THE new Southall Waterside development this week welcomed its first residents.

The first 304 homes are being offered to Ealing residents on either an affordable rent or shared ownership basis. 

Over the next 25 years, Southall Waterside will provide around 3,750 homes of all types as the 88-acre former gasworks site is brought to life.

There are also plans for a health centre, primary school, community centre and a commercial district with shops, restaurants, a cinema and public squares.

Eventually, around half of the vast brownfield site will become public open space, including 40 acres of parkland, with fitness trails, wetlands, cycle paths and walkways.

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Cllr Julian Bell, leader of Ealing Council, who was present to welcome the first residents, said: “Southall Waterside was previously a disused industrial site and the much-needed regeneration of this land means it is now beginning to actively contribute to our local economy.”

Tony Pidgley, chairman of Berkeley Group, said: “Together with Ealing Council and our fantastic local partners, we are transforming this long derelict site into a welcoming new part of Southall for the whole community to enjoy.”

Southall Waterside will be connected to the neighbouring 90-acre Minet Country Park in Hayes and a previously inaccessible one-kilometre stretch of the Grand Union Canal.