KODAK EASTMAN VILLAGE

Revitalising the site of the former Kodak factory in Harrow

Set within the historic grounds of the former Kodak factory, Eastman Village in Harrow reimagines a once-industrial landscape as a vibrant new neighbourhood of 2,000 homes set around generous six acre parkland. Makower Architects designed and are delivering two key blocks within this ambitious masterplan for Barratt London, helping to shape a distinctive place that responds to both context and community.

Across both blocks, the architecture draws from Kodak’s legacy—expressed in robust brick forms, horizontal articulation, and moments of colour—while delivering homes that prioritise light, outlook, and liveability. Together, they contribute to a cohesive, characterful neighbourhood that honours its past while looking firmly to the future.

The site sits on the former Kodak Factory, once the largest Kodak factory outside the United States, built in 1891

Henry Strong Road — designed in collaboration with Piercy & Company — to the west of the site, faces the Green Link park and the retained Kodak chimney, now repurposed as part of the energy centre.

Arranged around a communal courtyard, its four buildings balance clarity and variation, stepping in height and plan to frame views, enhance sunlight, and mark key moments along the landscape. Active ground-floor corners and commercial uses support daily life, while subtle shifts in form reinforce the civic character of this prominent edge.

An active base zone wraps around both blocks, adding interest and encouraging social interactions

Eastman Road mediates between residential life and the adjacent industrial edge, transforming a challenging site into a lively and permeable urban piece.

Composed as a trio of buildings rising from eight to fifteen storeys, distanced at more than 18 metres apart to create a dynamic sequence of solid and void, while also allowing daylight to the intervening gardens. The block forms part of a taller cluster that defines a strong visual backbone to the development. At ground level, a carefully articulated base creates an active, welcoming interface with the public realm. Above, elegant brick volumes are animated by playful corner balconies, while generous spacing between buildings brings daylight deep into homes and shared gardens.

Henry Strong Road block overlooks the iconic Kodak chimney, a character node at the centre of the new linear park.

The Kodak factory has occupied the site since 1891 creating a lasting memory for all the local residents. At its peak in the mid-20th century, the Kodak factory employed up to 6,000 workers. Production of photographic film ended in 2005 and the plant closed its doors in 2016.

The appearance of both blocks are deeply inspired by the factory. Eastman Road’s buildings take reference from the factory through their articulated, horizontal red volumes and a slender vertical element with a lighter colour. While Henry Strong Road’s lobbies are a nod to Kodak’s legacy as a pioneer in colour film through their colourful glazed brickwork.