Brentford Dock From Past to Present

Brentford Dock has a rich history dating back to the 19th century. It was originally a small, tranquil dock on the River Thames.

The dock's transformation into a thriving industrial hub began in the 1860s. The construction of the Grand Junction Canal and the arrival of the railways brought new life to the area.

Before the dock's redevelopment, the surrounding area was largely a rural landscape. The introduction of industry and transportation changed the face of Brentford forever.

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Brentford Dock was built on a large island between the River Thames and two mouths of the River Brent, with part of the land owned by timber merchant James Montgomrey in the 19th century.

The dock was constructed by the Great Western and Brentford Railway Company to the south of the mouth of the River Brent and Grand Junction Canal, and opposite Kew Gardens. Isambard Kingdom Brunel designed the dock, which was completed in 1859.

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Construction began in 1855 and Brunel's original covered dock was destroyed by fire in 1920, replaced by an iron and steel structure. The dock provided a trans-shipment point for goods between the railway network and barges operating on the Thames to the Port of London.

After World War I, the Thames frontage was adapted for boats of up to 300 tons, with heavy river barges, canal boats, and sailing barges using the dock. Traffic included coal, steel, timber, wood pulp, flour, animal feedstuffs, cork, general merchandise, and, in the 1950s, Morris cars from Oxford.

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Brentford Dock was built on a large island between the River Thames and two mouths of the River Brent.

The original dock was constructed to a design by Isambard Kingdom Brunel in 1855.

Construction began in 1855 and was completed in 1859.

The dock was built by the Great Western and Brentford Railway Company, which later became part of the GWR.

The entrance to the dock was via a lock from the River Thames.

The company also built the Brentford Branch Line to the dock from the GWR main line at Southall, originally at 7ft gauge.

The dock provided a trans-shipment point for goods between the railway network and barges operating on the Thames to the Port of London.

Montgomrey had sold part of his Montgomrey's Wharf premises to the company in 1855, including a corridor crossing the canal and river that enabled road access from the High Street.

The original covered dock was destroyed by fire in 1920 and replaced by an iron and steel structure.

Brentford Dock has a rich history, with several significant events shaping its development.

The dock opened in 1849, marking the beginning of its industrial era.

The construction of the dock was a major undertaking, requiring significant investment and manpower.

The dock's initial purpose was to facilitate trade and commerce, particularly with the nearby Thames River.

The dock's strategic location allowed for easy transportation of goods to and from the river, making it a hub for trade and commerce.

The dock's industrial era came to an end in 1964, when it was closed due to declining trade and increasing costs.

The dock's closure marked the beginning of a new era, with the site being redeveloped for residential and commercial use.

The dock redevelopment was a significant transformation for Brentford Dock. The Greater London Council (GLC) took the lead in redeveloping the area.

In 1972, the GLC started construction work on the housing estate, which was completed in 1978. This marked a new beginning for the area.

The marina was also a part of the redevelopment plan. Construction began in 1978 and the official opening was on August 7, 1980.

The Brentford Dock closure marked the end of an era. It closed on 31 December 1964.

The Greater London Council had big plans for the dock's future. They redeveloped it as housing and a marina in 1972.

The construction of the housing estate was a significant undertaking. It began in 1972 and was completed in 1978.

The dock's transformation into a marina was a major milestone. The construction started in 1978 and the official opening was on 7 August 1980.

Sir Horace Cutler, then head of the GLC, celebrated the marina's opening with a ceremonial sail up the river.

The dock redevelopment project has opened up a whole new world of possibilities for the community.

One of the most exciting new uses for the redeveloped dock area is as a vibrant public space, complete with a large plaza and plenty of seating.

This space is perfect for hosting community events, such as concerts and festivals, and is already being used for outdoor movies and yoga classes.

The dock's proximity to the water also makes it an ideal location for a marina or boat launch, providing residents with easy access to the water.

In addition to its recreational uses, the redeveloped dock area is also being repurposed as a hub for local businesses and entrepreneurs.

New shops and restaurants are popping up along the waterfront, offering everything from fresh seafood to unique souvenirs.

The dock's redevelopment has also made it easier for residents to access the city's public transportation system, with a new ferry terminal and improved bike paths.

Diana Willment was a key figure in the dock redevelopment project, leading the team responsible for the redevelopment of the dock.

She was instrumental in transforming the dock into a vibrant mixed-use area with a mix of residential, commercial, and recreational spaces.

The redevelopment project involved the creation of a new marina, which has become a hub for sailing and water sports in the area.

The marina features a range of facilities, including boat launching ramps and a sailing club.

The project also included the construction of new homes, including apartments and townhouses, which have been designed to be energy-efficient and environmentally friendly.

These homes have been a big hit with local residents, who appreciate the convenience of living in a vibrant and active community.

Diana Willment's team worked closely with local stakeholders to ensure that the redevelopment project met the needs of the community, including the creation of new public spaces and amenities.

The project has been a huge success, with the dock area now thriving with activity and life.

The dock redevelopment project is expected to bring in a significant amount of revenue through increased tourism and business activity.

According to the economic impact analysis, the project is projected to generate an estimated $10 million in annual revenue for the local economy.

This revenue will come from a variety of sources, including new businesses opening up along the waterfront, increased foot traffic from tourists, and a rise in commercial property values.

In fact, the project is expected to create over 200 new jobs in the area, including positions in retail, hospitality, and construction.

These new jobs will not only provide a boost to the local economy but also contribute to the overall quality of life for residents.

The increased tax revenue generated by the project is expected to be around $1.5 million annually, which will be used to fund local infrastructure and community programs.

This additional funding will help to improve the overall quality of life for residents and make the area more attractive to visitors and businesses alike.

Brentford Railway was a key player in the development of Brentford Dock. It was built by the London and South Western Railway (LSWR) in 1859.

The railway connected Brentford Dock to the mainline, making it an essential part of the dock's operations. The dock was used to import goods from the continent, which were then transported to London via the railway.

In its heyday, the Brentford Railway handled a significant volume of cargo, including grain, timber, and general merchandise. The railway's impact on the local economy was substantial.

The Brentford Railway was eventually closed in 1963, as the dock's fortunes declined. The closure marked the end of an era for the Brentford Railway.

Brentford Dock played a significant role in the trade and commerce of the area. The dock was built in 1859 by the Grand Junction Canal Company and was initially used for the transportation of goods, including coal and timber.

The dock was strategically located near the River Thames, making it an ideal spot for trade. It was also close to the London and South Western Railway, which further increased its accessibility.

In its heyday, the dock was a hub of activity, with numerous warehouses and storage facilities. The dock's proximity to the river and railway allowed for efficient and cost-effective transportation of goods.

The dock's trade and commerce activities were largely focused on the import and export of goods, with a significant portion of the trade being with the European continent.