A new future for Church End

The future for Church End will include 99 new council homes.

These homes will provide safe and secure places for local people, now more important than ever as residents across the borough grapple with the rising cost of living.

The council is providing £20 million funding and the Greater London Authority (GLA) almost £10 million towards these new homes and a new market area. Construction is expected to start in Autumn 2022 and be completed by 2025.

As part of the Covid-19 Recovery Fund, the council is also delivering almost £3 million worth of improvements in Church End to help businesses and local communities bounce back after the pandemic.

This will include £1.9million for pavement and road improvements and £886,000 for high street recovery initiatives. Work is due to start soon with more trees being planted to make the area greener and reduce air pollution, pavements widened and lights replaced to make local streets brighter and safer.

Cllr Muhammed Butt, Leader of Brent Council, said: “I am incredibly proud that we are investing in the future of Church End to deliver new homes and a safer, greener revitalised high street. This will bring a new wave of opportunities for local people and I cannot wait to see the vision for this area come to life.”

An additional £300,000 of funding has also been secured via the Greater London Authority (GLA) High Streets for All Challenge Fund.

This was made possible thanks to a partnership formed by the Somali Advice and Forum of Information (SAAFI) and a number of other local organisations which include: African Women Centre, Brent Mencap, Fashioning our History, Free the Forgotten, St Mary’s Church, Trussell Trust, The Village House Hub and United Borders.

The partnership will be meeting soon to explore how to best use the funding over the next year to create a prosperous and thriving Church End.

Rhoda Ibrahim, Chief Executive Officer of SAAFI, says: “I am excited to see change coming into Church Road. We have watched these kids grow up in the area with nothing. We need to help them set their minds for a better future.”

A cultural festival is also expected later in the year to mark the completion of the initial works.

All this contributes to the wider Church End Masterplan, setting out the long-term vision for the area.

Ahmed Bassaam, Community Leader of Al Saddiiq Cultural Centre, added: “This transformational project is good news for the future of Church Road. It tackles inequalities and offers hope for local residents.”

Over the coming years, local people will also benefit from an innovative Youth Hub and Café, a new market square and a number of other initiatives that support local businesses and the community.

Rhoda Ibrahim, Chief Executive Officer of SAAFI, says: “I am excited to see change coming into Church Road. We have watched these kids grow up in the area with nothing. We need to help them set their minds for a better future.