Ealing Borough Braces for Major Construction Wave in 2026
Residents in the West London borough of Ealing are poised to witness a significant surge in construction activity throughout 2026, with several large-scale developments set to commence or continue. From a new state-of-the-art leisure centre to thousands of new homes, the borough is undergoing a transformative phase that will reshape its urban landscape.
The Green Quarter: A Multi-Billion Pound Housing Project in Southall
One of the most ambitious projects is The Green Quarter in Southall, a multi-billion pound development led by the Berkeley Group. This scheme received final planning permission in November 2025 and is expected to deliver over 8,000 homes. The project is being executed in phases, with phases one and three already under construction, and phase two slated to begin this year.
Phases four to nine, which will include 5,500 homes, have yet to have their start dates confirmed. In a notable move, Ealing Council secured a deal in June to purchase 180 homes within the development for social rent, investing £51.36 million. Beyond housing, the project will incorporate flexible commercial, education, and sports spaces, all built on a brownfield site.
Friary Park Regeneration in East Acton
In East Acton, the regeneration of the former Friary Park housing estate near Acton Main Line station is progressing, with the final phase scheduled to start in 2026. Ealing Council is finalising an agreement, and a decision notice for phase three is imminent. This phase will see 1,345 homes constructed, an increase from the initially planned 1,228, a change that has sparked concerns about overcrowding, as highlighted by TV presenter Sean Fletcher.
Phases one and two are already underway, with the council emphasising that the hybrid planning applications aim to intensify residential use and deliver more homes to address local housing needs.
Gurnell Leisure Centre: A New Community Hub in Perivale
After the demolition of the old facility in March 2025, work on the new Gurnell Leisure Centre in Perivale is due to begin by mid-2026. This £125 million project promises to be a landmark addition, featuring a 50-metre Olympic-sized swimming pool, fitness studios, a climbing wall, and a water park with slides and a lazy river.
Notably, the centre will be one of the UK's first all-electric leisure centres, designed to use 81 per cent less energy than its predecessor. Completion is targeted for the end of 2027. Additionally, the site has outline planning permission for around 300 new homes, with approximately one-third earmarked for affordable housing.
International Trading Estate Redevelopment in Southall
Plans to redevelop the International Trading Estate in Southall have been approved by the Ealing Planning Committee in October 2025 and await final approval from the Greater London Authority. If greenlit, construction is planned to start by mid-2026. The project will transform the site into a hub featuring four hyperscale data centre units, a central pavilion, two substations, and over 156,000 square metres of data centre floor space.
It will also include 21,759 square metres of traditional industrial floorspace, with one building designated for logistics and distribution. Public realm improvements will enhance connectivity to the Grand Union Canal, boosting the area's infrastructure.
South Acton Regeneration Continues
The ongoing regeneration of South Acton is set to advance in 2026, with further demolitions of 1,860 homes across 52 blocks planned throughout the year. These will be replaced by 3,580 new homes, including 207 currently under construction in Acton Gardens, expected to be completed by year-end.
The new housing mix includes 50 per cent for private sale, 40 per cent for genuinely affordable rent, and 10 per cent for shared ownership. All existing residents with secure tenancies will be rehoused in the new developments, ensuring community continuity.
Overall, Ealing's construction pipeline for 2026 reflects a concerted effort to address housing shortages, enhance leisure facilities, and modernise industrial spaces, positioning the borough for sustainable growth in the coming years.
