The Kodak Works, a photographic manufacturing plant and research and development centre, was built in what was then farmland in the hamlet of Wealdstone, Harrow.Kodak purchased 7 acres of land and the plant opened in 1891, Kodak’s first manufacturing facility outside the United States.
Initially, the factory developed and printed photographs for clients. In the next 20 years, the factory expanded. Eventually, film rolls and photographic paper were also being produced at the plant.
At its peak during the 1950s, about 6,000 workers were employed at the site. By then, the facility covered an area of 55 acres.
The commercial feasibility of the Harrow site declined and was being wound down in the 2000s. Some parts of the site were demolished, others were sold or leased.
In 2005, film production ended at all Kodak plants in the UK, and in Harrow 600 jobs were lost. Nevertheless, 1,400 employees continued to work at Harrow.
Following Kodak’s bankruptcy in the U.S. in 2012, the future of the site was unclear. The British spin-off Kodak Alaris took control of the site in 2013 and its association with the original American Kodak ended.
Eventually, the site was purchased by developers who planned to build 2,000 new homes along with new facilities. The development is called Eastman Village, paying homage to the founder of Kodak, George Eastman.
The 213 feet (65 m) tall chimney of the factory, which has been a local landmark, is being retained.
Below is a section of the new development:
Harrow Monitoring Group 