Positioned in the very heart of Shepherd’s Bush, many are attracted to living in The Groves residential area of W12 due to the excellent central location, incredible selection of amenities on the doorstep and good local schools.
For families and professionals alike, this area has an abundance to offer as a place to live in a central London location. The area is given its name due to the collection of streets positioned between Uxbridge Road and Wormholt Park – Adelaide Grove, Oaklands Grove and Ormiston Grove – but also includes Galloway Road, Thorpebank Road, Willow Vale, Dunraven Road, Collingbourne Road and Bloemfontein Road, and some of the connecting roads that sit within the box-shaped web of streets.
Here we share a little more history about this area of Shepherd’s Bush and its surrounds, together with key information for those considering living in The Groves.
History of Shepherd’s Bush
The history of Shepherd’s Bush and White City is fascinating in parts, from serving as the location of exhibition to the Olympics.
There’s a lot about the history of Shepherd’s Bush that many might not know but is especially relevant to those living in or near The Groves in the heart of W12.
Very close by, just a few minutes’ walk from The Groves, White City was a landmark location in the early 1900’s with both London’s first Olympics and several large-scale exhibitions being heavily centred around the area.
The 1908 Summer Olympics saw several large-scale sporting venues built across the country and one was the Great Stadium, later known as The White City Stadium. The stadium was opened by King Edward VII in April 1908.
The Olympic Marathon that took place in 1908 would change the distance for all Olympic marathons to this day. The distance ran was 26 miles 385 yards (42.195 km), this became the standard distance in 1921. The Olympic route in 1908 started in Windsor and went via Eton, Slough, Langley, Uxbridge, Ickenham, Ruislip, Harrow, Sudbury, Wembley, Willesden, and Wormwood Scrubs, and finished in White City Stadium.
After the Olympics it was used as a greyhound racetrack, for a short period by Queens Park Rangers football club and it hosted one match during the 1966 World Cup. It served as an important sporting venue until 1985 when it was demolished and subsequently replaced by the BBC White City Centre.
In 1908 the Franco-British Exhibition was held in what we now know as White City, the area in fact acquired its name as a result of all the exhibition building which were painted white. The exhibition attracted 8 million visitors during this exhibition alone.
Four more exhibitions were held on the site up until 1914, including the 1910 Japan-British Exhibition. Though little trace of this exhibition remains in situ a replica of the Chokushimon that featured in the exhibition was moved to Kew Gardens a years after and it remains there to this day.
Sadly the site fell into disrepair and was demolished over time to make way for newer developments.
In the 1930s the housing estate was constructed, shortly after the Territorial Army took over a corner of South Africa Road during WW2 and then in the 1950s the BBC took over much of the remaining site. In the early 2000’s the last buildings remaining were demolished to make way for the Westfield Shopping Centre.
Very little remains today of the Exhibition site which images show would have been a spectacular place to visit, both Venetian and palatial. The internal structure of the Territorial Army building remains on South Africa Road and Hammersmith Park was once part of the Japanese Garden and is the only part of the 1908 exhibition that remains visible.
Where are The Groves, W12?
The collection of roads nestled between Uxbridge Road and Wormholt Park are known as The Groves. With Galloway Road marking the small residential area’s western boarder and Bloemfontein Road marking the eastern edge.
Residents can enjoy being within walking distance of White City, The BBC Centre and Westfield Shopping Centre, whilst also being near to Shepherd’s Bush Market and Askew Village too.
Parks in Shepherd’s Bush
There are several parks in Shepherd’s Bush but nearest to The Groves is Wormholt Park which is an 8-acre park that has been awarded a Green Flag. It has a play area for children and tennis and basketball courts.
Nearby on South Africa Road, there is Hammersmith Park which is the location of the aforementioned Japanese Garden and also has a children’s play area, basketball court and tennis courts. Cathnor Park is also within a short walk of The Groves.
What’s nearby?
With The Groves located just off the Uxbridge Road there is a broad selection of shops and eateries very nearby. Proud Mary’s is a popular café at the end of Oakland’s Grove and The Queen Adelaide is a wood-panelled gastropub on Uxbridge Road at the end of Adelaide Grove, to name a few of the local establishments. From Lebanese to Thai, East African and Pakistani – there are restaurants offering an incredibly wide selection of authentic cuisine.
Just a short walk away is Bush Hall, a Victorian music hall that hosts a varied live music programme and Next Door Records is a record shop, bottle shop and bar.
With the redevelopment of much of the BBC centre, The Groves are now within walking distance of one of West London’s finest members clubs – White City House, part of Soho House. Westfield Shopping Centre is also not too far away and not only is the site of hundreds of retailers but is also home to top restaurants and venues including Puttshack.
Of course, just a short walk from The Groves is the Queens Park Ranger’s grounds and on match days it’s likely locals will notice the influx of fans at the local pubs. Most of those who live locally do tend to be avid QPR fans!
Schools in Shepherd’s Bush
There are several excellent schools in Shepherd’s Bush including the Outstanding rated St Stephen’s CofE Primary School, led by headteacher Mr Schumm.
There is also highly regarded Jack Tizard School catering to children aged from 2 to 19 and Greenside Primary School is nearby on Westville Road.
Hammersmith Academy, catering to secondary children through to 18 years, is on Cathnor Road and Miles Coverdale Primary School is just a short walk from homes in The Groves, W12.
Property in The Groves
Property in The Groves consists largely of period properties and predominantly is two types of home: houses and purpose built maisonettes.
It’s said that the maisonettes were built as the Olympic village for London’s Summer Olympics back in 1908.
With fine period architecture, well proportioned homes and gardens and excellent amenities, together with top schools and good transport connections – it’s of little wonder why property in The Groves is quite so popular.
Living in The Groves Shepherd’s Bush
If you’re considering living in The Groves and would like to explore the possibilities, or if you have a property to sell in the area and would like to discuss this further, please do get in touch.
