Southall spread: West London margarine factory to be 2,000 new homes in £1bn conversion

A former margarine factory is set to be the site of 2,000 new homes under a £1 billion regeneration scheme.

Developers want to build a neighbourhood with offices and shops centred on a one-acre public park in Southall.

They promise to retain the original façade of the Maypole Factory, which was once the world’s largest margarine producer, and also the former studio building for Asian station Sunrise Radio.

Assael Architecture and Montreaux Developments Ltd have submitted the plans to Ealing council.

The project will be called The Margarine Works after the factory that was opened in 1895 by a Danish manufacturer Otto Monsted.

The proposals include affordable housing and a build to rent offer. The homes will be a few minutes’ walk from the new Southall Crossrail station and have direct rail links to Heathrow and central London.

The developers have consulted the local authority, neighbours and public to develop a masterplan for the next 15 years.

If approved, the project will be delivered in phases and the first homes will be available in 2021.

The scheme will create a new district with five clearly defined areas, taking influence from the local heritage, industrial features and a former canal basin.

Loren Thanyakittikul, director at Assael Architecture, said Southall was an area “undergoing rapid change” and added: “It was important for us to maintain a strong sense of community while delivering a significant number of high quality new homes.”

Damian Stalley, managing director at Montreaux Developments, added: “We look forward to delivering this fantastic regeneration project.

“Importantly, it will provide real tangible benefits for the local community including new homes, retail, leisure, jobs and a public park.”