History of Queen's Park Avenues
A man called William Austin arrived in London as an impoverished, illiterate navvy who understood first-hand the cramped, squalid housing endured by Britain's poor.
Austin established the Artizans, Labourers and General Dwellings Company in 1867, driven by his temperance beliefs. His subsequent prosperity led him to concentrate on housing development, before departing the company in 1870.
The Company constructed working-class homes. The Queen's Park Estate, as it came to be called, was planned in 1873 by Robert Austin and subsequently by Roland Plumbe.
The Estate was built as a model ‘improving’ community (i.e. no pubs but a grand library). The architecture of the estate of some 2000 small houses is distinctively Gothic-revival, with polychrome brickwork, pinnacles and turrets along the bigger roads.
"Queen’s Park located on the boundary between the London Borough of Brent and the City of Westminster. The neighbourhood near Kensal Green was developed from 1875 and was named to honour Queen Victoria. The open space opened in 1887, located to the north, also shares the name."
Cedar Estates
"There are 53 properties which are listed Grade 2, as buildings of special architectural and historic interest. These include Droop Street School and all properties along Fifth Avenue between
Ilbert Street and Kilburn Lane."
Westminster Council
"Today, the Avenues Estate remains a cherished part of our neighbourhood. Its mature street trees provide vital green canopy, its Victorian architecture gives Queen’s Park much of its character, and its residents continue to contribute to the vibrant community life that makes this area special."
Queen's Park Community Council
The Queen's Park Estate Design Guide
Queen's Park Library
Fifth Avenue 1920
Queen's Park 1905
Ilbert Street 1974
"I can't say enough about the outstanding service I received from Queen's Park Trust. They went above and beyond to meet our needs and exceeded our expectations."
Oliver, resident of Queen's Park