Residents in Ealing, like areas across London, can expect to see a number of big developments coming together in the borough this year. In partnership with a number of developers the council hopes to see several projects progress in 2025, including new homes and a new leisure centre.
The Local Democracy Reporting Service (LDRS) takes a look at some of the biggest projects to keep an eye on this year.
Gurnell Leisure Centre, West Ealing
The Gurnell Leisure Centre in West Ealing permanently closed in August 2020 following the lockdown. The 50-year-old building was deemed unsafe and in urgent need of redevelopment.
Original plans included a 17-storey tower block housing some of the 600 homes planned for the site. Following strong local opposition, the plans were rejected and reworked. The new plans, due to be decided on Wednesday evening (January 15), reduce the number of homes to 300 and cap block heights at 10 storeys.
A CGI of the plans for the Gurnell Leisure Centre
(Image: Ealing Council)
The development will feature a new 50-metre swimming pool with slides, a gym, play areas, commercial space, and approximately 300 ‘affordable and new market housing’ homes; 35 per cent of the homes are expected to be affordable.
The original plans received over 1,000 objections from residents concerned about the height of tower blocks being ‘out of character’ with the local area. Council Leader Peter Mason said: “We have listened to feedback from residents, sports groups, and centre users about their objections to the first, failed planning application. The new plan reflects and responds to previous concerns about the height and number of residential units.”
42 Hastings Road, West Ealing
Two new student accommodation blocks in West Ealing is a development to watch in 2025. When approval was given in November 2024, one of the conditions attached was that work must commence within three years.
The original buildings previously used by a shop and restaurant are set to be demolished to make way for the 412-flat tower blocks reaching 16 storeys. Previously almost 450 flats were set to be built.
CGI image of plans for new student flats in West Ealing
(Image: Ealing Council)
The development received fierce opposition from residents which forced changes to the plans; 99 per cent of feedback received during consultation was against the plans. Originally the tallest block was to reach 21 storeys. This has been reduced to a 14 and 17-storey tower.
A total of 35 per cent of the student rooms offered will be designated as ‘affordable’. The site will also house a large commercial and public space.
1 Stirling Road/1-9 Colville Road and 67-81 Stirling Road, Acton
Another notable project to keep an eye on in 2025 is in Acton. The existing industrial warehouse and office buildings on these parts of Stirling and Colville Road are set to be demolished, making way for a student block of flats and a residential block.
An impression of new student and residential homes in Acton
(Image: Ealing Council)
The tallest block will be 20 storeys high accommodating 429 student rooms. The second building will be 11 storeys high, providing 95 residential homes, all of which will be affordable.
The residential block will be made up of 49 flats for rent in line with the ‘London Affordable Rent’ scheme, and the remaining 46 will be available for shared ownership. A majority of the block will be one or two-bedroom flats.
The development also comprises 4,094 sqm commercial floor space at ground and first floor levels. This will provide floor space for small businesses, and create between 80 and 220 jobs.
Dean Gardens, West Ealing
The refurbishment of Dean Gardens, Uxbridge Road, is set to make major progress this year. The park had been earmarked for improvements since 2020.
Drawing of plans for the refurbishment of Dean Gardens, West Ealing
(Image: Ealing Council)
Aspects of the new-look park include a ‘rich play environment’ which will offer children the chance to learn about the natural environment whilst playing. There will also be a ‘dedicated growing area’ offering the opportunity for community-led gardening in the park.
New lamp columns will be installed along the newly constructed paths to increase visibility at night time. The park had become an area plagued by antisocial behaviour and violence over the years. The project is jointly funded by Ealing Council and Transport for London (TfL).
Sherwood Close, West Ealing
The Sherwood Close regeneration project is expected to gain momentum this year. In October 2024, a new community centre was opened as part of the development.
Alongside this, 185 homes across two tower blocks are planned. These two blocks will reach six and 14 storeys respectively and will also provide car parking and bike storage.
A depiction of the new flats in the Sherwood Close redevelopment
(Image: Ealing Council)
Thirty seven of these homes have been designated as affordable housing. This phase of the estate regeneration was originally approved as entirely private market sale with 142 residential units.
A public consultation was held in 2022 which saw several objections pointing to the height of the buildings and pressure on local services. However, upon review the council believed the height was appropriate for the local area, and the developer will make financial contributions to local infrastructure provision.
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