The Greystar mixed-use redevelopment project at the GlaxoSmithKline (GSK) factory site in Greenford, United Kingdom, represents a transformative development in one of London’s most rapidly evolving areas. This £700 million project, which combines residential, retail, and public amenities, will breathe new life into a key site while preserving a piece of the area’s heritage. The ambitious redevelopment involves the construction of nine new residential blocks, including a striking 20-story tower, alongside a substantial refurbishment of the listed Glaxo House, the iconic former GSK headquarters.
Set to offer around 2,000 residential units, the project aims to create a vibrant community, providing a mix of private rental, private sale, and affordable housing options. Ground-level retail spaces, public amenities, and ample parking will ensure that the development meets the diverse needs of its residents, businesses, and visitors. This project not only aims to meet the demand for housing in London but also to contribute positively to the regeneration of the Greenford area.
Project Overview: A New Vision for Greenford
The Greystar mixed-use development is set to completely transform the existing GSK factory site in Greenford. The project’s vision is to replace the former industrial buildings with a thriving, modern urban community, integrating residential living with vibrant public spaces and amenities. A key aspect of the redevelopment is the retention and refurbishment of the listed Glaxo House, a piece of architectural history, which will be brought into the new development as a central feature of the site.
The main elements of the project include:
- Nine New Residential Blocks: The site will feature nine new buildings, including a prominent 20-story tower, offering a mix of housing types including private rental, private sale, and affordable housing. The residential units will range in size and price to cater to a wide demographic, from young professionals to families.
- Public Amenities and Retail: The ground levels of the new buildings will incorporate retail units, public amenities, and additional car parking spaces. These features are designed to foster a lively and connected community, providing convenient access to shops, services, and recreational spaces.
- Multi-Story Car Park: A multi-story car park is planned within one of the new blocks, ensuring that the development meets the needs of its residents while minimizing the environmental footprint of parking facilities. This will also reduce the need for surface-level parking, allowing for more open spaces and green areas.
- Glaxo House Refurbishment: The listed Glaxo House, which holds significant architectural and historical value, will be carefully refurbished as part of the development, preserving the site’s heritage while incorporating it into the modern design.
Architectural Design: A Collaboration of Leading Firms
The redevelopment of the Greenford site is being led by a consortium of renowned architects, including HTA Design, SLCE, Hawkins Brown, MAE, and Flannagan Lawrence. Each of these firms brings a wealth of expertise in residential, mixed-use, and public space design, ensuring that the development meets both contemporary design standards and sustainability goals.
The 20-story residential tower will be a focal point of the development, offering stunning views over the surrounding area and acting as a landmark within Greenford. The design is expected to be sleek, modern, and sustainable, with an emphasis on energy efficiency, high-quality materials, and integration with the local urban environment.
The other residential blocks will be designed to complement the tower, featuring a mix of low-rise and mid-rise structures that blend seamlessly with the surrounding neighborhood. The buildings will be designed to be flexible, with large, open spaces that can be adapted for different types of residents and businesses.
At the heart of the development, the refurbishment of Glaxo House will maintain its original architectural character while being integrated into the new project as a hub for both residential and commercial purposes. This careful preservation and renovation of a listed building will ensure that the site retains its historic significance while being fully modernized for contemporary use.
Engineering and Sustainability: A Future-Focused Development
This large-scale redevelopment will require advanced engineering solutions, and Greystar has partnered with leading engineering firms to ensure that the project is completed to the highest standards. The Civil, Structural, and Building Services (C&S) engineering teams have been tasked with delivering the core infrastructure for the new residential units, retail spaces, and public areas, ensuring that each aspect of the development meets the stringent requirements of modern urban living.
Civil and Structural Engineering (C&S)
The civil and structural engineering team has worked closely with the architects to design a building that is not only functional but also able to withstand the pressures of urban development. Key aspects of the structural design include:
- High-Rise Construction: The 20-story tower will require specialized structural systems that are capable of supporting its height and providing stability in the face of environmental factors such as wind and seismic activity.
- Sustainable Building Materials: The use of sustainable building materials will be central to the design of the tower and other residential blocks, reducing the project’s carbon footprint and ensuring energy efficiency across the site.
- Groundworks and Foundation: The site’s foundation will be engineered to support the weight of the new buildings and meet the challenges posed by the existing site conditions. The redevelopment will include extensive groundworks to prepare the land for construction.
Building Services and MEP Engineering
The MEP (Mechanical, Electrical, and Plumbing) services will be critical to the development’s success, ensuring that residents and businesses have access to modern, efficient utilities. The engineering solutions will include:
- Energy-Efficient Systems: The MEP team will design energy-efficient heating, cooling, and ventilation systems for the residential blocks and commercial spaces. These systems will be integrated with sustainable technologies to reduce energy consumption and contribute to the overall sustainability goals of the development.
- Water and Waste Management: Sustainable water management systems will be incorporated, including water-efficient fixtures, rainwater harvesting, and greywater recycling, to minimize the environmental impact of the development.
- Renewable Energy Solutions: Where possible, the development will integrate renewable energy sources such as solar panels and energy-efficient lighting to further reduce its environmental footprint.
A Catalyst for Local Regeneration and Growth
The Greystar mixed-use redevelopment project will have a profound impact on the local area, not only by providing much-needed housing but also by contributing to the regeneration of Greenford and surrounding neighborhoods. The development will create job opportunities, boost local businesses, and provide a variety of public amenities that will benefit residents and visitors alike.
The ground-level retail units and public spaces are designed to create a vibrant, walkable community where residents and visitors can shop, dine, and engage in cultural activities. The addition of affordable housing alongside private sale and private rental units ensures that the development caters to a wide range of people, from professionals to families, making it an inclusive and accessible place to live.
Conclusion: Greystar’s Vision for the Future
The £700 million redevelopment of the GSK factory site into a mixed-use residential community is an exciting step forward in the regeneration of Greenford and the wider London area. By combining modern residential living, retail spaces, public amenities, and the careful preservation of heritage in the form of Glaxo House, Greystar is creating a vibrant, sustainable community that will serve as a model for future urban developments in the UK.
With its emphasis on sustainability, modern design, and community integration, this redevelopment project not only meets the housing demands of London but also sets a new standard for mixed-use urban regeneration. As the development progresses, it will undoubtedly become a key part of Greenford’s growing identity and a valuable asset to the city’s evolving skyline.
