Asda to Transform London Store into Car-Free "Town Centre" with 1,500 Homes

Supermarket chain Asda has announced plans to transform its Park Royal store in north-west London into a new "town centre" development, encompassing a 60,000 sq ft Asda superstore, additional retail units, and 1,500 homes.

This ambitious project, a collaboration with property developer Barratt London, will redevelop a 10-acre brownfield site into a mixed-use scheme prioritising sustainability. Notably, the residential development will be car-free, aiming to encourage the use of public transport, with the store car park equipped with electric vehicle charging stations.

The development, located within the Old Oak and Park Royal Development Corporation major regeneration area, will feature many homes situated above the new store on a landscaped podium. Approximately 500 of these homes will be designated as affordable housing.

Asda's head of mixed-use developments, Ian Lawrence, emphasised the company's commitment to unlocking value from its property portfolio and reinvesting it into initiatives that support long-term growth. He highlighted the opportunity to better serve local communities like Park Royal with a modern flagship store while also addressing the need for new housing.

Barratt West London MD, Craig Carson, expressed pride in partnering with Asda on this landmark project, citing the company's experience in brownfield site rejuvenation and new home delivery in the borough of Ealing. He emphasised the significance of the project in unlocking land for development in the capital and contributing to the much-needed provision of new and affordable homes in Ealing.

The planning application is expected to be submitted later this year, with Newsteer Real Estate advising Asda throughout the process. The proposed development aligns with the trend of mixed-use schemes, which can enhance the prospects of securing planning permission for supermarkets in London.

This initiative also marks Asda's first foray into mixed-use development, reflecting the growing trend among retailers to diversify their property portfolios and contribute to urban regeneration projects.