Land deal unifies 70-acre Old Oak site, clearing way for 8,000-home scheme

The Old Oak and Park Royal Development Corporation (OPDC) is looking for a development partner after a major land agreement cleared the way for an 8,000-home regeneration on the capital’s largest brownfield site.

The development corporation, which was set up by the Mayor of London, has today announced that heads of terms have been agreed for a public land agreement with the Department for Transport and Network Rail.

The deal unifies 70 acres at Old Oak in west London into a single development site, paving the way for its regeneration into a new canal-side district close to Old Oak Common station, which will initially be the London terminus for HS2 when it is completed.

OPDC is now launching procurement for a private sector partner to join it in delivering the £10bn scheme, with a two-stage process opening this month and a preferred partner expected to be selected next spring.

As well as 8,000 homes, the project is set to include 200,000 sq m of commercial and community space, as well as new public realm and green spaces.

Dame Karen Buck, Chair of OPDC, said securing the land was “a breakthrough moment” and said the creation of a single, strategic development site was essential for “giving the market certainty and unlocking exceptional placemaking potential”. 

“Now, we are seeking an exemplar joint‑venture partner with the vision and capability to turn this ambition into reality,” she said. 

“Together, we will drive this forward at pace to create the capital’s next great urban district: a place that shows what can be achieved when public purpose and private expertise work side by side.”

Sadiq Khan, mayor of London, added: “This vibrant new canalside district at Old Oak will transform West London and shape its future for decades to come, as we continue to build a greener, fairer and more prosperous city for all.”

Last September, Khan appointed five new names to the OPDC board, including Shahi Islam, director of affordable housing at Homes England, Alison Dowsett, former managing director at Berkeley Group, and Sarah McCready, director of social infrastructure and communications at Barking Riverside Limited.