Unveiling Hounslow’s vision: Driving investment for our communities

Hounslow Council has set out ambitious plans for regeneration from the east to the west of the borough, creating vibrant, inclusive spaces that thrive economically and socially. Through strategic partnerships, Hounslow aims to attract investments aligned with its aspirations for a greener, healthier and thriving borough.

Cllr Shantanu Rajawat, Leader of the Council, recently unveiled ‘Opportunity Hounslow’, an investment prospectus outlining growth avenues and the Council’s vision for sustainable economic development.

After the launch, Cllr Rajawat reaffirmed the Council’s dedication to attracting strategic investments and forming partnerships that ensure sustainable growth. He stated, “I’m thrilled to have unveiled Opportunity Hounslow, spotlighting our borough’s enticing investment prospects. By capitalising on its strategic location near vital economic hubs like Heathrow Airport and central London, we have successfully showcased Hounslow’s appeal on a global scale.”

Opportunity Hounslow lays the groundwork for transformative projects poised to shape the borough’s future. Positioned as the gateway to London and the world, Hounslow is ready to transform, with a focus on fostering sustainable growth, driven by unwavering determination to unlock its potential.

The prospectus outlines key investment opportunities focused on sustainable growth and improved community well-being, with plans to deliver over 4,600 new homes and 2,500 job opportunities.

In addition, the Council unveiled visionary town centre masterplans for Brentford and Hounslow. These blueprints aim to revitalise urban centres, fostering regeneration, employment opportunities, and prosperity for local communities.

“I’m thrilled to have unveiled Opportunity Hounslow, spotlighting our borough’s enticing investment prospects. By capitalising on its strategic location near vital economic hubs like Heathrow Airport and central London, we have successfully showcased Hounslow’s appeal on a global scale.”

Cllr Shantanu Rajawat

Our regeneration vision extends beyond development, reflecting a profound commitment to community, innovation, and sustainability. By fostering partnerships and engaging with stakeholders, the Council aims to bring transformative investments that enhance community life.

The Council remains committed to engaging with partners and investors to bring its initiatives forward, promising tangible benefits for the community.

Our economic landscape boasts vibrant sectors such as media, technology, and logistics, supported by strategic connectivity and a commitment to sustainability. Investments in these sectors promise significant job creation and economic resilience.

Hounslow is a leading London borough in climate action. One of our focuses is the Green Economy Action Plan, part of London Councils’ climate strategies, aimed at doubling the city’s green economy by 2030. Through initiatives like the Land Management Greens Skills Bootcamps, in partnership with the Mayor of London, we’ve achieved a 97% completion rate. Over a third of participants have found green jobs, with more to come in 2024. Since 2018, we’ve cut carbon emissions in council operations by 10%, through projects like retrofitting schools and corporate buildings, greening our vehicle fleet, and improving recycling services.

Our Net Zero Neighbourhood model is developing a funding framework for lowcarbon energy communities, contributing to borough-wide emissions reduction.

We’re fully committed to reaching net zero carbon by 2030 and creating a greener, cleaner, healthier borough.

Community Benefits through Partnerships

Our investment approach is centred on our community. By collaborating with partners across sectors, we ensure benefits reach every corner of Hounslow. Whether it’s creating jobs, improving public services, or enhancing infrastructure, our efforts are designed to uplift our entire community. Discussions and engagements throughout our inward investment programme will set the stage for a future of growth and development in Hounslow.

I’m looking forward to continuing to put Hounslow on the map and promoting the great offer of our borough at UKREiiF alongside Cllr Tom Bruce, Cabinet Member for Regeneration and Development and senior council officers.

Cllr Bruce, cabinet member for Regeneration & Development added: “It’s an exciting time for Hounslow, and we’re eager to lead the borough into a future marked by robust growth, sustainability, and community well-being.

“Opportunity Hounslow and our Inward Investment programme are crucial for unlocking investment and driving regeneration and development across the borough and the Capital to accelerate economic growth.

We’re determined that this growth will benefit our residents and work hand in glove with the commitments we’ve made to Community Wealth Building. This can already be seen with our Youth Skills and Employment Guarantee (YSEG) – establishing an ‘Opportunities Alliance’ between the Council and local partners like Brentford FC, DWP, Heathrow, JC Decaux, Sky, University of West London and West Thames College.

The aim of the partnership is to drive forward initiatives to ensure all our young people have better access to skills and employment opportunities across the borough.

“Hounslow is already one of the most economically productive boroughs in London, and the growth plans in place will bring benefits for all our residents. Opportunity Hounslow and our Inward Investment Programme is shining a light on the unique qualities and investment propositions we have to offer, and I can’t wait to work with our valued partners, stakeholders and communities to continue the Hounslow success story.”

In memory of

Steve Curran

1955 - 2024

Former councillor and Leader of the Council

I heard of Steve’s death with great sadness. I have lived in Brentford since 1985, and Steve seemed a permanent fixture, he was one of the first people to say hullo whenever I passed him in the street.

Our paths then crossed professionally through his role at the Council and mine at Hounslow Chamber of Commerce, now known as West London Chambers. Over the years the relationship between the Chamber and the Council developed, especially in the years of Steve’s leadership. Initially we classed ourselves as a critical friend, working on the Blenheim Centre. We then began to know Steve better.

I will remember him for being the driving force behind many of the developments across the borough. He instigated the Regeneration Conference, which is now an annual event. His commitment during the dark days of the pandemic was inspiring and his willingness to engage with the Chamber and the business community. He did not hide away.

Under his leadership, Hounslow was awarded the Council of the Year in the Local Government Chronicle Awards and we were proud to be part of that application. There are a number of plaques around the borough featuring his name – he will be missed but remembered.

Sally Smith

West London Chambers of Commerce