Local partners: powering creative communities

The Brentford Project, Embassy Gardens & London City Island

OVERVIEW

Ballymore’s relationship with an area – and the businesses who operate there – starts from the earliest stages of a project. A holistic approach to placemaking involves both attracting fledgling businesses who need support, and working alongside key existing operations. In each case, Ballymore’s work is tailored to the specific needs of the people and the place.

Across multiple projects, Ballymore has proven that independent operators are key to the creation of a thriving, viable community. By including them in planning and helping to incubate them, these businesses become trusted partners and an integral part of an area’s success.

At The Brentford Project, this meant offering a new space to supercar hub Duke of London when their own was due for demolition, allowing them to expand into an events venue, vehicle showroom, pizza restaurant and more.

At Embassy Gardens, acclaimed Irish chef Robin Gill was supported with investment and logistical support to open his new restaurant, Darby’s.

And in London City Island, a series of ground floor units were leased out rent free and used to host digital arts centre Arebyte, Hum Yoga Centre, The Lockdown Room bar and more.

Where resident creatives have outgrown their first space, several have scaled up to bigger premises within the development, cementing Ballymore’s longer, ongoing relationship with the local creative industries. This is a holistic, consistent approach that allows a creative community to develop and grow – now, and in the longer term.

Duke of London - Merlin in Showroom with Dogs

THE BRENTFORD PROJECT

At The Brentford Project, Ballymore offered a new space to supercar hub Duke of London when their own was due for demolition, allowing them to expand into an events venue, vehicle showroom, pizza restaurant and more.

What does Duke of London bring to The Brentford Project?

Merlin McCormack of Duke of London discusses how his thriving business that specialises in classic and modern performance cars benefits from its location at The Brentford Project. He highlights Brentford’s industrial heritage, the creative community, and his vision for providing an inclusive destination combining cars, crafts, food, and local businesses in Brentford.

“Ballymore have been beyond incredible to us facilitating this move to our new home. We cannot thank them enough. The new space will continue to host a plethora of Duke and external events.”

MERLIN MCCORMACK - BUSINESS OWNER, DUKE OF LONDON

EMBASSY GARDENS

At Embassy Gardens, acclaimed chef Robin Gill was supported with investment and logistical support to open his new restaurant, Darby’s.

Darby's Restaurant - Irish Chef Robin Gill

“I am delighted that my vision for Darby’s has become a reality. It is my biggest project to date and I am grateful that Embassy Gardens have given me the opportunity to open a restaurant with real personal significance.”

ROBIN GILL - CHEF & OWNER, DARBY’S RESTAURANT

Darby's Restaurant - Chef Robin Gill in Kitchen

LONDON CITY ISLAND

In London City Island, a series of ground floor units were leased out rent free and used to host digital arts centre Arebyte, Hum Yoga Centre, The Lockdown Room bar and more.

We hope to strengthen our reputation as a hub of the community at London City Island and the surrounding area; a melting pot where new residents and visitors to the island get to meet
and integrate into this amazing community.”

Daniel Bull - managing director, The Lockdown Room

London City Island - The Lockdown Room Event

London City Island - Arebyte Gallery Studios

London City Island - Arebyte Gallery Live Event

London City Island - Arebyte Gallery Performance

London City Island - The Lockdown Room Bar

London City Island - Hopewell Square Event