Hayes puts the great into Greater London, with excellent transport links, a thriving employment sector, three conservation areas and close proximity to the Colne Valley Regional Park. The town has always had a creative streak, being home to author George Orwell and the former headquarters of EMI. Today, creativity is nurtured at the West London Film Studios and two theatres.
Hayes character
It’s been dubbed the new Shoreditch, with a number of high tech start ups and data companies relocating to Hayes, joining the blue chip headquarters of giants such as United Biscuits and Heinz. The Old Vinyl Factory development is indicative of Hayes’ future – offering an on-trend blend of new homes, boutique shops, work studios, bars, cafés, a cinema and a museum – all anchored by the restoration of landmark Art Deco buildings. Rest assured, you can still find waterside charm in Hayes – head to the iconic Bull’s Bridge section of the Grand Union Canal for your fix of colourful canal boats and wildlife.
Transport in Hayes
Rail travel reigns in Hayes, with a super-fast overground service to London Paddington, via Ealing Broadway, running from Hayes & Harlington station (approximately 20 minutes). Come 2019, Hayes travellers will also be able to catch the Elizabeth line from the station. Not only will Crossrail cut commuting times, it will open up the transport network to residents, with direct access to Tottenham Court Road, Bond Street, Liverpool Street, Farringdon and Stratford, among many others. The station’s Heathrow Connect service whisks you to the airport in six minutes.
Property in Hayes
Neighbourhoods in Hayes include Hayes End and Hayes Town, lying directly north of Heathrow Airport. The arrival of Crossrail has kick-started house building in the area, with High Point Village and The Old Vinyl Factory both great developments for new homes and apartments near to Crossrail. When it’s time to trade up, Hayes represents great value-for-money in London, with family terraces and semi-detached dwellings in good supply.
Living in Hayes
There are two sides to the town and you can dip into either, depending on your mood. There are plenty of pubs, bars and restaurants in Hayes, complemented by a bustling High Street and the Uxbridge Road. On the flipside, Minet Country Park is one of the best places to go in Hayes for wild open spaces, with 90 acres in which to picnic, play and pond dip. Or perhaps you’ll be tempted by the formal gardens, bandstand and ornamental lawns in Barra Hall Park - spread out over 20 acres and featuring a Grade II listed manor house.
