Southall is set to benefit from enhanced green spaces and a focus on job creation as part of Ealing Council's new Ealing Pride in Place
programme. The initiative, which has a budget of £1.4 million, aims to revitalise high streets and town centres across the borough.
The programme will focus on improving public spaces, fostering civic pride, and supporting local economic growth. The 'Ealing Pride in Place' programme involves a phased delivery model, with the first phase of delivery expected to commence in 2026-27. Initial phases focus on capacity building and resident engagement, followed by delivery in high-visibility town centres, and finally, areas requiring community building work. While Southall is presented as a case study, the programme is intended to cover multiple high streets and town centres across the borough, with funding spread across seven towns. The exact order and specific towns beyond Southall are not detailed.
In Southall, specifically around the station and Merrick Road, proposals include the development of urban greenery, pocket parks, new seating, and public art. These enhancements are part of a broader vision for Southall encapsulated by three pillars: stay,
prosper,
and create.
This strategy aims to encourage residents to remain in the area, foster quality job opportunities, and celebrate the town's cultural heritage.
The Ealing Pride in Place
programme aims to foster good quality jobs in Southall. Specifically, the council is looking at how industrial sites are changing and securing affordable workspace. For example, alongside data centres, there will be 20,000-25,000 square feet of affordable workspace, including micro units. There's also investment in modernising manufacturing plants, which will impact skills and job types. The programme also aims to crystallise key strengths in sectors where Southall is competitive and ensure future developments provide suitable spaces for local businesses, such as light industrial units, to retain better quality jobs locally.
The programme intends to address issues such as the need for essential amenities and improved public transport infrastructure in Southall by working with landowners to enhance the public realm and secure foundational economic elements. The council aims to secure 'foundational economic elements' through landowner collaboration, which includes ensuring there are places for residents to go for basic amenities, such as a supermarket. The discussion highlighted the need for essential amenities like supermarkets in certain areas and improved public transport infrastructure.
The importance of measurable outcomes and Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) for the programme was emphasised. The panel discussed that 'vacancy rates' and 'business survival' are potential KPIs for measuring success, with the programme seeking to support local businesses by improving public spaces and potentially creating opportunities for them. 'Resident perception of safety' is also a key consideration for measuring success. The council will be working with public health colleagues to establish baseline KPIs for monitoring.
Key performance indicators for success will include tangible outcomes such as improved greening, economic growth, and residents' perceptions of safety. The 'Ealing Pride in Place' programme aims to boost the local economy, which includes addressing footfall levels and business survival.
Further details on the Ealing Pride in Place
programme can be found in the Public reports pack.
