Forum Topic

Are there plans to redevelop the park in front of the musical  museum

Hey all,I regularly cycle along brentford highstreet past the McDonalds and up to the musical museum and pass through the little park there. It occurs to me that its a really sad looking park and could be soooo put to good use. Couple of cafe's with river views etc..Are there plans for this? has it been thought of before?

Angelo R Santagata ● 1718d10 Comments

Yes, indeed!  Also what a wasted golden opportunity to have created something really special on Brentford's exclusive and beautiful riverside with its views across to one of the most famous gardens in the World.

Jennifer Selig ● 1700d

But who the hell would bother walking to a dull concrete block when there are far more exciting places to visit for entertainment?    I want a certain amount of sophistication, elan, pizzazz and excitement, a proper venue NOT a Cell Block!  We are already spoilt for choice with Hammersmith Riverside,the Olympic in Barnes, Richmond Theatre and cinemas, The Rose Theatre Kingston etc etc.

Jennifer Selig ● 1700d

quite sad

Angelo R Santagata ● 1701d

Yes, but it's not off the Chiswick bus routes (237 and 267) unless you count walking from the Morrison or High Road stops to the site of the old police station as being altogether too far to walk.

Anne England ● 1701d

When the Arts Council bailed out the Waterman's at the turn of the Millenium it was technically insolvent despite the 6 figure annual grant from Hounslow and other public subsidies. In its earlier period the main problem was that the building itself did not allow a viable theatre/cinema/restaurant complex, and annual bailouts from Hounslow Council were a recurring event. Let's hope a new venue is the right shape and size for future plans.

John Connelly ● 1701d

It said the 65 and the Chiswick Bus routes.The Watermans has always had limited patronage from Brentford itself and very little at all from the western part of this borough, But is has always been really well supported by people from Richmond and Kew and Ealing and North Ealing.  It's location is a North South East and West crossroads which the alternative location is not. Even less so with so many other road restrictions virtually dissecting more to the North of Brentford than already exists.Watermans turned their back on this rich vein of income near 2 decades ago and it has not been the same since.  Whether they were made or enticed to or just became too wrapped up in Arts Council grants and being as minimal in mainstream as possible is debatable but it did dismantle a thriving and great venue for arts and entertainment mixed.

Raymond Havelock ● 1701d

The 65 bus route doesn't serve serve Chiswick, Hammersmith, Syon and Isleworth. The 267 and 237 serve people coming from either end of these routes and drop right outside the current building and will drop near enough outside the proposed new building. For those coming on the 65 from Kingston and Ealing, it isn't that far a walk to the proposed new site, otherwise people can hop on the 267 or 237 for a couple of stops.Brentford train station is but a short walk from the proposed new site and, apart from the buses already mentioned, the 195, 235 and E8 have a stop very close to or directly opposite the site.I agree with you, however, that the current site of Waterman's is preferable as a scenic, waterside site and that no parking at the new site could make things difficult for some people.

Anne England ● 1701d

I think It is English Heritage on behalf of Kew Gardens who has objected to high rise expensive flats (yes more of those) despoiling the views across the river.  Things appear to be at a stalemate.  Whatever, I cannot see Watermans thriving as an Art Centre in the proposed new site in a big concrete pile with no view, no parking and off the 65 and Chiwick bus routes that bring many of Waterman's customers from south of the river as far as Kingston to the northern reaches of Ealing and from Chiswick, Hammersmith and onto Syon and Isleworth.  That entire unique  Waterman's site including the gardens have been wantonly wasted and ruined - it could and should have been developed as a wonderful riverside "must visit venue" overlooking Kew Gardens - a site to rival Hammersmith.  What an utter waste!  Think of the kudos and amount of cash that would have been generated for Brentford by creating such an exclusive and imaginative site.

Jennifer Selig ● 1701d

thanks, Thats a crying shame.. its it a done deal?

Angelo R Santagata ● 1718d

A bit of a sore point to those who have known and loved being at Watermans Arts Centre alongside the river.  It was always a shame that that building was not better sited and more was not made of the beautiful setting.Watermans is due to be moved inland.  A cycleway is planned and a marina with housing.Perhaps if you try the Search facility looking for Watermans redevelopment on this site you may find some more info.

Philippa Bond ● 1718d