Cricklewood Achieving Together – Powered by Its People
It has been genuinely uplifting to see the wave of positive news emerging from Cricklewood. There is a growing sense of momentum and, importantly, a renewed belief in what this community can achieve together.
From the vibrant mural under the bridge to the exciting news of Waitrose coming to the area, Cricklewood is beginning to come together in a way many of us have long hoped for. The market, the station, the bridge and new developments are no longer disconnected — they are forming a place people can see, use and believe in.
What is most important to say, however, is that none of this is by chance. This progress is the result of local people — their commitment, ideas, persistence and belief in Cricklewood.
Since 2010, often behind the scenes, Cricklewood Town Team (CTT), alongside a wide network of community partners, has worked to support grassroots action, bring people together, and keep momentum going, even when change felt slow. Some of this work is visible, much of it is not — but it is the collective effort of local people that has created the conditions for the positive change we are now seeing. This is what long-term community action looks like.
Over the years, this community effort has led to many tangible achievements we can be proud of. These include the removal of 19 derelict and unsightly phone boxes, regular community litter picks helping to improve the local environment, and ongoing work to make Cricklewood a cleaner, safer and more welcoming place. There are many more examples of what has been achieved together, and we encourage people to explore these at www.cricklewood.net.
We are also grateful to Barnet, Brent and Camden Councils for the funding and support they have provided over the years, which has helped enable this work to continue and grow. Their contribution has been important — but it is the energy, commitment and collaboration of local people that has driven progress.
CTT was set up to represent the many voices of Cricklewood and to help shape a shared vision for the town centre. That principle remains at the heart of everything we do. It is especially encouraging to see stronger connections forming right across the community — from the Dell and Mapesbury to the Cottages, Clitterhouse Farm, the Cricklewood Station Partnership and beyond — alongside the continued support of the Cricklewood & Mapesbury, Childs Hill and Fortune Green Safer Neighbourhood Teams.
This growing network reflects something powerful: people choosing to work together for the good of the area.
The strength of Cricklewood Town Team has always been its people. Residents, businesses, partners and volunteers have all played their part over many years, providing the continuity, local knowledge and determination needed to keep things moving forward. This success belongs to them.
We at Cricklewood Town Team are incredibly proud of what is being achieved — not because of any single organisation, but because of the community effort that sits behind it all.
Looking ahead, there is still much more we want to do together. We are keen to expand our programme of events, particularly music and cultural activities that celebrate Cricklewood’s rich diversity — including the Irish and West Indian communities that are such an important part of our local identity. Our aim is to secure funding so these events can remain free and open to everyone.
We will continue to strengthen partnerships, support local leadership, and ensure that regeneration genuinely benefits the people who live and work here.
The changes we are now seeing are the result of years of collaboration, care and belief from local people. It is something we can all be proud of — and a powerful reminder of what can happen when a community comes together.
Danny Maher
Chair CTT.