Brentford High Street, the heart of Brentford in West London, is embarking on a new chapter in its development.

After many years of waiting for re-development of the town centre that has never arrived, our community is taking in our own hands the challenge of breathing new life into the area.  This is being moved forward by bringing the local business community , residents and our local council together round the table in a Steering group . 

Together we are putting in place short and medium term plans to improve the shopping experience that High Street Brentford offers.  At the same time we have used a community planning process to develop a clear view of what a sustainable future for the High Street looks like - see Brentford High Street - The Community Vision .  This aims to create a more vibrant shopping area that respects the history of the town and is also a world-class model for High Street regeneration elsewhere.  The process is being supported by local Syon and Brentford ward councillors.

LATEST NEWS FROM THE STEERING GROUP

• July 2010: Presentation to Brentford Chamber of Commerce Executive on the Business Improvement Districts - BIDs - approach to driving further investment in Brentford
• July 2010: Brentford High Street Report - Princes Foundation for the Built Environment - June 2010 published and circulated to key stakeholders
• May 2010: Wondering why more progress has not been made on rebuilding Brentford High Street?  Read the latest update from Andrew Dakers
• April 2010: First St Georges Day event in Market Place takes place - read more here: http://www.brentfordtw8.com/info/communityevents001.htm 
• March 2010: The Prince's Foundation for the Built Environment facilitate urban design day long workshop for Ballymore and Brentford High Street Steering Group
• February 2010: The High Street Steering Group write to Leader of the Council raising concerns regarding retail rents report going to Council Executive: http://www.coactivate.org/projects/brentfordhighstreet/rents-investigation/Letter-to-Councillor-Thompson-23-February.pdf - report is subsequently withdrawn
• November 2009: Christmas lights are switched-on for the third time at Watermans Centre
• September 2009: Christmas lights fundraising dinner is kindly hosted by Syon Park
• Read more in our News archive

STEERING GROUP SUCCESSES

• 2006-09: New High Street car park
• Autumn 2007:  GSK add Brentford High Street to their GSK House, Brentford Intranet - Organised through Gita Katbamna
• 1-19 May 07: Thomas Layton Trust ran the History in the High Street exhibition
• Christmas lights in 2007/8, 2008/9 and 2009/10 were led by Steering Group member Julia Quilliam with support from Andrew Dakers
• Spring 08: Brentford High Street Steering Group and our partners are finalists in the Innovative Engagement category of the national DCLG/ Academy for Sustainable Communities "Creating the Future 2008" Awards
  • Read awards brochure here (pg 6)
• Autumn 08: Funding is secured to restore and relocate the St Lawrences War Memorial by Julia Quilliam with cross-party support from councillors
• 2008-9: Street trading licenses
• Feb 09: Windows on Brentford Project is organised with Brentford CLC, OctInk and Ballymore

ONGOING INITIATIVES

• Rents investigation -- and proposals for a new approach
• Improved marketing of High Street
  • Improved signage for parking
  • Town Centre Management
• Conservation area extension
• Widening the pavement on the south side of High Street in the town centre

TAKE ACTION WITH BRENTFORD HIGH STREET STEERING GROUP

• Take part in the current ONLINE DISCUSSION on the future look and feel of the High Street scene
• Join our mailing list to receive updates on the initiative
• Attend High Street Steering group meetings
  • Steering group - community planning
  • Thematic sub-groups looking at economy, history, planning, environment developed the action plan in 2007 from which we are now working