Mayor of London’s development corporation seeks partner after unlocking 8,000-home brownfield development

With the land now aligned under a single strategy, OPDC is beginning a two-stage procurement process to appoint a private sector partner. A preferred partner is expected to be selected by spring 2027.

A tender notice is expected to be published on 28 May on the Old Oak section of the OPDC website and through the government’s Find a Tender service.

The search for a private sector partner follows a period of change at OPDC. Inside Housing reported in December that chief executive David Lunts was stepping down from his role, having led the corporation in establishing a 20-year local plan, securing £240m in public sector funding and unlocking 70 acres of brownfield development land around the new HS2 Old Oak Common station.

While earlier plans for Old Oak had referred to around 9,000 homes, the latest announcement said the site will deliver 8,000. At the time, OPDC said its next chief executive would lead the procurement exercise to secure delivery and investment partners for the masterplan.

Sir Sadiq said: “This landmark partnership with national government means the capital’s biggest brownfield site, Old Oak, can now deliver for Londoners, driving forward significant housing delivery and economic growth.

“Together, we’re unlocking land for thousands of affordable homes and jobs, alongside thriving public spaces all connected by incredible transport links.

“This vibrant new canalside district at Old Oak will transform west London and shape its future for decades to come, as we continue to build a greener, fairer and more prosperous city for all.”

Rail minister Lord Peter Hendy said: “The new station at Old Oak Common for HS2 will be a massive catalyst for growth, housing and jobs in west London and will drive a £10bn boost to the national and local economy.

“This partnership unlocks all that – bringing together 70 acres of land so OPDC can deliver what is one of the UK’s largest regeneration opportunities, including 8,000 new homes.”

Dame Karen Buck, chair of OPDC, said: “Securing the land is a breakthrough moment for OPDC. Our collaboration with national and London government has brought Old Oak together as a single, strategic development site – giving the market certainty and unlocking exceptional placemaking potential.

“With Old Oak Common station at its heart, offering unrivalled connections across London, the regions and Heathrow, this is a once-in-a-generation chance to deliver thousands of homes and jobs.

“Now, we are seeking an exemplar joint venture partner with the vision and capability to turn this ambition into reality. Together, we will drive this forward at pace to create the capital’s next great urban district: a place that shows what can be achieved when public purpose and private expertise work side by side.”

OPDC is a mayoral development corporation established by the mayor of London to oversee the regeneration of Old Oak and Park Royal, an area spanning parts of Ealing, Brent, and Hammersmith and Fulham.

The area includes the Park Royal industrial estate, the Old Oak development area around the new HS2 Old Oak Common station, and protected land at Wormwood Scrubs.

OPDC is the local planning authority and regeneration agency for the 650-hectare site.