PLANS to develop the former Nestle factory in Hayes can go ahead after Hillingdon Council voted in favour of the SEGRO and Barratt London scheme.

It will involve 1,300 new homes and neighbouring light industry space.

SEGRO is responsible for the industrial areas and Barratt will build the homes and add the community space.

The Nestlé development is forecast to boost the local economy by up to £130m, while people in the new homes are expected to spend £7.5m-10m each year.

The former Nestle factory in Nestles Avenue, which once produced chocolate and coffee, is a feature of the old industrial Hayes and plans are designed to honour its heritage.

New public spaces will include a plaza, named after Eugen Sandow, the man who built the factory in 1913. 

There will be a public trim trail to a redeveloped canal frontage and a coffee shop in the Canteen building. There will also be improvements to neighbouring road junctions including the Bulls Bridge Roundabout.

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Sustainability will be at the heart of it all, with 2000 cycle spaces, electric vehicle charging points and extensive landscaping.

Building work will create 350 jobs, while around 500 permanent jobs will be available in the industrial area.

Working with Brunel University and Uxbridge College, SEGRO and Barratt will deliver offer skills training to ensure Hayes people are ready to apply for the jobs.

Smaller businesses and enterprises in and around Hillingdon will be able to compete for construction contracts.

The 30-acre site, which SEGRO acquired in 2015, is less than a mile from junction 3 of the M4 and is also close to Hayes and Harlington station which will become a Crossrail station in 2019.

Last year, 200 members of the community attended an open day at the site and shared their views and suggestions on regeneration. They were able to have a behind-the-scenes tour with a former Nestle employee.