Hounslow Council welcomed Howard Dawber, London’s Deputy Mayor for Business and Growth to explore key sites and discuss its ambitious plans for regeneration, sustainable growth.
Hounslow Council has laid out an ambitious vision for regeneration and sustainable growth, showcasing its plans for economic transformation during a recent visit from Howard Dawber, London’s Deputy Mayor for Business and Growth. The visit, which took place on Thursday 16 January, brought together Hounslow Council Leader Cllr Shantanu Rajawat, Deputy Leader Cllr Tom Bruce, and key figures from the Greater London Authority (GLA) to explore the borough’s transformative projects and discuss its future.
A highlight of the visit was the Opportunity Hounslow Business Case for Growth, a forward-looking strategy aimed at unlocking £33 billion in Gross Value Added (GVA) and creating over 18,000 new jobs. Central to this vision are the projects of Future Feltham and the Golden Mile. The Golden Mile, set to celebrate its centenary in 2025, is poised to be a focal point for celebrating Hounslow’s industrial heritage while driving new investment and modernising the borough’s economy.
The visit also emphasised the critical importance of infrastructure development, particularly the West London Orbital (WLO) rail link.
The visit also emphasised the critical importance of infrastructure development, particularly the West London Orbital (WLO) rail link. This proposed rail connection will significantly improve transport links between Hounslow and Old Oak Common, unlocking housing, job, and business opportunities across the region. Discussions also centred on ‘Future Feltham’, a major regeneration plan that includes the development of over 3,000 new homes, 9,200 jobs, and 25,000 square metres of commercial space. The redevelopment of the 12-hectare Ministry of Defence (MOD) site is expected to anchor this transformation, turning Feltham into a vibrant, sustainable town centre.
Cllr Rajawat spoke passionately about the importance of partnerships in realising these ambitious plans, stating, “Today’s visit is a testament to Hounslow’s role as a driving force in London’s economy.” He emphasised that collaboration with the GLA, government, and the private sector would be crucial in unlocking the full potential of Feltham and other parts of the borough.
“Deputy Mayor’s visit is a testament to Hounslow’s role as a driving force in London’s economy.”
— Cllr Shantanu Rajawat, Hounslow Council Leader
Cllr Tom Bruce highlighted the ongoing evolution of the Golden Mile, which is rapidly becoming a hub for creative industries, advanced manufacturing, and clean energy. “Together with partners like the GLA, we are committed to delivering sustainable, inclusive growth that benefits our residents and businesses alike,” he said.
The visit also underscored Hounslow’s status as a leader in media and technology, with 71% of London’s media production jobs based in the borough. The delegation explored the borough’s thriving media and tech sectors, starting with Sky’s Isleworth Campus, Hounslow’s largest employer. Sky, with over 11,000 employees on-site, is at the forefront of innovation and sustainability, exemplified by its Sky Innovation Centre. The company’s leadership reaffirmed its commitment to supporting local growth and aligning with Hounslow’s vision for the future.
The visit continued with a stop at Brompton Technology, a leader in LED video processing and one of the UK’s fastest-growing tech companies. Brompton’s inclusion in the Sunday Times 100 Tech supplement highlights the growing tech presence in Hounslow. Richard Mead, CEO of Brompton Tech, said, “West London has always been Brompton Technology’s home, and we’re proud to play a role in shaping Hounslow as a hub for advanced technology and creativity on the world stage.”
Howard Dawber, the Deputy Mayor for Business and Growth, expressed his excitement about Hounslow’s ambitious regeneration plans. “I’m excited to see the ambitious plans to transform Hounslow, and the work already underway to help businesses and communities here thrive. It has been fantastic to meet Hounslow’s businesses as we work together to build a fairer and more prosperous London for everyone.”
With its dynamic mix of industries, infrastructure projects, and a focus on sustainability, Hounslow is positioning itself as a key player in London’s future growth. The borough’s commitment to creating a sustainable, thriving economy is clear, and its regeneration plans are set to provide a lasting impact for years to come.
Council to help people stop smoking
Hounslow Council is urging residents aged 12 and above to quit smoking in 2025 with the help of Healthy Hounslow, offering free, expert support to stop smoking for all local residents.
The service, which provides one-on-one personal behavioural support, is available either face-to-face or over the phone. Healthy Hounslow’s dedicated advisers give individuals the tools they need to quit smoking for good. Additionally, those who sign up for the service will receive a choice of nicotine replacement therapy or, for those aged 18 and over, a free vape kit to aid in their transition.
Alastair, a local resident who successfully quit smoking with the help of Healthy Hounslow, shared his experience: “I was always supported and contacted regularly by an adviser at an agreed time. The transition from smoking cigarettes to using a vape was not as hard as I thought it would be. I don’t miss cigarettes now. The smell on my clothes and fingers has gone, and that in itself is satisfying. Plus, I’ve saved a ton of money!”
With 13.4% of adults in Hounslow smoking—higher than the London (11.7%) and national (11.6%) averages—this initiative is especially crucial for the borough. Councillor Lily Bath, Cabinet Member for Adult Social Care, Public Health and Integration, emphasized the importance of this service: “We’re aware that Hounslow has a higher than average number of smokers, so it’s vital that we offer free support for people who want to quit. Not only will this save lives, but it will also ease pressure on our NHS services, which treat thousands of people with smoking-related illnesses.”
Healthy Hounslow is determined to help as many residents as possible quit smoking in 2025, making Hounslow a healthier borough for all.
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