Neasden: A multicultural hub with plenty to shout about

Neasden is a quiet, multicultural area of North-West London, located in the borough of Brent.

There is plenty to see and do in the town and it is surrounded by exciting places to visit. The area has undergone a lot of regeneration over the years, which has helped to transform it into the thriving metropolitan hub that it is today.

It is an area which has a rich cultural history and is an important part of London's heritage.

Properties in the area start from around £225,000 and go all the way up to over £1 million. Rent can start from as little as £240 a week for a one-bedroom flat. These types of rent are virtually unheard of in other areas of London where you could easily be paying in excess of £400 for a one-bed flat.

And although Neasden may not be one of the poshest areas of London, it certainly has a lot of potential and continues to be popular among people from different walks of life.

Regeneration

Over the years, Brent Council has helped to revitalise Neasden town centre in order to make it an attractive place to visit, shop and for businesses to invest in.

Previous redevelopment projects included making improvements to the paving and lighting in the area, planting trees and installing furniture.

The council has also introduced controlled parking areas and improved public transport stops, to create a safe pedestrian environment outside the town centre shops.

Before the redevelopment, many of the paving stones in the town centre were cracked and presented a potential health and safety hazard for pedestrians.

Development firm Marshalls was chosen to regenerate the area and it worked in conjunction with the council, in order to improve the appearance of the street.

Entertainment

Neasden is known for its diversity and it is this which has contributed to the area having some of the most awe-inspiring attractions in North-West London.

One such attraction is Neasden Temple, also known as BAPS Shri Swaminarayan Hindu Mandir.

Timeout magazine once named the building as one of the 'Seven wonders of London'.

This temple was built by over 3,000 dedicated volunteers, who were inspired by their guru, Pramukh Swami Maharaj.

One of the most amazing things is that the venue is funded entirely by worshippers and well-wishers, which is even more impressive when you take into consideration the sheer number of activities which occur there.

Every vertical surface is carved with stories from the scriptures and the temple oozes magnificence from every corner.

On February 27th, worshippers will be celebrating the Mahashivaratri festival, which is dedicated to the Hindu god Shiva.

Visitors will come to offer food and gifts to a shrine of the deity, while lots of fasting and chanting will take place.

Brent Reservoir

Brent reservoir  straddles the boundary between the London boroughs of Brent and Barnet and is owned by British Waterways.

It is a beautiful, tranquil location populated by wildlife and is home to a number of sailing clubs and sports groups.

Neasden Bunkers

Neasden Bunkers, also known as the Paddock war rooms is located in Dollis Hill and is open to the public two or three times a year.

Visitors have the opportunity to take guided tours of the somewhat spooky bunkers and these tours are provided by volunteers from the Subterranea Britannica organisation.

Notable people

Neasden has had its fair share of famous faces over the years. Singer Alexandra Burke grew up in Neasden, while the model and actress Twiggy grew up in the suburb.

Other notable residents include musician Charlie Kunz, producer Gerry Anderson and the 16th century MP Sir William Roberts.

Published 14th February, 2014

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