Landmark £40m boost for Harlesden and St Raphael's to fund a decade of change

Harlesden and St Raphael's Estate are set to benefit from a major £40 million investment over the next decade, in a landmark moment for the two neighbourhoods.

The funding comes through the Government’s Pride in Place Programme, which provides up to £2million a year for each area over 10 years and is aimed at places across the country that are facing high inequalities.

In Brent, this means Harlesden and St Raphael's will now benefit from a major new programme of investment designed to deliver visible improvements, strengthen local pride and make sure residents see real change in their neighbourhoods over time.

Local people will be at the heart of the scheme, sitting on Neighbourhood Boards and working alongside Brent Council and local MPs to create a plan for lasting change.

While London is often seen as prosperous overall, Brent’s latest analysis shows deprivation has worsened relative to other parts of England since the pandemic, with some of the most acute pressures concentrated in Stonebridge, Roundwood and Harlesden and Kensal Green. One Stonebridge neighbourhood is in the 1% most deprived areas in England and is identified as the most deprived area in London.

This funding represents a significant government investment in Brent and comes at a moment of real opportunity for the borough. With the West London Orbital on the horizon, growth around Old Oak and Park Royal, and HS2 helping to reshape West London, Harlesden and Stonebridge are well placed to share in that future.

Councillor Muhammed Butt, Leader of Brent Council, said: “This is a landmark investment in Brent, and we are absolutely delighted to see Harlesden and St Raphael's Estate receive this funding.

“It shows that the Government understands a simple truth: if you want to move the dial on deprivation, you have to be serious about significant financial investment over the long term. The challenges facing communities like ours were not created overnight, and they cannot be undone overnight either.

“This funding gives us the chance to invest in the physical and social fabric of our neighbourhoods, in changes that people will be able to see and feel, and in the kind of lasting improvements that build pride in our borough.

“For Brent, this is about legacy. We believe the time is now for real change in Harlesden and Stonebridge, from better public spaces to more opportunities for local people; this investment has the potential to leave a lasting mark for generations to come.”

Dawn Butler, Member of Parliament for Brent East, said: “This is exactly the kind of investment the St Raphael’s Estate has deserved for a long time.

“The challenges facing communities like ours are deep rooted, and reversing years of deprivation can only come through long term commitment and sustained investment. This funding gives us the chance to plan ahead and focus on the improvements that matter most to local people.

“That is why this decade-long settlement is so important. It has the potential to make a real difference for residents and help turn the tide in Stonebridge over the years to come. I look forward to working with local people, partners and Brent Council to shape how this funding is used, so it strengthens community life, restores pride in the area and creates more opportunities for the next generation.”

Georgia Gould, Member of Parliament for Queen’s Park and Maida Vale, said: “I’m so excited to see this Pride in Place investment coming to Harlesden. It’s a place with so much to offer through its rich heritage, vibrant cultural scene and amazing community energy and so many people who have worked tirelessly for years to deliver for this local community deserve this.

“With this new investment now matching the ambition and creativity locally I can’t wait to see the opportunities it creates and I’m really looking forward to working side by side with the local community and Brent Council to make sure we deliver a lasting impact for everyone in Harlesden.”