A proposal by College of North West London to build a state-of-the-art new college campus on Olympic Way in Wembley, London has passed another milestone as Brent Council ‘resolved to grant planning permission’ at the Council’s Planning Committee meeting on Wednesday 12th July. The plans have now been passed to the Greater London Authority for final approval.
Should the plans get the green light, the world class education facility will be constructed on the site of the Olympic Office Centre in Wembley, and will be developed into an innovative, exciting, and sector leading centre of education. The project to build the new campus comprises a total investment of over £130m and will cater for over 3000 students per week and 250 staff.
A team from United Colleges Group, which brings together College of North West London and City of Westminster College, has been working hard, behind the scenes to secure planning approval for this site for the new campus building.
Once complete, the new facility will bring jobs to Wembley and the wider Brent area, and will offer opportunities to young people and adults of all ages to improve their skills, advance their careers, and gain valuable experience aligned to the world of work.
Green skills, including engineering and the built environment, will a key area of focus for the ambitious new facility which will also offer classes in digital technology, computing, and health and social care subjects fully supporting all new T-Level qualifications.
Students with supported learning requirements and those for whom English is a second language will also find themselves with a wide range of opportunities to choose from.
The United Colleges Group is proud to be bringing this brand-new development to the local area and reaffirms its commitment to playing a full, active, and productive part in the Brent area and the city as a whole.
Stephen Davis, Group Principal and CEO of the United Colleges Group, said: “I am pleased to be able to announce the United Colleges Group’s ground-breaking plans for a world-class education facility at the heart of our community are now within reach. With Brent Council’s decision, we are one step closer to delivering a facility that will meet the skills needs of London and Londoners.
“Our new site delivers more education, training, and skills opportunities for our students and will provide the community with an important place to work and learn.
“With its focus on technical qualifications including green skills and technology, we are also pleased to say that our new location will enable us not just to provide a boost to the present generation but will do so for many generations to come I would also like to thank our Project Management team Bidwells for their support in getting us to this significant milestone.”
Nick Petit, Senior Partner at Bidwells planning consultants, commented “Achieving planning consent marks the culmination of several years of strategic planning by UCG. Bidwells have been alongside the college in all of the twists and turns that make development projects so interesting yet frustrating.
“We are delighted that with the support of the design team, the local authority, central government, and various funding bodies, this milestone has been achieved.
“Securing consent goes a long way to rebuilding the quality of educational facilities needed in Brent and this project is one we are proud to have helped with.”
Stafford Critchlow, Director at WilkinsonEyre Architects, said: “We are pleased that the team’s shared commitment to good design will give this prominent site the architecture it merits; making a confident statement about the value placed on education and skills in Brent, and offering a template for provision across London.”
“My experience at College of Northwest London, has been exciting, it has been thrilling and it has been full of opportunities, and we have the tutors that help us whenever we’re in need. We go on educational trips to get a feel for what university life is like. We have the careers advisors that help us on our path, our university path.”
“At City of Westminster College, my experience has been the best of all the other colleges I’ve attended. The reason I like CWC is because the teachers make my journey easier with assessment and exams. I’m a Level Two Science student and I enjoy my lessons because most of them are practical, which are helpful for me. I love studying at CWC because you meet people from other countries – all over the world and from all different communities.”
“The facilities here are brilliant. You have range of courses you can study. My teachers in the Performing Arts department have got history in the industry, which is very useful. You get to ask them for advice and actual knowledge from the industry, and take that into your own work within the college also afterwards. ”
“My favourite thing about studying here has definitely got to be the teachers. They’re really helpful, kind and in the industry, so it’s good.”
“The technical knowledge and hands-on experience gained during my apprenticeship at College of North West London have been invaluable, particularly in understanding site processes, health and safety requirements and the understanding of electrical systems.”
“My experience studying at City of Westminster College has been amazing. It’s been so welcoming; I enjoy it very much because of the staff members we have here. They’re very approachable and I could come to them with any question, and it will be answered straight away. And if I come early for a class, I can use the Learning Resources Centre, I can use the computers, the books, just to continue all my studies outside the classroom time.”
“The training process was seamless. I had good instructors who were very flexible, supporting people of all learning levels. On the last day after our exams, a security company came and did a presentation. We had the opportunity to have an interview afterwards. I told them about my experiences, and they said I would be a good fit. I formally applied for a role and started with the company soon after. Getting into security has opened doors for me. I hope I will continue to take steps up the career ladder.”
“Coming to study at the City of Westminster College was the best decision that I had ever made. The teachers are very accommodating – they help you learn things in a way that might be easier for you to learn. They are very supportive and I think that’s one of the best things about learning here.”
“I was so grateful to have won Apprentice of the Year at the West London Business Awards 2026, I could not have done it without the support my company Size Group and the College of North West London.”
