Last year we reported on a project by Brent Council, Design for London and The Architecture Foundation in which young creative professionals and businesses helped transform the windows of empty shops on Willesden High Road in northwest London in the run-up to Christmas. Running from October to December last year, the first phase of New Windows on Willesden Green asked young and emerging designers to produce an advent calendar of window displays in Willesden with a new 'Willesden Window' opening each day in the 25 days running up to Christmas. Now, the second phase of the project has seen the rejuvenation of the Queens Parade retail space on Willesden High Road and nearby Walm Lane.
The parade of eight shop units and offices - which has not been in retail use for many years - is now home to thirteen creative enterprises offering a range of goods and services, from home ware and interior design, to an art gallery and a vintage clothes emporium.
The former textiles building has been secured by the New Windows on Willesden Green project on a 'meanwhile' lease to give the fledgling businesses a chance to try out their ideas in a well-located high street space. The building's run-down facade is being given a new look by designer Kieren Jones, and the interior decorations have been done with the help of painting and decorating students from the local College of North West London.
New tenants include Art Lobby, a contemporary audio-visual art gallery, and product designer Ariane Prin.
New Windows on Willesden Green is one of the Mayor's Outer London Fund projects, which is being delivered for Brent Council and Design for London by The Architecture Foundation in collaboration with Meanwhile Space and Blue Consulting.
New Windows on Willesden Green is one of the Mayor's Outer London Fund projects, which is being delivered for Brent Council and Design for London by The Architecture Foundation in collaboration with Meanwhile Space and Blue Consulting.
All photographs: Mike Massaro
