Ealing Council Seeks Views on Latest Regional Park Plan
Architects Prior and Partners has drawn up latest designs
The vision is for 8 kilometres of linked green spaces. Picture: Ealing Council
March 18, 2025
Residents are being asked to give their views on Ealing Council’s latest vision for a new regional park.
The E aling Regional Park Concept Plan has been developed in partnership with architects Prior and Partners. The company was involved in the creation of the site for the 2012 London Olympic Games, the Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park in east London.
The latest proposals have used feedback and ideas from more than 6,000 residents along with views from community groups and other stakeholders, gathered during a public consultation held at the end of 2023. The results of that consultation showed 77% of respondents supported the idea of the park.
While there is not yet a fixed map of the regional park, an option the Council are considering is for it to be based around the River Brent and Horsenden Hill. Four focal areas are proposed which are Warren Farm, Churchfields Recreation Ground, Perivale + Pear Tree Park and Horsenden Hill. This would result in 8 kilometres of linked green spaces following the course of the River Brent from Horsenden Hill in the north of the borough through to Warren Farm in the south. In the future, it could also have the potential to expand into neighbouring boroughs.
The latest plan outlines a series of measures aimed at improving connectivity, recreational facilities, and ecological resilience across the borough.
The focal points for the regional park plan. Picture: Prior and Partners
To enhance accessibility, the plan proposes the creation of the Ealing Regional Park Trail, a pedestrian and cycle route that will connect these four focal areas. Two new bridges would need to be built, one across the Grand Union Canal at Lock 97 and another across the River Brent between Brent River Park and Brentfield Cricket Ground. In addition, public realm improvements along Horsenden Lane South would help link the northern and southern sections of the park. The plan also includes upgrades to pedestrian crossings at Uxbridge Road and the A40. In the long term, a green bridge over the A40 is proposed to enhance pedestrian and ecological continuity. Secondary paths and ‘green fingers’ will connect the park to nearby transport hubs, schools, and town centres, with increased tree planting and signage to encourage walking and cycling.
Key development areas within the regional park include Warren Farm, which will be transformed into a new sports facility alongside a nature reserve, with a significant gateway on Windmill Lane. Churchfields could see the renewal of Hanwell Zoo, the Millennium Maze, and Brent Lodge Playground, with additional visitor facilities such as a visitor centre and amphitheatre for outdoor performances. At Perivale + Pear Tree Park, a major focus will be the creation of wetlands and natural play spaces, as well as the enhancement of sports facilities, including the potential addition of all-weather pitches. These improvements will be closely linked to planned upgrades at Gurnell Leisure Centre. Horsenden Hill will be further developed as a recreational hub with the addition of a high ropes adventure course, expanded natural play areas, a glamping site, and enhanced facilities at Horsenden Farm.
A map showing the green spaces to be included in the regional park
Sports and recreation facilities across the park will also be significantly upgraded. Existing sports infrastructure will benefit from improved drainage for pitches, refurbishment of tennis courts and multi-use games areas (MUGAs), and the introduction of new all-weather pitches. A dedicated sports hub is planned for Warren Farm. Beyond formal sports, the park will feature outdoor fitness equipment, designated areas for yoga and dance, and clearly marked running and cycling trails.
To support biodiversity and flood resilience, the plan includes a range of ecological interventions. Wildflower meadows would be expanded in areas of lower ecological distinctiveness, such as Warren Farm, while wetland meadows will be developed in flood-prone areas to improve biodiversity and manage water flow. Artificial wetlands could be created in Pear Tree Park to strengthen flood resilience, improve water quality, and contribute to carbon sequestration. Additionally, a Brownfield Open Mosaic Habitat will be established on the derelict site of the former Warren Farm buildings. To promote engagement with nature, nature watching huts will be introduced, and sustainable urban drainage solutions will be implemented to manage water levels more effectively across sports fields and flood-prone zones.
In the early stages of the park's development, it is recommended that a series of activation projects should be introduced to build momentum and community engagement. At Churchfields, pop-up markets and cultural events could help test the feasibility of a future outdoor cultural venue, while the stables could be repurposed as an early visitor centre with potential cycle hire facilities. In Perivale + Pear Tree Park, community-driven wetland creation projects will be launched, and the park’s café space may serve as a Regional Park Design Hub, offering an exhibition and workshop space for public involvement in the park’s development. Meanwhile, Horsenden Hill would see greater promotion of Horsenden Farm’s activities, the introduction of a pop-up kayak rental service at Ealing Canoe Club, and the expansion of scout camping and glamping opportunities.
Council leader Peter Mason said, “The regional park could transform the health and wellbeing of people across west London for generations to come. It will act as a green lung for London and tackle the impact of climate change by improving air quality, protecting the borough from flooding and providing habitat for wildlife.”
Councillor Blerina Hashani, the council’s cabinet member for thriving communities, added, “We want the regional park to be more than a day out and offer something for lovers of nature, culture and play. The concept plan includes exciting ideas ranging from a sports hub at Warren Farm, cycle trails and yoga to play areas and an amphitheatre for cultural events. But we want to hear your views on the regional park and the concept plan.”
The regional park concept plan consultation opened on Monday 10 March with an online consultation for residents. You can give your views there until the closing date of Sunday 6 April.
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