This area comprises much of Kenton and Woodcock Park, and sits on the border of the London boroughs of Harrow and Brent. According to the 2011 census, the area has a population of over 11,000, and is served well by public transport: Northwick Park, Preston Road and Kenton Underground stations, and Kenton Overground station. A popular but quiet residential suburb, Kenton is known for its residential qualities, and access to useful local amenities such as Northwick Park Hospital and the University of Westminster’s Harrow campus. There are a number of good schools and public service amenities in the area. In particular, Woodcock Park and Kenton Grange are popular local recreation spaces which sit beside one another, separated by the Wealdstone Brook. Local shops can be found clustered along the parade by Kenton Station, with similar offerings being found around Preston Park Underground station too.

The Kenton and Northwick Park area tells a history which is similar to the surrounding area, in that little significant development actually occurred until the arrival of the railways. Historically, the name ‘Kenton’ was documented for the first time in 1231, and continued to operate as a small but established agricultural outpost until the late 19th century. The opening of the Metropolitan line stations in the nearby area – including Northwick Park station – stimulated suburban growth. Houses in the area were predominantly built by small housebuilders rather than large firms. In 1933, when South Kenton and Preston Park station opened, a large housing estate was completed too.

Whether you are a fan of soaps or not, most people have heard of the iconic Pat Butcher from Eastenders. Pam St Clement, who played the infamous role, hails from Kenton and was the second longest running character on the show. Famed for her eclectic taste in earrings, her most important storyline was the romance she shared with on screen lover Frank Butcher.

The illusive fraternal Freemasonry organisation has its district HQ in the neighbourhood. According to the Harrow District Masonic Centre, which is situated in the Northwick Circle, there is a long history of freemasonry in the Harrow and wider Middlesex area, with Kenton being an important hub for the surrounding areas. Aside from the various meeting and activities, the centre is used by the freemasons themselves, the centre is also open to non-masonic activities and bookings too.

Unfortunately, there have been a number of instances of anti-social behaviour, with the most reports of crime happening near the Kenton Underground station. Despite this, the area is generally well policed and positively regarded by locals, in particular the hospital and Westminster University Campus which are popular local centres. There is definitely a sense of a diverse community feel as is demonstrated by the one local primary school: Uxendon Manor Primary school proudly maintains ‘we are a creative, inclusive and caring community in which each member is valued’ reflecting the wider spirit of the neighbourhood.

New development in the area is increasing, with notable examples including Beale Halai’s development on Kenton Lane, a new-build project consisting of 29 apartments and 1 commercial unit, a proposed development on the Stewart House site by Strawberry Star, which would deliver 135 new homes (with only 15% affordable), and another proposed development on Kenton Road by J W Hughes Building Contractors, consisting of of 39 apartments. However, the most exciting new development coming to the neighbourhood is the Northwick Park ‘One Public Estate’ Programme, a collaborative redevelopment of land at Northwick Park Hospital involving Brent Council, London North West University Healthcare NHS Trust (Northwick Park Hospital), the University of Westminster and Network Homes.

In addition to The One Public Estate national programme’s awarding of over £0.5 million to the four organisations to support the plans for Northwick Park, Brent Council have also been awarded £9.9 million from the Housing Infrastructure Fund for infrastructure works. In April 2021, outline approval was granted to Network Homes’ proposal. The scheme will see the development of up to 1,600 new homes, as well as the student facilities, commercial space, and a replacement nursery across 19 buildings on the site. 40% of the homes are for affordable tenures including shared ownership, London living rent, intermediate rent and London affordable rent. Phase 1 will involve the construction of 654 homes.