This neighbourhood is made up of North Wembley and South Kenton, as indicated by the two tube stations of the same name which border the locale. The residents of the locality are generally a mix of professionals, homeowners and families, who typically occupy spacious suburban semis or detached family homes, although there are some flats and multi-dwelling buildings available too. The area is characteristically suburban, and has a great range of local amenities; not only in terms of transport, but the vast wealth of green space and sports facilities which surround the residential streets. This includes Barham Park to the south, and Northwick Park to the north. Not only this, but the Vale Farm Sports Centre, which is right in the middle of the area, has an excellent range of sports facilities, including a 107-station gym and swimming pool. The range of classes and clubs make it perfect for local families. The area, like nearby Wembley and Harrow, has a large Indian population, particularly Hindus, who attend the nearby temples in Wembley and beyond.

As is common to the wider Wembley region, population growth did not significantly increase until the coming of the railways, as prior to the 19th century, much of this north-west area was comprised of a series of small villages and hamlets. At the end of the 19th century, however, the railways ushered in a new era of economic activity, and facilitated the rise of residential and industrial suburbs such as North Wembley and South Kenton. Important to note is the distinction of the South Kenton and North Wembley area from the village of Kenton itself, which is slightly further north. Whilst Kenton is a similar multi-cultural residential suburb, it has rather more of a village feel than here. In 1927, the South Kenton/North Wembley area welcomed the arrival of the South Kenton and Preston Estate, which was delivered in time to match the opening of South Kenton station in 1993. Local builders were involved with the project, and the development saw the creation of a park and school as well as local shopping parades and a pub, The Windermere. North Wembley station, in the centre of the neighbourhood, was built slightly earlier in 1912. Today, both stations are serviced by the Bakerloo line and London Overground network, giving commuters plenty of options.

Riz Ahmed, the Emmy Award-winning actor who featured in Star Wars: Rogue One and the popular dark comedy Four Lions hailed from Wembley. In fact, he was the first South Asian and Muslim to win a leading Actor Emmy. Perhaps lesser known but equally impressive, he is a passionate advocate for human rights and refugee rights and has been involved in producing political rap music too.

The North Wembley area has a popular pub, The Windermere, which is on the ‘Campaign for Real Ales’ national inventory for pub interiors. Not only can The Windermere provides a spot of refreshment on a hot summers day, and it is beautifully designed in the Dutch style, mixing Art Deco and historicist influences too – it is so beloved, in fact, that is protected by a grade II listing.

North Wembley is the safest tube station on the network, according to the Metropolitan Police. That should give some reassurance to those who are hesitant tube-users!

As is generally the case with urban areas, there have unfortunately been some instances of crime in the area, with a low number of robberies and burglaries being reported over the year. This is not considered a serious problem, as crime-prevention and policing in the area is of a very high standard, thanks to the efforts of the South Kenton and Preston Park Residents Association (SKPPRA) and local police.

The neighbourhood also borders the 85-acre Wembley Park development, which is well underway, and with 10.3 million square feet of mixed development is one of Europe’s largest regeneration projects. 3,000 homes have already been completed, and it is the largest single-site purpose-built Build to Rent development anywhere in the UK, with an additional 5,500 homes still to be built. The project has already brought new community hubs, entertainment venues like Boxpark, art installations and open spaces, including the new 7 acre Union Park. With over £2.5bn already invested in the area, there’s much more slated to come, with the Quintain-led development scheduled to complete in 2027, bringing with it over 8,000 new jobs. The area itself is also going to see some new projects, being partly within the Alperton Growth Area. Set for completion in 2023, Wembley Link, a residential development on Nathans Road, will bring 256 new apartments in two 17- and 19-storey Art Deco-style blocks designed by Glen Howells Architects.