The redevelopment of two former college sites in Brent, North London, is set to commence this spring following the exchange of contracts between developers and the landowner. The College of North West London (CNWL) campuses in Dollis Hill and Wembley will be demolished to make way for more than 1,900 new homes. Dollis Hill Wembley LLP, a joint venture between The Hill Group and Pinnacle Investments, has completed the acquisition from United Colleges Group (UCG), with the first phase expected to start within weeks.
Project Details and Housing Breakdown
The redevelopment is necessary to fund a new CNWL campus on Olympic Way in Wembley, following the merger of CNWL and City of Westminster College. Together, the two projects will deliver 1,934 homes, including 154 social rent homes managed by housing association Sovereign Network Group (SNG). The Dudden Hill site in Dollis Hill will feature 1,627 homes in blocks ranging from four to 28 storeys, while the Wembley site will comprise a linked 18-storey and 30-storey tower with 307 apartments.
Affordable Housing Concerns
When plans were approved by Brent Council's Planning Committee in December 2024, concerns were raised about the number of affordable homes. Councillor Liz Dixon expressed disappointment, stating: "Our biggest challenge is social housing and affordable housing so people can continue to work and live in the borough. I'm very disappointed that we've got such a low contribution to affordable homes when our target is 50 per cent." The 154 social rent homes represent a fraction of the total, with the remainder being build-to-rent and private sale properties.
Community and Commercial Spaces
The Dudden Hill development will include a community centre, nursery, gym, local shops, cafés, co-working spaces, and a new public park. Two existing parks will be converted into children's playgrounds. The Wembley site will feature commercial and retail space on the ground floor. Andy Hill, Founder and Group Chief Executive of The Hill Group, said: "Together, we are unlocking the potential of these sites to deliver much-needed homes in the capital, while transforming the area to develop new and enhanced public realm and provide essential community amenities."
Social Rent Homes Agreement
SNG has exchanged contracts with The Hill Group to deliver the social rent homes across both sites. This includes 69 apartments across three buildings on Dudden Hill Lane and 85 apartments in a single tower on Wembley Park Drive. Matt Bird, SNG's Regional Managing Director for London and the East, commented: "With the support of the GLA, we've been able to secure hundreds of social rent homes and reaffirm our long-term commitment to Brent. Both developments are in excellent locations, offering strong transport links and access to opportunity."
New Educational Campus
The schemes will enable construction of a new purpose-built educational campus on Olympic Way, focusing on green skills, engineering, and the built environment. UCG CEO Stephen Davis said: "This new campus on Olympic Way will place students at the heart of one of London's most iconic locations, providing modern facilities to support future skills in areas including construction, digital and green technologies, as well as a hospitality academy."
