Historic arches track towards new future

A multi-million-pound regeneration of historic railway arches in London has reached a major milestone with construction work complete.

Morgan Sindall Construction has handed over the transformed Kilburn Mews site to Places for London, Transport for London’s property company, following the restoration of 12 Victorian railway arches.

Located opposite Kilburn Underground Station, the development includes 12 refurbished spaces for businesses, two new retail units and improvements to the surrounding public realm.

Morgan Sindall, appointed through the SCAPE Construction framework, stripped the arches back to their original brick structures before installing new structural slabs, lined walls and soffits, and glazed façades.

Steel frames were installed within each arch to minimise loading on the historic structures, while original brickwork and cast-iron rain pipes were restored.

The project required close coordination with Places for London, TfL and Network Rail due to its location beneath three operational railway lines.

Work also had to account for previously undocumented repairs and structural changes carried out following Second World War bomb damage.

Sustainability measures include air-source heat pumps, underfloor heating and a communal district heating system, with the commercial units operating without gas.

New planting and water attenuation systems have also been introduced to support biodiversity and manage rainwater.

Richard Dobson, regional managing director for Morgan Sindall Construction in London, said: “Kilburn Mews has been a truly transformative project, breathing new life into the heart of Kilburn in a manner that reflects the area’s dynamic nature and heritage. 

“Thanks to this regeneration, the local community will not just have a modern and attractive space for socialising, relaxing and shopping but it has enhanced accessibility around Kilburn while protecting historic buildings for generations to come.

“Working closely with Places for London and Transport for London has been central to the project’s success. 

“This collaboration not only ensured that the vital rail lines above the project could continue operating as normal but meant that the renovation could be tailored to the area while providing a springboard to deliver valuable benefits for local people.”

Morgan Sindall worked with local organisations during construction to provide skills, training and apprenticeship opportunities and promote careers in the industry.

The scheme forms part of wider plans to transform more than 800 railway arches across London, with Kilburn Mews intended to provide a template for future regeneration projects.

Jo Fisher, head of arches at Places for London, added: “We’re very pleased to have completed the building work at Kilburn Mews, demonstrating how historic railway infrastructure can be sensitively adapted to meet modern needs. 

“The new arches and two standalone units will house some great businesses that will soon become much-loved parts of the fabric of Kilburn. 

“Now we’re looking forward to great new businesses moving into the spaces and helping Kilburn Mews and the wider community continue to thrive and grow.

“This work isn’t just bringing new life to Kilburn but is also part of how we’re helping move London forward sustainably and with the city’s many diverse communities. 

“We’re dedicated to investing in our estate to unlock its full potential, creating thriving, connected places all can enjoy.”

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