This neighbourhood encompasses most of the town of Hanwell and much of the Brent Valley. The area has a strong sense of community, whilst having good access to central London as well the south west of the country due to the A4020, which runs through the town. It’s rich social residential history and its proximity to the greenery of Green Valley Park, as well as its great recreational facilities gives the area is distinct sense easy living. However, the area isn’t likely to stay one greater London’s best kept secrets for long, as the arrival of the Elizabeth line is bringing the locale and its great amenities new attention from first time buyers.

The name “Hanwell” supposedly originated from the ancient words for cock, “hana”, and stream, or “weille”. This was probably in reference to the birds that settled along the River Brent. Whilst people have settled there since the Saxon period, its most significant period was during the 15th century, in which William Hobbayne gave his land in the area to help the local poor. The establishment of a local poor school and the introduction of the Great Western Railways in the Victorian era spurred the growth of the area into a fully-fledged residential neighbourhood.

The local parish church, St. Mary’s C of E Church has been around for centuries. If you take a stroll through its graveyard, you can see Jonas Hanway’s tombstone. He was an 18th century pioneer who became most famous for promoting the use of the umbrella.

Hanwell also has a zoo. It was previously known as “Bunny Park”, as it was originally only populated by unwanted pets, but is now home to flamingos, monkeys and meerkats. Reopened following repairs in 2017, the zoo boasts a renovated butterfly and reptile house, as well as a new playground.

Some locals have noticed a spike in anti-social behaviour, particularly in the town centre. Although the centre has a very rich sense of community and is full of independent businesses, some residents have argued that it is in need of redevelopment. The issue of fly-tipping is also a key challenge that the neighbourhood is facing but work is being done with the council to resolve the issue.

The Crossrail Elizabeth line is set to bring big new changes to the area. The new tube line will stop at Hanwell, thus making it highly accessible to the city and Heathrow airport. This improved accessibility is also set to raise house prices and the demand for homes in the residential area. However, Ealing Council have certainly risen to this housing challenge. By 2021, some 1847 private residential units were in the planning pipeline in close proximity to Hanwell Station. Additionally, wew affordable homes in the area have won awards for their affordability for first time buyers and plans to create over 200 new more homes have been given the go ahead around Copley Close.