Brentford Masterplan
A collaborative masterplan alongside Brentford’s waterside
Maccreanor Lavington, AHMM, Glenn Howells Architects and Grant Associates have co-authored a masterplan for the regeneration of Brentford High Street centered around the rich industrial heritage of the area. The Brentford Project for Ballymore is a major mixed-use west London waterfront development, regenerating a 12-acre site into a vibrant destination comprising 900 homes, restaurants, cafés and leisure opportunities with views across the surrounding landscape, water and greenery of west London.
Connecting High Street and River
The masterplan reinstates lost connections from the High Street to the River Brent, Grand Union Canal and inland waterways to the south which help re-establish new characterful street patterns that echo historic working yards. Extensions to the Thames path will also open new walking routes along the water’s edge creating a welcoming environment for locals and visitors alike.
Block B
Block B includes the refurbishment and conversion of two historic buildings fronting onto Brentford High Street, and the creation of a new mixed use building, housing a 2,000m2 food store, 900m2 of high street retail and independent local shops, and 107 new homes. The character of block B is defined by its relationship with the High Street to the north and with the reinstated yards and dockside to the south.
Along the high street, two three-storey buildings frame the refurbished shops and existing pub, giving the retail its presence on the high street. Their light brick facades and dark plinth echo the white mortar and painted shopfronts of their neighbours.
The south of the plot responds to the yards with a more industrial feel, taking its cues from the history of the site. A single plinth formed of large brick arches houses the supermarket, with a collection of smaller retail spaces and residential entrances facing the yards to maximise active frontage. On top of this base, two residential buildings sit either side of a large podium garden. Their height varies from five to seven storeys, and a slight fold in their facades helps frame the space of the yards, and subtly breaks down their monolithic language. The paired back façade of buff brick, arched windows and cantilevered steel balconies is inspired by the warehouse buildings that once lined the dock.
Client: Ballymore
Project Type: Mixed-Use Masterplan, Housing
Location: Brentford, London
Status: Planning approved 2014, Block B completed 2024
Size: 1,750m2 supermarket, 900m2 high street retail, 113 residential units
Photography: Fiona Smallshaw