Changes Aim to Transform North Acton Square
Commuter thoroughfare looking to upgrade to shopping destination
Ealing Council leader Peter Mason addresses guests at the launch of the new square. Picture: OPDC
October 16, 2025
North Acton Square, situated in the Old Oak and Park Royal Opportunity Area, has undergone a series of improvements aimed at enhancing its use as a public space. Previously serving primarily as a commuter thoroughfare adjacent to North Acton Tube station, the square has now been reconfigured in an attempt to boost retail and social activities.
The initiative was led by The Republic – Community Projects, an arts and cultural organisation, and commissioned by Ealing Council. It received support from the Old Oak and Park Royal Development Corporation (OPDC), Imperial College London, City & Docklands, ADD Properties, and Downing. The project’s objective was to create a more welcoming environment for residents, workers, and visitors.
A key feature of the redevelopment is the installation of six converted shipping containers, designed by architects Christian Senkpiel and Tomato Studio. These units, located along the northern edge of the square, now house a variety of small businesses. Current tenants include a coffee vendor (Awakener), a barber (Hamsa the Barber), a street food outlet (Sound Burger), a micro pub, an information hub for the Park Royal Design District, and a shop offering art and design-led products from Park Royal.
Adjacent to the containers, a Village Hut has been constructed using recycled materials sourced from the Minerva Works Circular Economy Hub in Park Royal. The hut is intended to serve as a community meeting space and host local activities.
Additional improvements to the square include:
- Landscaping works to remove overgrown vegetation and improve visibility and access from Victoria Road, along with new planting to enhance the area’s appearance.
- Installation of a Gardener’s Shed to store tools and equipment, enabling community participation in maintaining the space.
- Cleaning of paved surfaces, graffiti removal, and upgraded lighting to improve safety and usability.
The project forms part of broader regeneration efforts in the area. North Acton is located near the OPDC’s Old Oak development, which is expected to deliver 8,000 new homes, 200,000 square metres of workspace, and public amenities across 70 acres of publicly owned land. Imperial College London’s involvement includes its Old Oak Innovation Cluster, which supports student accommodation, key worker housing, and future plans for an Advanced Manufacturing hub and innovation space.
The Republic – Community Projects collaborated with Ealing Council, OPDC, Imperial, and other partners to plan and deliver the improvements. Engineering support was provided by Eckersley O’Callaghan, with additional input from Recollective.
Stakeholders involved in the North Acton Square improvement project have emphasised the importance of collaboration, community benefit, and support for local enterprise.
Matthew Carpen, Chief Executive of the Old Oak and Park Royal Development Corporation (OPDC), noted that the initiative reflects a wider commitment to enhancing public spaces and backing small businesses in the area. He highlighted the presence of innovative local enterprises now operating in the square and described the improvements as part of a broader transformation linked to the future Old Oak development.
Councillor Kamaljit Nagpal, Ealing Council’s cabinet member for decent living incomes, welcomed the creation of new opportunities for local employment and enterprise. She confirmed that all businesses trading from the square would be London Living Wage accredited, aligning with the borough’s wider commitment to fair pay.
Johnny Brewin of The Republic – Community Projects described the initiative as a collaborative effort between small businesses, landowners, and public sector partners. He expressed hope that the success of the project would be measured by how the community engages with and maintains the space over time.
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