Former GlaxoSmithKline HQ in west London to be transformed into 1,500 new homes

A brownfield site in west London is set to be totally regenerated bringing over 1,500 new homes, student flats, and co-living space in plans for a “15-minute neighbourhood”.

Councillors in Hounslow approved plans to redevelop the former headquarters of GlaxoSmithKline in Brentford, on the Great West Road, on Thursday (March 5).

The development, which still needs final sign-off by the Mayor of London, will deliver a total of 1,522 new homes.

The first phase of development will see the construction of 761 homes across five tower blocks. The landmark tower will be redeveloped and built on to become the tallest block on the site reaching 26 storeys and holding 239 flats.

Of the residential blocks, there will be an additional 23-storey tower block, alongside a 17-storey block and two 12-storey buildings. Initially, the approved plans will provide 225 one-bedroom flats, 379 two-bedroom flats, 149 three-bedroom flats, and 8 four-bedroom flats.

Some 612 of the 761 homes scheduled for the first phase will be sold on the private market, with 19 per cent available for rent while 116 will be available for social rent, with 33 marketed for “intermediate” rent - a type of affordable housing.

Separately to the residential blocks, two linked buildings reaching 24 and 8 storeys will be dedicated to student accommodation for 506 people. The plans consist of 96 studios and 410 “cluster rooms” whereby students share a communal living space.

Alongside the student accommodation, a co-living block is also to be built. Similar to student accommodation, the co-living block provides en-suite rooms with shared kitchen facilities and living space - this will provide 296 units in a 21-storey building.

The development will create up to 28,611 sqm of "flexible employment and educational floorspace". It is expected that this will support between 455 and 635 full-time jobs.

Planning documents outline the potential for retail outlets, cafes, a micro-brewery, a cinema and fitness centres. The scheme also includes a new NHS GP surgery and a 62-place nursery.

Phase one alone will deliver 1.49 hectares of "new public realm" across five "character areas". This includes an arrival square, a main plaza, and pedestrianised areas.