The final touches are being made to the £4.5 million regeneration scheme to make Harlesden town centre more accessible for neighbours, workers and motorists.
Brent Council, TfL and the Harlesden Town Team have spent four years building up the project to create a better shopping environment, a new road layout and changes to the parking systems which are all being introduced this month (October).
Work to switch the traffic flow will start from 9pm on Wednesday, October 15, with the new two way traffic on High Street Harlesden and Manor Park Road being operational from 7am Thursday, October 16.
This will allow for the completion of works on the semi pedestrianised zone of the High Street, a key aspect of the scheme.
Chairman of the Harlesden Town Team, Leroy Simpson, said: "The team has spent over four years in consultation with local residents and businesses and we are at the end of this part of the project. I personally am looking forward to all the benefits to the Harlesden community."
The regeneration scheme also involves changes to the Controlled Parking Zone (CPZ) boundaries and parking bays which will come into force on October 19.
Parking in the town centre will become dedicated pay and display and for loading only from this date, freeing up space for shoppers and better serving businesses.
Once the regeneration is completed in early 2015, cafés will be able to use the wider streets and farmers and specialised markets will be encouraged to come to Harlesden, resulting in increased variety and a more vibrant town.
Councillor Muhammed Butt, Leader of Brent Council (Labour) said: "We are nearing the finish line with the introduction of the new traffic flow and the parking changes in Harlesden Town Centre. Next year will see the transformation complete and I very much look forward to seeing the local economy improve as a direct result of the regeneration.
"It is going to be a very vibrant shopping destination with cafes and markets being able to make use the new wider pavements."
The scheme was developed to provide a high quality public realm and semi pedestrianised area between the Jubilee Clock and Tavistock Road, improved pedestrian facilities, countdown signal controls with high quality paving and road surfaces carriageway, new traffic flow system and wider pavements.
In March 2012, following a consultation with locals, businesses and other interested parties, the Highways Committee approved the scheme, it was consulted on again in May 2013 and in August/September this year (2014).
