Yesterday, the University of West London and Hounslow Council signed a new Civic Agreement to create more opportunities for residents, support local businesses and drive inclusive growth.
The agreement sets out how the University and the Council will work together to improve access to education and training, support local employers and help people develop the skills needed for good jobs. It also reflects a shared commitment to strengthening communities, improving health and ensuring that economic growth benefits residents across Hounslow.
The agreement was signed at a civic event at the Gtech Community Stadium in Brentford, bringing together partners from across the public, education and business sectors.
Through the Civic Agreement, the two organisations will work together to strengthen links between education and employment, support young people into higher education and help local businesses find the skilled workers they need. It will also focus on improving community wellbeing, tackling health inequalities and supporting residents to live healthier lives through education, research and collaboration with the local health and care system.
A key part of the partnership will be the development of a Golden Mile London Skills and Innovation Hub, which the University of West London and the Council are progressing with Hadley Property Group – a privately owned, residential-led property developer specialising in progressive, sustainable housing in London.
Located on the Golden Mile London, the hub will play a central role in the emerging Creative-Tech Innovation District. It will support residents and businesses to develop new ideas, launch start-ups and grow companies across the creative, digital and technology sectors.
By connecting businesses with UWL’s research, talent and skills pipeline, the hub will help create a vibrant innovation ecosystem that supports both local entrepreneurs and global companies based in the borough.
The partnership also supports Hounslow’s wider plans to grow the Golden Mile London as a centre for creative, digital and technology businesses, building on the area’s strengths in media, technology and enterprise.
Improving access to opportunity is also a central part of the agreement. The University and the Council are already working together in Feltham to expand access to higher education in an area where participation has historically been lower than the borough average.
Through new short courses, community-based learning and stronger links with schools and colleges, this partnership will create clearer pathways into higher education, skills training and employment for local residents.
Alongside economic growth and education, the Civic Agreement places a strong emphasis on improving health and supporting resilient communities. The University and the Council will work together to support the development of a skilled health and care workforce, build on research strengths such as Geller Institute of Ageing and Memory and help address health inequalities across the borough.
Councillor Shantanu Rajawat, Leader of Hounslow Council, said: “Hounslow has a strong and growing local economy, with thousands of businesses ranging from global companies to small local firms. As the borough grows, the University and the Council want to make sure residents can benefit from new opportunities and careers.
“This agreement will help ensure Hounslow residents can benefit from the jobs and opportunities being created in the borough.
“The University of West London is an important part of our community. By working more closely together, we can improve skills, support local businesses and create more opportunities for local people.”
Professor Peter John CBE, Vice-Chancellor of the University of West London, said: “As a university rooted in West London, we are proud to play an active role in supporting the communities and businesses around us. This Civic Agreement strengthens our partnership with Hounslow Council and builds on the work we are undertaking to connect education, skills and innovation with the needs of the borough.
“Through initiatives such as the Golden Mile London Skills and Innovation Hub, we will bring together our students, researchers and industry partners to help develop new ideas, support local businesses and create pathways into high-quality careers for residents.”
The Civic Agreement builds on the strong relationship between the University and the Council their shared ambition to strengthen Hounslow as a place to live, work, study and invest.
