Ambitious economic strategy unveiled to deliver wealth of opportunities

Published: 24 July 2026

Hillingdon Council has launched a bold new Growth Plan, Hillingdon Our Vision for Growth, setting out its long-term vision to transform the borough’s economy and ensure the benefits are shared by every community.

The 10-year plan, which was agreed by the council’s Cabinet last night (Thursday 23 July), positions the borough where a global gateway creates local opportunity.  
 
It sets out how the council will harness Hillingdon’s unique strengths, including its global connectivity, growing business base, strong education network and extensive green spaces to drive inclusive, sustainable economic growth.  

By 2036, Hillingdon wants to be a borough where people choose to live, work and invest due to its strong economy, vibrant town centres and high quality of life. The plan aims to create a local economy that is:  

• Resilient – supporting future-proof industries and adapting to economic change. 

• Inclusive – ensuring all residents can access jobs, skills and housing. 

• Proud – celebrating the borough’s heritage, green spaces and local identity.  

The plan is built around three pillars that will guide its delivery:  

• Innovate - The council will strengthen the local economy by supporting high-growth sectors, fostering innovation through partnerships with institutions like Brunel University of London, and creating space for businesses to start and scale. 

• Connect - Improving connectivity within the borough is central to the plan. This includes addressing north-south transport links, aligning skills with emerging industries, and ensuring residents can access local opportunities and benefit from investment linked to major organisations, like Heathrow Airport.  

• Thrive - The council will invest in town centres and public spaces to elevate them, while delivering much-needed homes in the right places, supported by the infrastructure they need. This includes unlocking stalled housing developments, revitalising high streets, and protecting and enhancing green and blue spaces such as the Grand Union Canal.  

The plan also identifies four key areas where targeted investment and regeneration will unlock the borough’s potential: 

• Uxbridge and Brunel Quarter – a hub for knowledge-led enterprise and innovation. 

• Hayes, Stockley Park and the Old Vinyl Factory – a creative and cultural centre. 

• Heathrow Economic Activity Zone – expanding the benefits of the UK’s global gateway. 

• North of the A40 – enhancing quality of life and improving access to nature by connecting green spaces.  

These areas will anchor growth across the borough and ensure it reaches every community. 

The council will establish a new Growth Board to coordinate activity across housing, planning, transport, skills and economic development, while strengthening its collaboration with businesses, education providers and regional partners.

Leader of Hillingdon Council, Cllr Steve Tuckwell, said: “Hillingdon is very much open for business, and we're committed to creating an environment where businesses of all sizes can thrive, ensuring the borough's global connectivity translates into local prosperity. 

“The borough has always been a place full of opportunity, and this plan is about making sure our residents really feel the benefit of that. 

“We want growth to work for local people – whether that’s better jobs, thriving high streets or places you’re proud to live in. 

“This is a big moment for Hillingdon, and by working together with our partners, we’re making sure we build a future that’s stronger, fairer and full of opportunity for everyone.” 

Amar Nota, CEO Hillingdon Chamber of Commerce, said: “This Growth Plan is exactly the kind of ambitious, long-term thinking the London Borough of Hillingdon needs. 

“It recognises that economic growth is not just about attracting investment, it's about creating opportunity for local people, supporting businesses to scale, developing future skills and building places where people want to live, work and invest. 

“Hillingdon is uniquely positioned to lead the way, and the Hillingdon Chamber of Commerce is proud to support a vision that ensures our global connectivity delivers real local opportunity.” 

Geoffrey Rodgers, Vice Chancellor, Brunel University of London, said: “The Growth Plan recognises the critical role that collaboration plays in creating prosperous places.  

“The university is proud to be one of Hillingdon's anchor institutions and we are committed to working alongside the council, employers, schools and community partners to transform research into economic opportunity, support business growth and ensure that local residents can access the skilled careers of the future.” 

To read Hillingdon’s Growth Plan, visit www.hillingdon.gov.uk/growth-plan.