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Northolt & Lime Tree Park
The ideal location for Londoners who prefer a more rural way of life, this neighbourhood encapsulates five different public parks, as well as a golf course. One does not have to sacrifice the conveniences of city-living, however, as Church Road is about with amenities. Featuring a continental food store, Tesco, pharmacy, delicatessen, as well as a few takeaways and pubs and even a musical theatre. Church Road runs through the heart of this neighbourhood and is easily accessible for all residents. The area is undoubtedly popular with young families, as it contains two children’s centres as well as the Alec Reed Academy, serving children from primary school age all the way up to the sixth form, rated ‘good’ by Ofsted.
The most historical building in this neighbourhood area is Islip Manor, which dates back to the 14th century. Originally constructed as an estate of the Ruislip family, named Ruislip Place, the manor was renamed to Islip Manor when the Lord of Northolt Manor purchased it in 1629. It stayed in the hands of this family for the next 200 years, before it was purchased by George Harris in 1853 who laid the manor grounds and rebuilt the house, which was now falling into disrepair. In 1929 Ealing Town Council purchased the house and grounds, using the house as a clinic and transforming the grounds into a public park.
This neighbourhood contains a Jedi Robe store. Located on the northern part of Church Road, this store provides all manner of Star Wars-themed attire for enthusiasts looking for a fancy dress.
Paul Kidby, a famous artist known for his association with Terry Pratchett, was born in this neighbourhood area.
IRA member Jimmy Canning lived undercover in this area between 1991 and 1993. He used his partner’s house as a weapon and bomb storage depot before he was later arrested in 1992 following police surveillance.
The main downside of this neighbourhood area is its lack of night time entertainment and dining options. Whilst it has a small number of quaint local eateries and a musical theatre, this is unlikely to quell the appetites of gourmand foodies and keen thespians. Luckily the Northolt Tube line can take residents to central in under an hour.
Future developments in and around this neighbourhood area will focus on protecting and enhancing the metropolitan green belt around Lime Trees Park and the A40, through the management of recreational open space. Open land will be landscaped with the aim of creating new cycle routes, resident-led throughout the borough, and the neighbourhood more specifically has been focused on for the enhancement of walking routes and the provision of resident-led tours.