Forum Topic

Developments on Commerce Road, Brentford.

Whilst all eyes and ears may be concentrated on the Ballymore development ...south of the High Street ... and perhaps on the skyscrapers rising to the east of Brentford ... near the Football Stadium ... there is evidence that Commerce Road is in for further changes too.The old factories have gone and new builds are already occupied and being referred to as Brentford Lock West.A brand new Bus Garage is now open which was much needed.Some of the new builds look most boringarchitecturally and are most uninteresting to observe.Another large "old factory" area on the west side of Commerce Road is currently boarded up ... and it's fate seems obvious. In addition we hear that Sega (on the Great West Road, opposite Gunnersbury Park) are moving to Chiswick ... which enables the  site to be demolished and replaced by buildings of greater volume.So many industrial buildings on the Great West Road have been adapted for residential use that the number of incomers in the next few years is going to be staggering and the pressure on local services should be of concern.I think that these future happenings are not known by local folk and the implications not understood.Are you alarmed?

Jim Lawes ● 258d8 Comments

Unfortunately this is happening all over the country,councils are letting companies dictate what they are going to do instead of the other way round because both Labour and Conservatives want FLATS by the millions not HOUSES and the result is blocks all over the country with an after thought for schools-doctors-roads and all the rest needed 4/5 years after

Andrew Buckland ● 234d

Its the ecological damage as well as environmental damage that all these developments will cause that concerns me. Its all very well building these New Towns but they will usually be on Greenbelt or countryside that is lost forever once built on.

David Cook ● 247d

I have to say that whenever I take a train trip or a drive through the countryside I’m struck by just how much open space there is so it ought to be possible to build a few more new towns rather than cramming more tower blocks into West London.

Peter Evans ● 250d

I went on a day trip from Ealing Broadway to Swindon on Monday and was surprised (or maybe not) by the number of blocks of flats I saw from the train window. I wasn't exactly aware of where I was at the time but was struck with the number and also the 'blockiness' of the blocks and what appeared to be small living spaces within, also that the blocks often seemed to be plonked in the middle of nowhere. That's how it seemed from the train window in any case.

Anne England ● 251d

Large scale developments are happening all across the Country! It’s not just confined to dear old Brentford! It’s truly astonishing when you see the urban sprawl in many towns and villages with many residents deeply unhappy with the Building works. The new Labour Government are committing to build several new towns as well. The question I would like answered is where does this all fit in with the net zero agenda?

David Cook ● 251d

Thank you for your responses.I'm a key contributor on two busy local Facebook Groups. REAL BRENTFORD HOUNSLOW,HESTON /ISLEWORTH MEMORIES.Photos can easily be posted and readers can easily make responses.It's staggering the number of posters who are very unhappy with the way the Area is declining in attractiveness.Folk may have long left the areaand then make a sentimental returnand express the ghastiness of some areas.They say they'll never return.I'm just reporting the thoughts of many local people.Brentford is a very handy place to live. The sights of Hounslow are challenging.Where is our saviour?

Jim Lawes ● 256d

I share your concerns. However I don't think everyone realises what is taking place. Not only is it the pressure on infrastructure but many people like a green space to walk in.

Nicholas Beard ● 256d

It's not just Brentford Jim.I was talking to a chap at British Gas in Cardiff today, which was a happy hunting ground for me in a 'former life' selling computer based telephony including to British Gas. I asked if they were still in their big block in Churchill Square near Cardiff Arms Park. He told me that, following  the changes to working patterns since the pandemic that they had sold Churchill Square for residential redevelopment and were now occupying two floors of a rented block. He said that this was happening all over Cardiff.

N V Brooks ● 258d