Old Oak and Park Royal Development Corporation (OPDC)

The Old Oak and Park Royal Development Corporation (OPDC), established in April 2015 as a Mayoral Development Corporation by the Mayor of London, leads the regeneration of a 650-hectare Opportunity Area across Brent, Ealing, and Hammersmith & Fulham—the largest such project since the 2012 Olympics. Leveraging High Speed 2 and Elizabeth Line connectivity, OPDC's mission is to create a thriving, inclusive urban district with new homes, jobs, amenities, and infrastructure, rooted in values of inclusivity, accessibility, diversity, sustainability, and equitable placemaking. As the local planning authority with statutory powers over planning, land acquisition, and infrastructure, it uniquely blends strategic regeneration with community-focused interventions to boost economic growth, protect green spaces like Wormwood Scrubs, and address deprivation, health, and exclusion.

OPDC funds community-led projects via its annual Small Grants Scheme, prioritising arts, culture, heritage, volunteering, wellbeing, intergenerational activities, and environmental initiatives that enhance local neighbourhoods, support Park Royal's industries, and promote low-carbon development. Beneficiaries are residents and grassroots groups in the Opportunity Area, with emphasis on new or one-off activities fostering lifetime communities with housing, schools, health centres, and social spaces.

Eligible applicants are UK-registered charities and community groups—especially smaller, grassroots organisations like resident associations—strictly operating within Brent, Ealing, and Hammersmith & Fulham; no income thresholds apply, but larger entities are less prioritised. Grants range from £500 to £7,000 (average ~£5,000), awarded annually via a simple online form on the 'Have Your Say' portal when rounds open (next launch later 2025, following February 2025 closure; results in 1-2 months). It excludes core funding, unrestricted support, large capital projects, or unsolicited/rolling applications, distinguishing OPDC as a regeneration powerhouse tied to statutory urban transformation.