The Willesden and Kensal Green Connection project comprises two phases. The first phase of the project was completed in May 2025.
The second phase of works involves installing new cables along the canal towpath and planting new hedgerows along the towpath. This phase began in July 2025 and was placed hold shortly before winter moorings in October 2025. This work will now resume on 14 September 2026 to install the final cables along the towpath, resulting in a closure between Old Oak Lane and Barretts Green Road.
Pontoons were used during phase one, but this is not possible during the second phase of works. The nature of the installation means lengthy sections of the Grand Union Canal towpath need to be closed while work takes place.
Diversions
A section of the towpath between Old Oak Lane and Barretts Green Road will be closed, with a diversion route in place for pedestrians and cyclists.
There will be no access to the towpath at Old Oak Lane. Access to the towpath via the Hythe Road Bridge will remain in place, and pedestrian access and boat mooring will be available along this section towards Scrubs Lane.
Community engagement
In June 2025, we hosted community drop-ins and a webinar to provide information and address questions ahead of our phase two works, and answered any questions regarding the project. Our teams will also be available along the canal towpath in early September 2026 to provide the community with information ahead of the upcoming closure.
Details and timings of the events that took place in June can be found below:
Event type | Date | Time | Location |
Online webinar | Tuesday 10 June | 6-7pm | Online |
Pop-up event | Tuesday 17 June
| 5-7pm | Entrance to Sainsbury’s canal side at Ladbroke Grove |
Pop-up event | Wednesday 18 June | 5-7pm | Outside The Collective |
Pop-up event | Thursday 19 June | 5-7pm | The canal access on Barretts Green Road |
In-person drop in | 28 June 2025 | 10am-2pm | Queens Park Court Community Hall, Droop St, London W10 4QD |