New display will be unveiled at a different shop every day until Christmas

Shopkeepers and customers in Willesden can enjoy a real life advent calendar in the run up to Christmas thanks to a regeneration project.

The aptly-titled New Windows on Willesden Green will see a brand display opened in Willesden High Road at different shop every day until December 25.

An empty shop was given a special makeover and will now act as the centre point for the project which started today (Thursday).

Designers from across London will work closely with shopkeepers to create displays that best represent the theme of their shop.

Kieren Jones who designed the first window said he thought the project will create a lasting legacy in the coming years.

He added: “It’s great to be helping independent businesses because it’s them who are going to need it the most.”

Run by the Architecture Foundation and funded by the Greater London Authority the project aims to attract business to the area while also helping designers make a name for themselves.

Also involved in the project are Brent based Architecture students, Victor Andersson, Mandeep Singh and Samuel Michaelsson who will be transforming a shop front for the scheme in the coming weeks.

Local businessman Icky Nuthoo, who lives in nearby Peter Avenue will take over the first shop after the Christmas unveilings.

He said: “This is going to be something that benefits everybody and not only shopkeepers.

“The local residents are already excited and curious as to what’s happening.”

The 44-year-old, who also owns Monsoon Bakery and Soz a takeaway in the High Road added: “Everybody wants to see more people coming to the area and I’m sure this will help.”

Sarah Ichioka, director of Architecture Foundation also praised the scheme.

Speaking to the Times she said: “I think this is such a wonderful part of the world and such a great opportunity for the local shopkeepers.

“By pairing them with talented designers we can raise the profile of the area and attract visitors to this little corner of London.”

In addition to the advent displays, Brent Council will be bidding for funding for the second round which would see the scheme extended beyond March.

For more information on the scheme visit www.willesdenwindows.com or see next weeks Brent and Kilburn Times for more pictures of the latest displays.