Willesden Junction Station public realm consultation drop-in event

The Willesden Junction Station public realm consultation event in November 2019 attracted a number of new and familiar community members.

The OPDC team enjoyed chatting with attendees who were all really keen to understand more about the proposals and give their feedback.

We appreciate that Willesden Junction Station is a key part of life for many Londoners who use it daily and weekly. For those who were unable to attend the consultation event, we have posted the consultation materials and questionnaire online to ensure that as many residents and employees who use the station can have their say.

The proposed public realm improvements aim to:

• make the spaces around Willesden Junction station more welcoming, safe and accessible
• enhance the station’s position as a gateway to both Old Oak and Harlesden town centre
• reveal and celebrate local heritage to enhance local pride and identity.

Alongside the information boards detailing the proposals for the improvements to the public spaces around the station the event was engaging and interactive; attendees discussed comments by writing and drawing directly on to a large map of Willesden Junction, discussions were then followed by guided walks around the Station itself.

Thanks to the map, boards and walk, the team were delighted to be able to capture a variety of comments as well as asking attendees to fill out the formal consultation feedback form.

From the event, some of the initial feedback we received includes:

• Station Approach: Attendees were positive towards the improvements proposed along Station Approach. Specific comments were made about the possibility of including a shelter from the rain close to the entrance, carefully choosing the location of benches and if something could be done to prevent litter being thrown onto the tracks.
• Harrow Link path to Harrow Road: Suggestions were made as to whether planting could be grown on the existing fence along the path to soften the route. There was positive feedback to implementing potential signs or objects along the path communicating local facts or the distance to Harlesden, as well as low level, softer lighting.
• Public art: Attendees were supportive of the public art proposed around the station, including signalling the Harrow Road and Station Approach entrances. Suggestions were also made about the possibility of murals and whether the Old Oak Lane and Harrow Road bridges could be sites for repainting or artwork. Feedback highlighted that the artwork should celebrate Harlesden’s community and history and that once the artist is appointed they should engage further with the community to ensure the art reflects the local area.
• Noticeboards: It was noted that new noticeboards or improvements to existing noticeboards should be coordinated with the others around Harlesden. A question was raised about whether train and bus times could also be displayed outside the Station.
• Volunteering: Potential opportunities were identified to encourage new volunteers or school/youth groups to get involved in helping existing volunteers look after the new and existing planting around the Station.

Do you agree with these initial thoughts and feedback? Do you agree that the wider proposals will create a more welcoming, safe and accessible station? Do you have any further suggestions that haven’t been included?

Even if you do agree, we still want to hear from you! We want to ensure the final designs reflect the local communities’ thoughts for improving the public spaces around the station. So please do spend ten minutes of your time filling out the consultation feedback form. Some of the feedback we received falls outside of the scope of these public realm improvements. We will be sharing relevant comments with Arriva and Network Rail, who manage the station itself, where appropriate.