Ealing Council is planning to deliver an investment programme worth nearly £7 million to improve Southall.

It will improve the town centre, tackle traffic problems, regenerate the area and create jobs and training opportunities.

A £4.35 million worth of investment has just been secured from the Mayor of London’s Regeneration Fund. Together with council cash and Local Implementation Plan (LIP) funding from TfL, the new investment totals more than £6.85million for the town.

The Southall Broadway Urban Realm project has already been approved as part of this plan. The £4.5million three-year initiative will improve the appearance and safety of Southall Broadway.

Plans include improving traffic flow along the Uxbridge Road corridor, creating a safer environment for pedestrians by widening pavements and improved loading and parking bays along the main road.

Proposals include an apprentice-led restaurant and training facility at Southall Manor House, called Dine in Southall. This would train around 400 students annually.

This would help those already working in restaurants to improve their skills and give a boost to the local catering industry.

Southall’s high streets will also see improvements to public spaces and shop fronts, as well as longer-term work developing the new Crossrail station. The investment will help unlock growth in the area through creating 40 new businesses, 200 new jobs, and increasing footfall.

Council Leader, Councillor Julian Bell, said: "I know residents and businesses alike will be delighted that we’ve won this investment and will be looking forward to work starting."

"Southall has long been known as one of the best places in the UK to go for a curry and a huge number of people depend on the catering industry for their livelihood."

"Southall is a great place to establish this facility, which will help young people through offering apprenticeships and give a general boost to the catering industry."

Detailed plans are still being drawn-up and further announcements will be made later in the year.