Abandoned London office block to be transformed into brand new neighbourhood

As you drive down the M4 in Brentford, you’ll notice a giant office building, perched next to the road.

The 100,000sqm site was once the GlaxoSmithKline HQ, and off-limits to the general public for over 20 years.

Vacated in 2024 when employees relocated to New Oxford Street, since then, the mammoth building has stood abandoned, collecting dust.

But now the GSK offices are set to be transformed, as Hounslow Council has approved a project to turn it into a brand new neighbourhood.

While J.G Ballard’s High Rise might come to mind, it’s not as dystopian as it sounds.

Along with the formidable tower, the surrounding campus will also be redeveloped, with five tower blocks in total.

The original HQ will have 239 apartments, and in total there will be over 2,000 new homes.

The entire site will span 13 acres, and plans include a bar, theatre, dance hall, cinema, virtual reality experience venue and escape room.

At the base of the main tower will be Boston Place, a ‘vibrant public square’ which will boast cafes, markets, and local shops.

Developers have described this as the ‘heart’ of the site, indicating that the space would become the backdrop for gathering and events.

There’s also mock ups of ‘The Underside’, which will sit directly beneath the highway’s flyover.

A darker, more industrial space, could this become Brentford’s new hub for a cheeky cocktail or live poetry reading?

Plans for the new neighbourhood were almost halted after bosses at Kew Gardens objected to the scheme, arguing that the building heights were ‘excessive’ and would cause harm to key designated heritage assets.

But ultimately the planning officers recommended the project’s approval.

According to Hounslow Council, the regeneration development will be one of the ‘most ambitious growth and housing programmes in West London’.

Led by architectural firm Haworth Tompkins, of the homes built, 227 will be for social housing, 90 for immediate rent, 506 for student accommodation, and 296 co-living units.

Homes in the new and improved main tower have been described as generously proportioned with oversized balconies, large communal areas, shared amenity spaces, and a striking rooftop conservatory.

The developer has also stated that 24,000 square metres will be dedicated to commercial space, creating 1,980 jobs.

Studio Egret West, landscape architect for the site and plot architect, has stated its intentions is to retain a great deal of the main block’s original structure.

Following the approval decision, Hadley Property Group chief executive Andy Portlock said: ‘Reaching this milestone — the first of many for this project — is down to the way we’ve been able to work with a local authority that is genuinely committed to growth and has a clear strategic vision for one of the most exciting places in London.

‘Alongside a pioneering approach to retrofit at this scale is a very clear commitment to people and place.’

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