Shaping the Future of Maxilla
Where is Maxilla?
‘Maxilla' refers to the space under the Westway flyover, between St Mark’s Road and Bramley Road.
The wider area gained its name from a road called 'Maxilla Gardens', which was demolished to build the Westway flyover in the late 1960's. The much-loved Maxilla Nursery existed on the site underneath the Westway flyover for 40 years until its closure in 2015.
It incorporates land part of the ‘Westway Trust’ estate, as well as land managed by the local authority, RBKC.
Visions for Maxilla
The nature of the community land around Maxilla is such that any future plans for the space will necessarily involve a number of key stakeholders.
​
Westway Trust is now working with Hope Gardens W10, RBKC, and neighbouring businesses and community organisations to imagine a vision for Maxilla in the future. Key to this vision are the following important elements, which will be inter-connected in design and approach.
​
The spaces within the Hope Garden Eco Centre and the Centre for Urban Sustainability have been carefully considered to avoid duplication of function as this is seen as a paired project that will be linked by surface design.
Following the Grenfell Tower fire, Maxilla became a hive of artistic expression and a meeting point for those sharing their grief and frustration. The 'Wall of Truth' is an important community asset which requires investment and a commitment to upkeep.
Hope Gardens W10 has shared its vision for the development of a community space linked to Hope Gardens; including working with architects on a design for a building which includes community space, workspace, retail and a media centre.​​​​​​​
Westway Trust has engaged with architects and potential funders to develop a proposal for a ’Centre for Urban Sustainability' on the footprint of the current ACAVA studios, Maxilla Men’s Shed and Forest School.
Hope Gardens W10
Hope Gardens W10 is a community-led garden project and green space whose aim is to “provide peer support, empowerment, and wellbeing events, workshops, and other initiatives tailored to support members of the North Kensington community”. 
In responding to the community's needs, Hope Gardens volunteers have, in the time since the Grenfell Tower tragedy, provided care and support to the bereaved and wider community. With an influx of community volunteers, Hope Gardens and the wider Maxilla space became home to all kinds of activities; from gardening to chess,