Meinhardt UK has welcomed the approval of planning for a 2000 home scheme at Greenford Green, Ealing, London.

Global real estate company Greystar has appointed Meinhardt UK alongside HTA Design (architects) and Alinea Consulting (Cost Consultants) to regenerate an area of industrial wasteland next to the Grand Union Canal that was formerly occupied by pharmaceutical giant GSK.

The 1,965-home development will primarily be for multifamily rental, but will also offer a mix of private sale, affordable and shared ownership homes set within a mixed-use well-managed neighbourhood.

With blocks accommodating between 198 and 379 apartments, the plans promise 1,439 rented homes, 526 homes for market sale, with agreed affordable housing comprising discount rented and shared ownership homes. The scheme will also deliver communal space, 59,500 square feet of office space as well as 65,000 square feet of retail - including a new grocery store - and 33,000 square feet of space for restaurants and cafes.

There will also be a new primary school on the site, as well as accommodation for a new health centre.  A new pedestrian bridge over the canal and a proposal to re-open Berkeley Avenue to improve accessibility are also planned.

In conjunction with the enabling works, the project team are also proceeding with the design development for Phase One, with an anticipated start on site for construction late in 2017.

The project has to work around the listed ‘Art Deco’ former GSK HQ building which will be extended and renovated behind a retained façade. The proposal retains the use as a commercial building.