updates on opening of these services which are not available for use yet.
The towpath and visitor mooring has reopened, with some finishing touches to follow in early 2024.
Get involved and help shape what’s to come
The project team has worked with local people to scope, shape, and design the project to ensure it delivers uses that would be most welcomed and valued by the community. There will be a calendar of events, workshops and volunteering opportunities on site starting in Spring 2024.
Further information and updates can be found on OPDC’s webpage here, including contact details if you would like to get involved.
There are opportunities to get involved in how the space will be occupied and operated by community organisations, and you can be part of its future.
Young Brent Foundation on board the boat The John Lyon, and Sharks Canoe Club will be in place at Harlesden Canalside. The John Lyon will be used by Young Brent Foundation to provide a space where children and young people can take part in after school activities, training, face to face engagement and much more. To find out more about the Young Brent Foundation and their work, please click here.
OPDC is working with community co-ordinator, Anita Whittaker, to spread the word about the new spaces available for all kinds of local groups and organisations to use, and working directly with the local community to help them run events.
OPDC is now inviting expressions of interest from businesses or community groups who are interested in occupying the second community mooring at Harlesden Canalside for the benefit of the local community. Do you own a local business or run a community organisation and want to have a permanent mooring on the canal? Or do you know anyone who might be interested?
Please register your interest and ideas for how the space can be used with the project team via the project website, or by contacting [email protected]
Alternatively you can email us at [email protected]
As people are looking more and more to green space to support their wellbeing, the value of London’s canals as places to relax and enjoy, and also as vibrant destinations, is to be celebrated.
We know that people who spend time by the canal are healthier and happier, and we are excited to see how this canal-side space will develop and come to life for people who visit, live, or work in Harlesden and Park Royal.
