Forum Topic

Waterman's

Any news about Waterman's rising like a phoenix from the ashes at a new Brentford location?

Eric Alan Leach ● 136d23 Comments

We are well into summer now and still no news about the replacement Watermans Arts venue.I have to remind folks again about the Richmond Ice Rink scandal. Knocked down and new rink promised - but never delivered.Any news anyone?

Eric Alan Leach ● 8d

Last time I was there there were two Union Jacks flying on Ambulant. The only squatter boat that remains on Waterman's Park mooring area. Why he is still there I don't know: it is supposed to be caught up in a legal case with the PLA and has been for about 5 years. The case against the squatters called for them to pay £31K each to the council to contribute to legal costs. Most of them paid but I think this one did not (and may anyway have been an exception because he had a separate legal strategy). Naturally, I have no information about this matter. I suppose not my business because no longer in my ward, but I am not losing interest!I am continuing to chase activity on the marina. The long stop date for the developers finishing 'phase one' (moorings for 16 boats) at the Eastern end is 1 July 2025. Officer says (last May) "We will be actively monitoring the developer against the programme of works, through to the newly agreed, 1st July 2025".I have been monitoring progress myself since May 2024 and the progress as far as I can see is "zero". The 'programme of works" has of course not been shared with me, but I find it improbable that the programme was to do nothing for 12 months then have a frantic month of activity.

Guy Lambert ● 25d

I was walking towards Waterman's Park today and became excited to see two national flags flying together (and impressively) with the trees of Kew Gardens in the background.Closer inspection revealed that the flags were being flown by a boat of some sort moored close to the Art Centre.One was the Japanese flag and the other... a Union Jack.By the evening ... they were goneand I missed them.So it occured to me that with theWorld Heritage site across the River ...ie Kew Gardens ...a large selection of international flags would look great to brighten up Waterman's Park!

Jim Lawes ● 25d

Well, they do say that 'Hope springs eternal'.............

Vanessa Smith ● 81d

As to the new arts centre/police station I have been reassured that negotiations (and construction planning - because building regulations have changed) are progressing well and those engaged expect a conclusion late spring or during the summer.Here's hoping

Guy Lambert ● 81d

The former Max Factor building has been leased on a 'meantime' basis by an arts charity. I visited last week and there are interesting artists there and some evnts being planned, including the Creative Mile which will come on 29-31st August.I am hoping that some pf the previous occupants can be accommodated.

Guy Lambert ● 81d

And another month slips by.Any news or even rumours about a new Watermans?

Eric Alan Leach ● 81d

One month on I repeat the question what's happening with the replacement Watermans Arts Centre?

Eric Alan Leach ● 110d

Yes, I realise that. Frankly I think the whole site is an eyesore and that view predates the closure of Watermans although it is, admittedly, even worse now.

Anne England ● 118d

If you mean the Max Factor building you should ask Guy Lambert. The previous tenants, including Team Keane, got booted out of there last year.

Simon Hayes ● 118d

Does any knocking down/building incorporate the building adjoining Waterman's? I am surprised to see that a no. of the offices/units in that building are currently let.

Anne England ● 119d

You can ask them why nothing has been done with the old Waterman’s site, despite it being vacant since last April. According to the website the units have sold out off-plan, yet not a sign of any work going on. I wonder why? If that was your investment property or new home you’d be wanting to get in there as soon as….

Simon Hayes ● 120d

They are running an art installation at Chiswick Business Park at the moment. It looks potentially interesting but it is a bit off the beaten track for most people. Presumably this sort of thing is enabled by funding pots that previously would have went to the Brentford based Watermans. I haven't seen a response on LGL. Are you persisting with your claim it is in financial difficulty?

Jeremy Parkinson ● 120d

Mainly involving events in Hounslow, very niche and not particularly appealing to those of us on the mailing list.If the new one ever gets built and becomes operational one can only hope that the same clowns who ran the cherished former venue into the ground have nothing to do with it. That includes councillors who sit on the board of trustees then seem oblivious to any financial pressures.

Simon Hayes ● 127d

I think I read recently that Waterman's has gone 'on the road'.Does anyone know any more about this please?

Keith Iddon ● 127d

If Simon has researched the financial position of LGL and has good grounds for saying that it is shaky then this is information that we all would be interested to see.As far as I can tell from what has been revealed the problem is with the affordable housing partner. There has been a serious collapse in affordable housing starts in London because housing associations lack funding and stricter regulation has reduced the return on managing properties. We should have had an announcement by now which is a concern.

Jeremy Parkinson ● 128d

More silence.Older readers might remember the fiasco about a new replacement ice rink in Richmond - which never happened. More recently we have the sagas of 'fall into disrepair' Fountains Leisure Centre, Southall's Warren Farm Sports Centre, Victoria Hall Ealing and Gurnell swimming pool in West Ealing.

Eric Alan Leach ● 131d

Lawyers? Wow.From past encounters Simon's comments I can assure you are always well researched.The dramatist Alan Bennett once said:'I'm all in favour of free speech provided it's kept rigidly under control'.

Eric Alan Leach ● 134d

What is your evidence for the development partner having been in financial trouble? I can't find any reference to this elsewhere and LGL appear to be progressing with a number of projects larger than the Watermans scheme. It is perhaps best not to comment on the stability of companies unless you have good sources or good lawyers.

Jeremy Parkinson ● 135d

That’s only part of the story.The call in by the Secretary of State was necessary because of the potential impact of the Waterman’s redevelopment on Kew Gardens over the river. That’s standard practice for places that are World Heritage sites. You might be a ‘socialist’ councillor, but due processes have to be followed.You neglect to mention that the original chosen developers were in serious financial problems for a long time. They were never seriously going to build an arts centre.You also don’t mention that all developers expect to make a minimum 25 percent profit on every project. Yes, costs have risen and there are skills shortages, but insisting that a change of government will improve things is laughable. Do you think builders are exempt from the NI increase heading our way? Just wait until that hits the economy!Oh yes, don’t forget that the management of Waterman’s ran the centre into the ground by failing to promote events or expand the offer. You will know this because it’s been well documented. If any new centre is built if the management is the same it won’t flourish and thrive, despite any number of hollow political promises.

Simon Hayes ● 135d

As I understand it, on the site of the old police station. This was agreed several years ago and the scheme was funded and granted planning permission. But it was called in by he then Secretary of State (Michael Gove I believe) and referred to planning inspectorate and then a public enquiry. After a long delay, the inspectorate agreed the original plan but by that time costs had escalated after Brexit and the market for residential property had weakened so that affected the viability of the scheme.At the time Watermans closed (the delay, Covid etc had eaten up the Arts trust's reserves and the centre itself was losing money) and the developer who owns most of the freeholds could not identify a developer (for the private elements) or a Housing Association (for the affordable element) who could make the sums add up.The situation has eased a little with the change of government and Salman told me he was confident we would have a viable solution early this year. Fingers crossed.

Guy Lambert ● 135d

Contracts for where, when and what exactly?

Eric Alan Leach ● 136d

Last I heard was that contracts are expecting early this year. Salman Shaheen (a Brentford resident) is the expert.

Guy Lambert ● 136d