Downing backs North Acton Square transformation as part of continued investment in the local community

Downing is proud to support the transformation of North Acton Square, the public space next to North Acton Underground Station, which has recently undergone a major revamp designed to make it safer, greener and more welcoming for residents, students, workers and visitors.

The North Acton Square initiative, led by The Republic – Community Projects in partnership with Ealing Council, the Old Oak and Park Royal Development Corporation (OPDC), Imperial College London, and Downing, has turned the square into a lively hub for local enterprise and community activity.

At the heart of the project are six repurposed shipping containers, now home to a range of independent local businesses including Awakener Coffee, Hamsa the Barber, Sound Burger street food, The Old Oak Tap micro pub, a design-led retail shop, and an information hub for the Park Royal Design District.

A new Village Hut, built from recycled materials, offers a flexible space for workshops, meetings and community events. Designed to encourage smaller groups to gather and connect with the square, it will be free for students and community groups hosting open events, with a small charge for closed or business use. The aim is to create an active, inclusive space that brings people together and fosters a sense of belonging in North Acton Square.

The project also features new landscaping, planting, improved lighting and graffiti removal, creating a safer and more inviting environment for everyone who lives, works or studies in the area.

Downing’s involvement in this initiative reflects its long-standing commitment to North Acton. The company has invested significantly in the local area, including the development of The Lyra, its luxury student accommodation located close to North Acton Tube Station. With modern living spaces, a roof terrace and games area, and easy access to University College London and Imperial College London, The Lyra has become a key part of the neighbourhood’s vibrant student community.

Building on that success, Downing has recently secured planning consent for a new 668-unit residential development on Victoria Road, which will replace the existing Holiday Inn Express. Forming part of the North Acton Town Centre Cluster masterplan, the project will deliver a 31-storey, 609-bed purpose-built student accommodation (PBSA) scheme alongside a 17-storey, 59-unit build-to-rent (BTR) development, further enhancing the local area and providing new homes for residents and students alike.