SPOTLIGHT ON HAYES WELL-CONNECTED AND WITH GREAT POTENTIAL

Hayes has two claims to be the best-connected town in west London. The opening of the Elizabeth Line has brought it within 20 minutes of the centre of London –and added to the great benefits of being close to the M4, M25 and Heathrow Airport. Now, as we enter the age of artificial intelligence it is becoming a prime focus for data centres. Ark and Colt have one each under construction and more are planned.

Located at The Old Vinyl Factory, the Nest is a popular climbing wall which has a gym and fitness classes. In addition, there are gyms at Energie Fitness in Blyth Road and More Energy at the Hayes Campus of Uxbridge College in Coldharbour Lane.

A Property 'hot spot'

For the second year running property agents Benham & Reeves have named Hayes as one of the capital’s top property hot spots. Described in their 2024 annual survey as “a regeneration powerhouse” its position has been reaffirmed for 2025 as a great place to invest. It has specially highlighted the award-winning Barratt London development of 1500 new homes on the former Nestles factory site.

This is one of many residential developments which are expanding the population and bringing new opportunities for business. The multi-million pound mixed use scheme at the former EMI factory has led the way. World-famous for the production of billions of vinyl records it was also the place of life-changing inventions – stereo sound, airborne radar and CT scanners all started in Hayes. Now known as The Old Vinyl Factory it has brought the restoration of early 20th century listed industrial buildings together with the provision of new residential blocks. The commercial units offer a unique and iconic location for business and an ongoing review of unlet floorspace initiated by Hillingdon Council will chart the way forward.

It is not only private developers who are keeping busy. With financial backing from the Mayor of London the Council is carrying out the total rebuild of its old Austin Road and Avondale Drive Estates. When completed there will be an addition to the overall number of homes – with a mixture of those for council rent, leaseholders, shared ownership and private sale.

Quality facilities

The Town has some high-quality facilities already in place The Botwell Green Sports & Leisure Centre offers a wide range of health, fitness and fun activities for the local community. These include two swimming pools, a sports hall and a gymnastics hall which is home to the Borough of Hillingdon Gymnastic Club.

Botwell Green Library is in the same complex and is the most well-used in the Borough, Besides books it has a fantastic array of community events, the prizewinning Teen Room and a well-used study area. The YMCA youth centre in Station Road provides a range of youth activities and also has a dance studio and a gym. Located at The Old Vinyl Factory, the Nest is a popular climbing wall which has a gym and fitness classes. In addition, there are gyms at Energie Fitness in Blyth Road and More Energy at the Hayes Campus of Uxbridge College in Coldharbour Lane.

Leading the way in education

Hayes has a solid educational base. The College is now part of HRUC – Harrow, Richmond & Uxbridge Colleges – and a recent Ofsted report has described it as a place to "enjoy learning, develop and succeed". It is graded “Strong" for Skills, “Outstanding” for the behaviour, attitudes and personal development of its students with a “Good” rating for its educational offerings, leadership, and management.

As well as giving access to high quality education and training the Hayes Campus has two dance studios, a theatre, a restaurant where students prepare and serve meals to the public and hair and beauty salons.

Located at the Old Vinyl Factory, the Global Academy is a leading University Technical College sponsored by the media and entertainment group Global and the University of the Arts London. It caters for 400 young people looking for the skills to start a career in the creative media industry.

Hayes has an excellent range of local schools including those of the Anglican, and

This reflects the very diverse community of which people are proud. The town centre has places of worship for just about every major religion and in addition to being focal points for prayer they play an important role in meeting the needs of their communities.

Retail & Events

The shops in the town centre also reflect the ethnic diversity. The branches of high street stores sit side by side with numerous small independent businesses which provide a wide range of food items to meet local needs.

The Hayes Town Business Forum is active in supporting these businesses and each year it organises a treasure hunt for local children with over 350 entries and 60 prizes donated by shopkeepers.

Another successful annual event is the Hayes Canal Festival which last year attracted over 3000 visitors. It is a great way of bringing people together and the towpath of the Grand Union Canal also provides a pleasant green walking and cycling route through the town.

Because of its industrial past Hayes is often seen as a dense urban area but it has some delightful green spaces surrounding the town centre. One has an open-air gym and a BMX track and another is home to the superb Hillingdon Cycle Circuit.

Regeneration & Innovation

The redevelopment of Hayes after many years of decline is being driven by the opening of the Elizabeth Line. The Old Vinyl Factory has the potential to play a crucial part in economic regeneration and growth. The construction of major data centres by Ark and Colt and the joint project with Brunel University of London for an Innovation Centre puts the area at the forefront of the drive to modernise the British economy. By way of contrast, the presence of the expanded West London Film Studies and the Global Academy also gives it a cultural role

This is unfinished business and the council has recently engaged a research team from the university to learn more about what the public would like to see in Hayes in the future. It's very much a question of 'watch this space' to see how Hayes develops over the years to come.

DAVID BROUGH

Chair

Hayes Town Partnership

through Harrow, Richmond and Uxbridge Colleges (HRUC).