Year Long Celebration of the Centenary of the Golden Mile Planned
Events include immersive screenings design workshops and building tours
The Art Deco architecture of the Great West Road will be highlighted
May 9, 2025
To mark the centenary of the opening of the Great West Road Hounslow Council has launched Golden Mile 100 (GM100), a year-long programme of events, celebrating the road’s history and continued economic importance, legacy of industrial innovation, and iconic architecture.
The event is being run in partnership with a number of organisations including West London Business and community groups such as Brentford Voice.
The intent is to feature a varied line-up of events which appeal to all ages and interests and bring together the local community to explore the history and modern resurgence of the corridor, from the Gillette Factory to the reimagining of the former GSK building.
This year the Golden Mile is also part of the recently launched London Festival of Architecture (LFA) 2025 programme. Activities range from Great West Road cycling tours led by local historian James Marshall and immersive screenings at the iconic Gillette Factory, to hands-on design workshops and talks inside landmark buildings like the SEGA and JCDecaux sites.
History enthusiasts can enjoy audio-visual exhibitions on the 1925 opening of the Great West Road. Young people and students can take part in creative sessions hosted by the University of West London, including architecture taster days and a social hackathon.
Interactive events will seek to reimagine the Golden Mile in 2125 and activating underused public spaces.
Cllr Tom Bruce, Deputy Leader of the Council and Cabinet Member for Assets, Regeneration and Development, said, “The Golden Mile has shaped west London’s industrial and cultural identity for the past century. It has been a driver for economic growth on a large scale, as well as supporting residents of our borough with fantastic employment opportunity - indeed my grandmother, grandfather and great-grandfather all worked in factories along the Great West Road.
“With Golden Mile 100, we’re honouring that legacy and looking ahead. Through these creative events, partnerships with universities, and our investment strategy, we’re setting the foundations for the Golden Mile’s next 100 years.
“This is a celebration for everyone; history buffs and architecture lovers, art enthusiasts, and students, families and future city-makers. This celebration is about more than heritage — it’s about community, imagination and growth. Whether you’re a long-time resident, a local business, or a visitor discovering this stretch for the first time, GM100 is your chance to engage with the past and help shape the Golden Mile’s future. I would encourage you to sign up to as many events as you can and enjoy these celebrations.”
Rosa Rogina, Director of the London Festival of Architecture, said, “We’re thrilled to spotlight the Brentford Golden Mile as an LFA Destination for 2025.
“The centenary celebrations offer a powerful opportunity to amplify local voices, explore the area’s architectural legacy, and inspire new visions for urban regeneration. This programme exemplifies the Festival’s spirit of dialogue, experimentation, and place-based storytelling – and we can’t wait for audiences to discover the energy and potential of this historic corridor.”
To find out more and sign up to events, visit this link.
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