Guest blog by Sonya Bell who describes herself as a local resident with concerns as to how London is becoming one big privatised city.
I have lived in Brent nearly all of my life and have watched all the changes that have come and gone. I became aware of some changes a few years ago when Stonebridge Park (located between Harlesden and Wembley) became Wembley Park and some of Stonebridge has become Neasden and Harlesden. Stonebridge did have a reputation years ago but it seems instead of making it a better place to live, it seems the "powers that be" just decided to call some parts Harlesden, Wembley and Neasden.
I have noticed the same thing now happening in South Kilburn. Since the new flats have been erected, according to google maps Chichester Road in South Kilburn is now known as North Maida Vale:
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In addition to this, I received a letter from HS2 about work that is to commence when the new rail line is built and they gave reference to a road called Queens Park Road. I contacted HS2 and asked where this road was, I was informed by a representative for HS2 that Queens Park Road covers the bridge at Queens Park Train Station and extends right the way around South Kilburn on to Cathedral Walk up to Kilburn High Road. I did explain that the road was already called Cathedral Walk, however the woman said that I was incorrect and it is now known as Queens Park Road.
I think South Kilburn is gradually being phased out by the private sellers who want to make extra money from selling property in "Maida Vale" rather than South Kilburn. I do wonder if the people of Maida Vale and Queens Park know that their lovely and prestigious areas are being extended to take in South Kilburn. I am sure that the leaseholders are very happy with this district change but I wonder how this will affect the people in social housing who will not be able to afford to buy a property once it has a Maida Vale or Queens Park price tag on it. I also wonder if the property developers that have purchased large areas of land from Brent council for this "regeneration" work paid at South Kilburn rates or Maida Vale rates.
I have lived in Brent nearly all of my life and have watched all the changes that have come and gone. I became aware of some changes a few years ago when Stonebridge Park (located between Harlesden and Wembley) became Wembley Park and some of Stonebridge has become Neasden and Harlesden. Stonebridge did have a reputation years ago but it seems instead of making it a better place to live, it seems the "powers that be" just decided to call some parts Harlesden, Wembley and Neasden.
I have noticed the same thing now happening in South Kilburn. Since the new flats have been erected, according to google maps Chichester Road in South Kilburn is now known as North Maida Vale:
In addition to this, I received a letter from HS2 about work that is to commence when the new rail line is built and they gave reference to a road called Queens Park Road. I contacted HS2 and asked where this road was, I was informed by a representative for HS2 that Queens Park Road covers the bridge at Queens Park Train Station and extends right the way around South Kilburn on to Cathedral Walk up to Kilburn High Road. I did explain that the road was already called Cathedral Walk, however the woman said that I was incorrect and it is now known as Queens Park Road.
I think South Kilburn is gradually being phased out by the private sellers who want to make extra money from selling property in "Maida Vale" rather than South Kilburn. I do wonder if the people of Maida Vale and Queens Park know that their lovely and prestigious areas are being extended to take in South Kilburn. I am sure that the leaseholders are very happy with this district change but I wonder how this will affect the people in social housing who will not be able to afford to buy a property once it has a Maida Vale or Queens Park price tag on it. I also wonder if the property developers that have purchased large areas of land from Brent council for this "regeneration" work paid at South Kilburn rates or Maida Vale rates.