More than £7.2 million has been awarded to Ealing borough to deliver a number of extensive improvements in the Northolt area.
Only six projects in London were awarded the levelling up funding through a competitive bidding process.
The money will be used to improve the A312 and Kensington Road corridors for all road users including pedestrians and cyclists. The improvements are designed to create better connections to local and wider services and jobs, ease congestion, improve road safety and air quality.
Cllr Peter Mason, leader of Ealing Council, said: “This is excellent news for Ealing and a massive boost to Northolt. This is big money for the cycling infrastructure in the area and is testament to the work that continues to ensure that funding such as this is being directed to our most disadvantaged communities.”
Northolt is within the top 20 per cent most deprived areas in England. The area’s problems were exacerbated by the impact of Covid-19 on Heathrow Airport, including job losses.
The council is working with the community to ensure investment is directed towards Northolt and that local people’s priorities, aspirations and needs are the starting point for the investment.
“Earlier this year we began working with local people to develop a community-led vision for the future of Northolt which has highlighted the critical need to improve connectivity and transport for the town,” added Cllr Mason.
“The Visions for Northolt programme is a great example of community-led regeneration, delivering improvements that reflect the priorities of local people.
“There is great potential to stimulate the local economy in Northolt and we will use whatever means necessary to deliver change in the area.”
The funding will be used to support two of Ealing Council’s new priorities: Tackling Climate Crisis, aimed at encouraging people to take up sustainable forms of travel, and its Plan for Good Jobs, project, designed at delivering its economic recovery plan by supporting communities hit hardest by the pandemic.
Cllr Deirdre Costigan, deputy leader and cabinet member for climate action, said: “Make no mistake, this is a huge, huge win for Northolt and just what the area needs to support our drive for active travel across the borough.
“Northolt is a great place but it could be so much better, and this money will make a real difference.
“This funding announcement is the first step in an exciting journey for the future of Northolt. My thanks go to residents who have helped us come up with the ideas.”
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