Brent has received £110,000 as part of the Mayor of London’s ‘Summer Streets’ fund in a bid to boost al fresco dining and events across the borough. The council hopes it will encourage more residents and visitors to the borough’s high streets, as well as supporting local businesses in the summer months.
Sir Sadiq Khan has brought back the Summer Streets scheme in a bid to make this summer the biggest for al fresco dining in London’s history. The funds comprise a seasonal pot of nearly £500,000 awarded to councils to help create more outdoor seating areas during the summer and into autumn.
Brent is one of 13 London boroughs to have been handed a share of funding, with streets in Wembley and Kingsbury to share £100,000 for larger projects, whilst Willesden Green will receive £10,000 for a smaller “pocket scheme”.
As well as helping to deliver al fresco dining, the funding will also support local hospitality businesses to host events and extend trading hours so residents and visitors can “make the most of the warmer months”, according to Brent Council.
Wembley, Ealing Road and Kingsbury to benefit
Wembley High Road, Ealing Road, and Kingsbury High Street will benefit from the larger £100,000 funding. The programme will combine cultural performances, live music, market stalls, and outdoor dining to “animate town centres” and support local businesses throughout the summer.
Cabinet Member for Regeneration and Planning, Cllr Matt Kelcher, said: “The Summer Streets programme is a fantastic opportunity to showcase Brent’s vibrant town centres, diverse communities and thriving hospitality sector. By creating welcoming outdoor spaces and supporting local businesses, we’re encouraging more people to spend time in our high streets, enjoy cultural activities and experience everything Brent has to offer during the summer months.
“From Ealing Road and Wembley High Road to Kingsbury and Willesden Green, these improvements and events will help bring communities together, increase footfall for local businesses and create lively, family-friendly destinations that residents and visitors can enjoy throughout the season.”
More than 40 community events planned
A series of “themed activities” will take place across Brent’s town centres, including more than 40 community-led events. Ealing Road will celebrate Brent’s Little India with Bollywood dance performances, Indian musicians, mehndi artists, market stalls and more. Wembley High Road will feature street dance performances, buskers, football shoot-out challenges and family-friendly activities. Kingsbury will host community-focused events designed to “encourage people to spend more time in the town centre and support local businesses”.
The programme will also work closely with local restaurants, cafés, takeaways and food retailers to encourage special promotions, dining offers and outdoor eating opportunities. A key objective is to support the local hospitality sector by “increasing footfall, dwell time and customer spend”, according to the council.
In addition to the larger schemes, a smaller ‘pocket’ scheme in Willesden Green has received up to £10,000 to deliver activities in the area. Movable planters, temporary hay-bale seating, decorative bunting and lighting will be introduced between Willesden Green Tube Station, Station Parade and Poplars Avenue “to encourage people to pause, sit and stay for longer into the evening”.
Brent Council Leader, Cllr Muhammed Butt, said: “We are thrilled to be one of the London boroughs receiving new Summer Streets funding from the Mayor of London, which will bring new energy to Wembley High Road, Ealing Road, Kingsbury and Willesden Green. With an exciting programme of activities on the horizon, residents and visitors will be able to enjoy al fresco dining, live music, cultural performances, market stalls and family-friendly events from 2027.
“From celebrating Brent’s Little India on Ealing Road to creating welcoming outdoor spaces in Willesden Green and encouraging more people to spend time in our town centres, the programme is designed to support local businesses, strengthen community connections and showcase the very best of Brent.”
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Grant Williams is a journalist and Local Democracy Reporter (LDR) for Reach PLC, reporting on local government, politics and community issues across London. As part of the Local Democracy Reporting Service, he has contributed to Harrow Online, covering council decisions, housing developments, transport, planning matters and stories affecting local communities across Harrow and Brent.
