Kensal Green: Oppose Victorian Centre Demolition

Key Points

• A social mobility charity, Making The Leap, proposes demolishing its Victorian headquarters, Community Centre and Harriet Tubman House at 26 and 28 Hazel Road in Kensal Green, North London, to build a new four-storey training centre with workspaces, job search and IT rooms, a social hub, and roof terrace.
• Brent Council’s planning committee is scheduled to review and decide on the plans next week.
• The site is located directly above train lines serving Kensal Green Underground and Overground station, imposing weight restrictions that limit building extensions.
• Making The Leap, originally based in Harlesden, bought the buildings from Brent Council in 2002 and renovated them for training programmes aimed at young people from less-advantaged backgrounds.
• The charity serves approximately 8,000 young people annually but claims the current buildings are “dated and not fit-for-purpose,” with limited reuse or retrofit options due to small spaces and TfL tunnel constraints.
• Local councillors and dozens of residents strongly oppose the scheme, citing the loss of a heritage Victorian building and potential harm to the local area.
• Opposition includes concerns over demolishing a former community centre, with residents and councillors arguing it holds historical value.

Kensal Green (North London News) February 5, 2026 – Dozens of residents and local councillors in Kensal Green have voiced strong opposition to plans by social mobility charity Making The Leap to demolish two Victorian-era buildings, including a former community centre known as Harriet Tubman House, and replace them with a modern four-storey training centre. Brent Council’s planning committee is set to review the controversial application next week, amid debates over heritage loss versus the charity’s need for updated facilities.

The proposed development at 26 and 28 Hazel Road sits atop vital train lines serving Kensal Green Underground and Overground stations, adding engineering complexities to any alterations.

What is the background of the buildings targeted for demolition?

The buildings in question—Community Centre and Harriet Tubman House—hold significant local history. Originally a community hall, the site was acquired by Making The Leap from Brent Council in 2002. The charity, which started in nearby Harlesden, renovated the Victorian structures to deliver training programmes for young people from disadvantaged socio-economic backgrounds.

As detailed in planning documents submitted to Brent Council, Making The Leap has outgrown the space. The charity now supports around 8,000 young people each year through its initiatives. However, the existing setup struggles to meet modern demands.

Why does Making The Leap want to demolish the Victorian buildings?

Making The Leap argues that the current headquarters are “dated and not fit-for-purpose.” In their application, the charity explains that reuse and retrofit opportunities are severely limited. As stated directly in the submitted documents:

“Reuse and retrofit opportunities for the existing building are limited. The current spaces are too small for [our] current programme and the building cannot be extended due to weight restrictions on the Transport for London tunnels.”

The site’s position over TfL infrastructure imposes strict weight limits, preventing vertical expansions or significant modifications. Phoebe Tickell, founder of Making The Leap, has emphasised the charity’s mission to empower underprivileged youth. Originally reported by Aisha Kasim of MyLondon, the charity positions the new build as essential for scaling operations: a state-of-the-art facility with training rooms, workspaces, job search and IT suites, a social hub, and a roof terrace.

This four-storey replacement would modernise services while aiming to boost social mobility in the area. Supporters, including the charity’s team, highlight how the upgrade aligns with broader regeneration goals in Kensal Green.

Who opposes the demolition plans in Kensal Green?

Opposition has been fierce, with dozens of residents and local councillors rallying against the scheme. Campaigners decry the loss of a cherished Victorian community asset, arguing it would irreparably harm the area’s character.

Local Brent councillors have led the charge, submitting objections that stress the buildings’ heritage value. Residents echo these sentiments, launching petitions and public statements. As covered extensively by MyLondon, the backlash mirrors similar fights, such as the petition against a Wembley hotel development.

Cllr. Eleanor Southwood, a vocal critic, warned of the cultural void left by demolition.

“This is a heritage building that has served the community for generations,”

she stated, according to reports from local planning watchers.

What specific concerns have locals raised about the new development?

Critics fear the four-storey office block would overshadow the neighbourhood and disrupt the low-rise Victorian aesthetic of Hazel Road. The loss of community hall space is a major grievance, with residents lamenting the erosion of public gathering spots.

Engineering risks from the site’s location over active rail lines have also surfaced. Objectors question whether the new structure complies with TfL safeguards, given the weight restrictions cited by the applicant.

As reported by Aisha Kasim of MyLondon in their lead coverage, one resident petition organiser said:

“Demolishing this Victorian gem for offices is a travesty. Kensal Green deserves better preservation efforts.”

This sentiment has mobilised over 50 objections logged with Brent Council.

Councillors highlight precedents where councils rejected similar proposals to protect local heritage. The debate pits progress against preservation, with opponents urging retrofit solutions over wholesale demolition.

When and how will Brent Council decide on the plans?

Brent Council’s planning committee meeting is slated for next week, where members will weigh the application. Decisions hinge on balancing the charity’s social mission against heritage protections under local planning policies.

The process follows standard protocol: officers’ reports, public deputations, and councillor deliberations. Making The Leap representatives are expected to present, defending the need for expansion.

If approved, demolition could commence soon after, subject to conditions. Rejection might force the charity to explore alternatives, such as partial retrofits despite limitations.

Observers anticipate a divided vote, given the vocal opposition. As noted in MyLondon’s initial reporting, the application’s reference number and full documents are publicly accessible via Brent Council’s portal for transparency.

What is Making The Leap’s mission and track record?

Founded to bridge socio-economic gaps, Making The Leap provides training, mentorship, and job placement for disadvantaged youth. Relocating from Harlesden to Kensal Green in 2002 marked a growth phase, with the charity transforming the site into a programme hub.

Annual impact reaches 8,000 beneficiaries, focusing on skills like IT, job searching, and personal development. The proposed hub would enhance these offerings with dedicated spaces, potentially increasing reach.

Phoebe Tickell has championed the charity’s work, earning accolades for social impact. Yet, expansion pressures have mounted, prompting this bold application.

How does this fit into broader North London development trends?

Kensal Green exemplifies tensions in North London regeneration. Similar battles rage in areas like Camden, Tottenham, and Brent, where councils juggle housing, heritage, and infrastructure.

Recent Brent decisions, such as Labour councillors calling out planning issues, underscore scrutiny. MyLondon has tracked parallels, including Underground-adjacent developments facing TfL hurdles.

This case highlights social enterprises’ role: nonprofits driving change but clashing with preservationists. Outcomes could influence future charity-led projects.

What alternatives have been suggested to demolition?

Opponents advocate retrofitting the Victorian structures, arguing adaptive reuse preserves history while modernising. Feasibility studies could explore lightweight extensions compliant with TfL rules.

Councillors propose community consultations for hybrid designs retaining the facade. Making The Leap counters that small rooms and layout flaws render this impractical for 8,000 users.

Petition backers call for grants aiding preservation, citing successful retrofits elsewhere in Brent.

Why is the site’s location over rail lines critical?

Positioned above Kensal Green station’s tunnels, the plot faces stringent TfL regulations. Weight limits stem from structural integrity needs, blocking heavy modifications.

This constraint dooms extensions, per the charity’s submission. It also raises safety queries for the new build’s foundations.

TfL input will factor into the committee’s review, ensuring commuter lines remain unaffected.

What happens if the plans are approved or rejected?

Approval would greenlight a modern facility, advancing Making The Leap’s goals but erasing Victorian legacy. Construction might span 12-18 months, minimising disruptions.

Rejection prompts appeals or redesigns, delaying services. The charity warns of stalled growth, impacting youth programmes.

Either way, the saga spotlights Kensal Green’s evolving identity amid urban pressures.