The project involves the redevelopment of the existing GlaxoSmithKline factory site at Greenford into a mixed-use residential scheme. The project comprises the demolition and replacement of the existing buildings – with the exception of the main entrance building, Glaxo House, which has a listed status and will be refurbished as part of the development.

The development consists of seven residential blocks, including a 20-storey tower, containing circa 2,000 units of private rental, private sale and affordable housing. At ground level there are retail and public amenities as well as car parking. A multi-storey carpark is proposed to be contained within one of the blocks.

To enhance local public services, a health centre and two-form entry school are included within the masterplan.

The key challenges for this project are size and scale of development on a fast-moving programme. The site is bisected by the Grand Union Canal, incorporating infrastructure canal crossings to provide an integrated heat network from the central energy centre.

Modern methods of construction are considered at an early stage to provide efficiencies in manufacture that will shorten the construction programme and reduce risk to personnel on site.

With the buildings being mixed tenure, the energy centre is developed as a standalone sub-surface structure. Flue dilution is incorporated to avoid taking flues through any of the buildings. The apartments are designed to offer a range of ‘pod’ elements for bathrooms and utility service cupboards reducing onsite fabrication.