Former GSK Headquarters, Great West Road, LB Hounslow
Delivering one of the UK’s most ambitious reuse-led neighbourhoods through the transformation of the former GSK headquarters in Brentford
We provided integrated Planning and Economics services to Hadley Property Group for the transformation of the former GSK headquarters at 980 Great West Road, Brentford into a vibrant new neighbourhood founded on sustainability, circular economy principles and long-term social value. The proposals represent one of the UK’s most ambitious reuse-led regeneration projects, bringing forward a major mixed-use destination that will redefine this prominent site within Hounslow’s Golden Mile.
Spanning 13 acres, the approved masterplan will deliver c. 2,324 new homes, including social rent homes, intermediate homes, purpose-built student accommodation (PBSA) units and co-living units. The development will also provide up to 32,500 sq m of commercial space, supporting a diverse local economy and creating opportunities for businesses, community organisations and educational institutions. Overall, the scheme will deliver 22% affordable housing, with a 70/30 split between social rent and intermediate tenures, while supporting up to 3,170 permanent jobs.
Our role involved leading planning strategy throughout the preparation and assessment of the application. We worked closely with the London Borough of Hounslow and wider stakeholders, preparing robust planning and socio-economic evidence to demonstrate the significant benefits arising from the proposals. This included articulating the scheme’s contribution to housing delivery, economic growth, employment generation and wider regeneration objectives, while establishing a strong planning case for a reuse-led development approach.
A defining feature of the project is its pioneering retention strategy. Rather than pursuing wholesale demolition, the scheme retains significant elements of the existing basement, substructure and key buildings, including the original tower. This approach is expected to save more than 34,500 tonnes of embodied carbon during the demolition and construction phases and forms the foundation of the development’s low-carbon credentials. The masterplan champions circular economy principles by preserving and adapting existing structures, demonstrating how large-scale regeneration can be delivered while significantly reducing environmental impacts.
The proposals also deliver substantial environmental and placemaking benefits. Over 60% of the site will be dedicated to publicly accessible open space, creating new connections to Boston Manor Park, the River Brent and Brentford High Street. The scheme will achieve a 10% biodiversity net gain and introduce a network of high-quality public spaces, gardens, play areas and riverside access, helping to establish a distinctive new neighbourhood that prioritises health, wellbeing and community.
Following submission in August 2025, resolution to grant planning permission was secured in March 2026. The decision marks a significant milestone in unlocking the long-term regeneration potential of this strategic site and demonstrates the strength of a collaborative approach between the client, design team, local authority and technical consultants.
Once delivered, the scheme will create a thriving mixed-use neighbourhood that combines new homes, employment opportunities, community facilities and green spaces within a highly sustainable, retrofit-led framework. As one of the UK's largest and most innovative retention-led developments, the project will set a benchmark for future urban regeneration while supporting housing delivery, economic growth and the transition to a low-carbon built environment.
