Hangar Lane & Pitshanger Park
This neighbourhood, the Pitshanger section of North Ealing, is a leafy suburb located in west London. Although slightly removed from central London, the neighbourhood’s many nearby tube, bus and rail connections make it easily accessible. Still, residents find little reason to leave during the weekends. Whether grabbing a pint at local favourite The Village Inn, or going for a jog through one of the many parks in the area, such as Pitshanger Park, there’s something for everyone. For those interested in living in Ealing, a walk through the neighbourhood will reveal the various types of homes - from blocks of flats to larger Victorian houses. Pitshanger Lane, the local high street, is home to a public library, dance studio, multiple independent shops and modest places to grab a quick bite to eat. Families are especially drawn to the area for its plethora of highly rated schools – that cater to all ages. With all that it has to offer and upcoming developments, Ealing is becoming more and more attractive with every year.
This neighbourhood dates back to the 15th century when it was characterised by a wooded slope with many hawks. By the 1800s, the area had become a country retreat, near to the Pitshanger Manor, the home of architect John Soane. Much of the land was populated by dairy cattle, and it wasn’t until the late-19th century that the main road, Pitshanger Lane, was built. Shortly after the First World War, the area began to attract more shops, houses, and schools. The community there today is extremely tight-knit, and those in the Pitshanger Community Association even throw a party in the park each summer, as well as a Christmas festival every year.
Famous tennis player, Fred Perry (1909-1995), grew up in the Ealing neighbourhood. As a child, he used to practice table tennis at his kitchen table, and later went on to win Wimbledon and the US Open multiple times.
Unfortunately, the crime rate in this neighbourhood is slightly higher than that of the Borough on a whole. Most of these crimes were classified as miscellaneous theft and theft from cars. This aside, families love the area for its safe suburban feel, and plethora of green space.
Even though this specific part of the neighbourhood is not serviced directly by the Elizabeth Line, its proximity will surely impact the neighbourhood. Investors are already beginning to look for new opportunities in the area. For example, a few large housing developments are being built in Ealing, including the recently completed luxury Westgate House. Just to the east of Pitshanger Park, a new development for 565 student accommodation units, which would be accompanied with commercial and educational facilities, has already begun on a brownfield site in the centre of the Hanger Lane Gyratory.