Arts Council: "£1.5 million investment announced as Old Oak and Park Royal is chosen as one of 16 'Great Places'"

"Old Oak and Park Royal has been awarded a grant of £1,489,255 from Arts Council England and Heritage Lottery Fund’s Great Place Scheme to ensure that art, culture and heritage are at the heart of the major developments planned for the area.

"The money will support Made in Park Royal, an ambitious and community-focused project from Old Oak and Park Royal Development Corporation (OPDC).

Plans for the three-year project include working directly with a pool of 2,000 local volunteers, an engagement programme designed to reach all school children in the area, and community-led research into local heritage.

"Joyce Wilson, London Area Director, Arts Council England, said:

"This is an exciting and timely project that puts culture-led place-making at the heart of one London's largest regeneration schemes. The Great Place Scheme funding will ensure that culture plays a key role in the early stages of the Old Oak and Park Royal Development Corporation's programming.

Made in Park Royal, a world-class arts and heritage programme, will involve the active participation of the whole community. It will enable thousands of artists, local residents and cultural, civic and heritage partners to play a key role in the future regeneration and long term success of the area."

"The 640 plus hectare development site, which spans the three boroughs of Brent, Ealing and Hammersmith and Fulham, will be the largest regeneration site in London, and the only place in the UK where High Speed 2 (HS2) connects with the Elizabeth Line (formally known as Crossrail). OPDC is using the investment in rail infrastructure projects to create new opportunities for people in the area and develop a whole new centre and community for west London.

"Victoria Hills, Chief Executive Officer, Old Oak and Park Royal Development Corporation, said:

"This funding is a welcome boost for Park Royal, to celebrate the successes of the UK’s largest industrial site and to ensure local residents and businesses play an authentic role in shaping the future regeneration of the area. As the UK's largest and most vibrant industrial park, we look forward to working with local communities in and around Park Royal to deliver early culture-led regeneration projects as we help businesses prepare for the arrival of the 'superhub' HS2 and Crossrail station‎."

"Stuart Hobley, Head of Heritage Lottery Fund London, said:

"Heritage and culture are fundamental to our sense of self, and our sense of place. This award will ensure that they are both at the very heart of the on-going development and regeneration of Park Royal and Old Oak, and help to build on the success of previous National Lottery investment."

"Old Oak and Park Royal is one of sixteen places across England to receive a grant from the Great Place Scheme, a £20-million initiative inspired by the Government's Culture White Paper. Others include the London Borough of Waltham Forest, East Kent, and Reading."