Forum Topic

High St latest

Though many people who populate this site attended this October meeting of stakeholders, i'm not sure whether this link has been postedhttp://www.openplans.org/projects/brentfordhighstreet/community-planning/brentford-high-street-first-stakeholder-meeting-5-oct-2006.pps

Click here to enter name ● 6785d73 Comments

Brentford and Chiswick Local History SocietySpring Programme - January - May 2007Monday19 FebruaryThe Changing Face of BrentfordAn illustrated talk by Peter and Carolyn Hammond to mark the publication of their new book of photographs, which will be on sale at our bookstall. All the Society's talks take place on the third Monday of the month at the Chiswick Memorial Club, Afton House, Bourne Place, Chiswick W4, starting at 7.30pm. Remember that Afton House does not open until 7pm; please do not expect to be let in before that time.AllIf you wish to become a member, come along to one of the meetings or send a cheque for £9.00 made payable to Brentford & Chiswick Local History Society to Membership Secretary, 12 Brook Road South, Brentford TW8 0NN. Also enclose your name, address and phone number.ooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooFrom The ChiswickW4.com newsletterooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooWell sorted Nigel..fancy digging out those old plans. And well reproduced.

Jim Lawes ● 6684d

Following your conversation, I put Greater London Plan into the search box at The National Archives and had a wander around.  Found this reference talking about a 'proposed footbridge Brentford Docks to Kew Gardens, 1861'http://www.nationalarchives.gov.uk/?source=homeMiscellaneous Papers and Records RAIL 1057/2949

Sarah Felstead ● 6685d

Love to see the relevant bits if you're able to scan them & post Neil.

Nigel Moore ● 6685d

Thanks for this posting.I've just bought the 1944 "Greater London Plan". It was the plan for London once the war was over.Talks about the Southside redevelopment and an "upgrading" of the HIgh St. Nothing changes. All contains some great canal shots.

Neil Chippendale ● 6685d

Jim posted at the beginning of this thread – “Did you see the article on the front page of the Brentford,Chiswick and Isleworth Times today? Isn't that sad?Trade really down on Brentford High Street. Shops closing down can't make any money..no trade.La Rossetta boss reported that trade was at it's lowest for 20 years. Parking facilities poor.etc etc.”  …………… “It's great pity that the old shops were pulled down in the first place. Who were the Planners,Councillors and Council responsible for that?”A few clear answers: the Middlesex County Council was responsible, precursor to the Greater London Council – classic example of overarching bodies thinking they know better than locals. It started would you believe, as early as the 30’s, and in 1939 a newspaper published a sketch of the Authority’s proposed “Improvement Plan” for widening the High Street:That was the beginning of Brentford’s downfall as a sought after shopping destination. Eleven years later the MCC were still drawing up detailed schemes such as below:And what had resulted from this proposed new regeneration project? Trade really down on Brentford High Street, shops closing down, decay and dereliction, all because no high street traders knew what was going to happen or when. Sound familiar? As the newspaper article of 1950 reports:Spot any difference to today’s complaints? The instigators are different now, with a more aware local authority now struggling to somehow reverse the colossal damage done, and with private land speculators determined that deliberate dereliction should drive their vision of development.In addition to the project started up by Cllr Dakers, the Council have employed a firm to conduct a community workshop study for the Brentford Area Action Plan, that will be held at St Paul’s on Tuesday 27th February. It’s an all-day event, and if you want to put your oar in, write to Susan Parham (sp@cagconsult.co.uk)

Nigel Moore ● 6685d

wwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwThat's the idea Nigel..show the visitors round. Education,education,education!

Jim Lawes ● 6696d

Here are some more pictures of that Victorian warehouse..Nigel and Neil..Yes I suppose it will scrubb up!..or will it?Firstly here is a rear view:wwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwThen a view of the north side....wwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwthen back to Nigel's picture:wwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwThen some detail..wwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwThe cobbles of Dock Road..and the drain cover (GWR!)wwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwww

Jim Lawes ● 6696d

Don't be so gloomy and defeatist Neil. Why not save them all and any others you think of?There is a definite change in the air at Hounslow Planning, and the whole question of Conservation Area extension is one of the prime issues to be addressed in the new BAAP submission to the SoS.This has in part been provoked by problems with Commerce Road, and witness statements there have emphasised the importance of tackling this properly.I'm plugging for the whole south of the High St to be declared a conservation area, which doesn't preclude demolition where needed, it just gives the Council a firm basis for a veto when necessary.Your following post mentions the house alongside W&K, which I have an inkling is protected, but can't be sure.I'm taking a small group around to show them the sites and yards next week, hopefully to enable them to canvass the community with a bit more knowledge up their sleeves.So keep the suggestions rolling in!

Nigel Moore ● 6696d

One of my favourites is the house that sites next too the Wilson & Kyle site. This is a rare example of the type of buiding that went all along the HIgh St, as can be seen in the "As it Was" book.

Neil Chippendale ● 6696d

This is one of the buildings I would love to see preserved. A large industrial buiding which could be converted to a number of uses. It also sits along that nice cobbled area.Trouble is I am biased and would like to see all the buildings Nigel has shown preserved.I fear most will go though.

Neil Chippendale ● 6696d

How do you feel about the Straw & Hay warehouse on Dock Road? (No.12) Built 1881:Lot of rejuvenation needed, but these places do ‘scrub-up’ well.

Nigel Moore ● 6696d

Huge potential for expensive loft-style homes.

Colin Murphy ● 6697d

Reverting to Bradbury’s, what about the High Street frontage? (No.6)As it was when the LHS section contained the archway leading to the yard:Just need to open out the bookmaker’s to restore High Street access to the yard, and down through Twickenham Plating to the river’s edge:

Nigel Moore ● 6697d

Quite a bit of restoration needed on the Boar’s Head Yard buildings Jim, but do-able certainly. We’re lucky that they’re owned by people who do care, and who gazumped the previous would-be developers in order to retain these.Bradbury’s I believe already has protection, and needs less work in restoration – mainly stripping the electrical and other excrescences on the face of it.The Brewery Tap (No.17) is also likely to be retained through public demand:What do you think of the buildings opposite, lining the western edge of Town Wharf ? (No.16)

Nigel Moore ● 6697d

Yes, we like that shop Nigel..captures the location of No 19.  How dare bulldozers lurk in the area for future tasks!

Jim Lawes ● 6698d

Nigel, I believe this is where Strand Plastics used to be years ago..and before that a mail-order firm.Inside those gates on the Brent Way bend..or is it Catherine Wheel Road...one gets to see the loading bays etc of what I understand was a Pineapple Warehouse.wwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwNigel has mentioned cobbles being not far away..easily rescued?  Outside the Yard..on the long brick wall..is a plaque on which Mr Bradbury claims his boundary.

Jim Lawes ● 6698d

Yes keep number 19 Nigel..that's at the bottom of Boars Head yard.  Those stables are historic..unique for Brenford...look better on the inside thatn they do from outside.One can capture the image of horses being there and then being lead to the adjoining towpath (gate through that wall) and being tied up to the canalboats which they then towed along the canal paths.wwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwThe satble is currently used as a garage repair depot..but many of the interior fittings remain..as well as all the roof timbers.wwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwAnd goodo that you have included the victorian house at this location..which is actually 19,Boads Head Yard.Anyone been inside? Isn't it a store for an antique dealer?wwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwThis scheme to number the buildings worth saving is welcome.Nobody,hopefully, wants to see the area completely swept away and replaced by something like that Asda developement in Hounslow....a bland,cold, exposed, depressing and  inappropriate supermarket if you ever saw one. Well that's what I think. Went there Saturday..I though it was awful..and Brentford doesn't need that!

Jim Lawes ● 6698d

How do you feel about this one, on the extremity of the High St we’re considering? Unusual Dutch gables, (apologies for the backlit view).Some have suggested they’d like to retain the Wilson & Kyle frontage buildings also:A towpath view of my No.19, the old stables:

Nigel Moore ● 6698d

A very distinctive one Jim. I've marked it as Building No.13 on the suggested protections list.

Nigel Moore ● 6698d

This building...with the unusual brickwork on the north-west corner...is behind the main Wilson & Kyle building.It was apparently the Grinding Shop..and my friend's uncle worked in the Grinding Shop for 40 years. The uncle is still around and he has still got a good memory of Wilson & Kyle happenings!wwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwThere may be squatters using the building currently..and it needs to be protected if it's going to survive the bulldozer!

Jim Lawes ● 6698d

And the buildings I suggest. Add or subtract your preferences. A few are of course already protected. Mini photos can be seen in preceding post:

Nigel Moore ● 6698d

While the question of yards is still fresh, I’m showing the yards in full, and numbered: To assist in identifying them I display them in sequence as they appeared on a 19th Century map. (Dock Road is already protected):No.s 1-3 No.s 4-6 No.s 7-9 How about saying which you’d like to see restored and why.

Nigel Moore ● 6698d

The news from Campden is disgraceful, and goes to show how important it is that we persuade the Council to extend Conservation protection to include the yards and passages just as much as the few buildings left from the 19th & early 20th Centuries. (Our ‘Bradshaw’s Yard’ passage apparently still has its cobbled surface underneath the concrete slabs).Work proceeds apace on the boarding up:The boatyard and Bridge Autos will be left operating within secluded isolation shortly!

Nigel Moore ● 6698d

Agreed Michael - It is pretty obvious that these people, living in their homes, are and will be subjected to a nightmare existence.The guy talking to Nick Ferrari was saying that they don't even know if the houses have foundations (they are so old) so the first stop is to close the street off and dig bore holes!He also said that because the street is so narrow, the delivery vehicles might touch the fronts of the houses and even have difficulty opening the driver’s door.There are a number of issues here - and a similar argument to one I tried to make about the huge lorries negotiating our road - if they can't get a small and reasonably sized delivery lorry down a street then it is up to the developer/delivery company to use a more suitably sized one (or in this case maybe walk the goods to their site).If they managed to build Stonehenge …We are constantly told that a development of a site should reflect the size of the land and area but what about the access to the site?  The pavements in our area form a part of the road as far as many delivery drivers are concerned – so taking them away actually is not at all far fetched as the ‘next step’ and a long term vision of developing London.When this area was being built the builder (Allen) used small tracks and trundled everything along these (there is a photo in the local History section of Hounslow Library).  A huge delivery lorry is often just a convenience for the delivery company especially as there is no method of designating a size of lorry to be used within a particular sized road.  I have seen numerous huge lorries (the capacity of which would obviously cause problems in a road such as ours and would easily take a brace of caravans on the back) running along these pavements with a couple of bags of cement on the back.  Why should everyone suffer whilst the developers make their ‘fast buck’ and have no real regard for the community they wish to ‘develop’ within?If the Mayor is back in town, maybe it is time for him to use his powers to intervene?

Sarah Felstead ● 6703d

Hi SarahIt's almost unbelievable.  What kind of country is it we live in to permit this?"...architect PTP, which represents the developer, said it would do all it could to preserve the street’s integrity... leaving it as it is is not an option we are pursuing... we are very conscious of not damaging or undermining the properties...maintaining the character of the street was in the developer’s interest and that the architects were looking at a tarmac surface"

Michael Fletcher ● 6703d

Heard this story on LBC this morning :http://www.thecnj.co.uk/camden/070606/news070606_15.htm

Sarah Felstead ● 6703d

Bought it a few days ago Neil. While largely repetitive it does contain some of the clearest old photos of the High Street and surrounds that I've seen. Very depressing really, to see how wonderfully full of character the High Street was - all demolished to make it easier for traffic to pass on through!It contained the first photo I've seen of the High St end of Bradshaw's Yard as it was when Ridgeways bought it. Quite a shambles, but with cobbled passage that Keith tells me is still there underneath the modern paving.

Nigel Moore ● 6703d

Has anyone seen the latest book by Carolyn and Peter Hammond. Brentford Then & Now. It might help with any comparisons.

Neil Chippendale ● 6704d

Thanks Jim, glad you like it, - difficult to transfer details from one map to another. It’s surprising how completely disproportionate they can be. The suggested protected buildings map I should not perhaps have used as it’s not as yet for general distribution, but to answer your question the missing No.5 building straddles my No.2 Yard and is the one now occupied by Autowise. I believe it is already protected as the last example of the old shop frontages (used to be a drapers).I’m working on old and new photos to go with each yard or passage, and once OK’d by the High St Project I hope to post them for comments.I believe it will make a huge difference to the ‘permeability’ of any new development if these traditional access ways between High St and the waterside are restored, providing the opportunity to house shopping arcades and live/work units as well as restoring the original character of the Town Centre.

Nigel Moore ● 6704d

I like the map Nigel..and the numbering of those buildings..perhaps worth saving.  I have lost my camera..so can't help you this week with new pictures. Maybe we have some  some on our files.Where is number 5 building?

Jim Lawes ● 6704d

The Brentford High Street Community Project needs a little more widespread exposure and input.All those who have posted opinions and ideas should make their way to www.brentfordhighstreet.co.uk, have a look through what’s being done. Hopefully some will have made it to the Thursday evening meeting, but we’d like to have more feedback. My brief is on the historical angle, and what would be valuable would be to have votes for what buildings people would like retained.Further than just the buildings, there is the consideration for preserving/re-instating the traditional yards that ran between High Street and river. These could be ideal avenues for the specialist small shops/workshops that Thursday’s participants indicated as desirable, while opening up access to the water from the High St.I’ve coloured in Cllr Daker’s map of worthwhile/interesting buildings, with the yards in green:It’s surprising that most are intact and not built over, even if one or two are closed at the High St. At a later stage I’ll put names to the numbers, but meanwhile could you all vote for your preferences/priorities with any comments that could be used by the High St group?Give us your votes on the buildings as well.

Nigel Moore ● 6706d

For those who might want to print a copy of the image I've just put up a smaller version of the image map that will print landscape on A4 paper.See the links bottom right of the second column on the page here:http://www.brentfordcc.org.uk/brentfordhighstreet.html

Stephen Browne ● 6757d

The map to date:

Nigel Moore ● 6758d

I've pretty well wrapped up the current ownerships now, hopefully the BCC website will update it as Stephen finds time.While the Diocese retain the freehold of St Lawrence and the land behind, Sunley own the leasehold. The NW corner of Dock Rd is private, other than that Geronimo own virtually all the eastern section.

Nigel Moore ● 6758d

You could try joining the local Chamber of Commercehttp://www.brentfordchamber.org/I think there is a Hounslow one as well. I don't know whether they are affiliate or if one is subsidiary to the other.

Dan Evans ● 6758d

Actually Neil, the freehold of the church is still owned by the diocese. They have however given a very long lease on it.

Nigel Moore ● 6759d

The Brewery Tap is still owned by Fullers.As far as I know the church is still owned by Sunley.

Neil Chippendale ● 6759d

Thank you for the feed back Nigel. I was talking about the High Street traders who seem to do little to promote their meetings or pass on news of councle meetings of interest. It leaves the impression that they perhaps have a 'Boys own club' attitude to whom they include, as in nearly three years they have never informed me of their meetings or made any approach to me, despite my having been in a High Street shop (and I am still in a high street building) it’s not the most inclusive way to 'represent the High Street traders’ of which their are clearly more than a dozen.

Philip Walsh ● 6759d

Philip, I'm not sure which meeting you refer to, the Area Monitoring one or the High Street Traders?The Council's meetings are published on the Hounslow website with agendas in advance. There is no individual notification that I know of.Not sure who to ask about the High St Traders as I haven't been involved - but you could ask Cllr Dakers.Not knowing many of the traders personally I can only note that that the spectacles shop and the vintage dresses were there, along with maybe 8-10 others.Totally agree with you on the tree issue. I believe the councillors and planning are sensitive to this, but to most developers it seems that they take up too much space!

Nigel Moore ● 6759d

Sorry to butt in but it seems nobody is willing or able to answer my earlier questions about who is informed about meeting and how. I also would like some clarification over which of the traders attended as this gives a proper perspective to the statement about them being out in force.One point I would make about the new developments.Have the developers or others involved in the local planning ever heard of trees, they are big and beautiful and the 'new’ Brentford seems to be a concrete and brick wasteland in the making, with little or no room for nature.

Philip Walsh ● 6759d

Q1 Can't answer.Q2 I had to literally paste together old OS maps from title deeds and I couldn't at the time get any further west. St Lawrence's is sort of included within the regeneration area, but has to stay intact anyway.Q3 So far as I know as yet, the Brewery Tap remains Brewery property.This map is not yet completed - it takes time and money to search and purchase the Land Registry plans, and I can only do it in "spare" time. However if rumours of a couple of years' back are true, St Lawrence and the adjacent former timber yard should be filled in black as belonging to Sunley Richmond.

Nigel Moore ● 6760d

Well done - and I can enlarge it to read the small print !Three questions :1. Anyone know why Staffordshire Wharf was so called ?(? 'cos it was a wharf on the Thames next to the canal that went to Staffordshire ?)2. Is there any reason why the St. Lawrence site didn't get onto the plan ? I see from the splendid PowerPoint presentation from Andrew Dakers that his ring on the Google Earth picture includes it. And it seems to fall within the boundary of the access road to Brentford Dock. Does the land at the back of the church form part of the parcel of land for which offers are invited (so the sign says).3. Is the Brewery Tap in private hands ?

Tim Henderson ● 6760d

Or maybe here (slip of the keyboard...)http://www.brentfordcc.org.uk/brentfordhighstreet.html

Stephen Browne ● 6760d

Further to Nigels post of his map we decided to make it a bit more of a graphical representation. Have a look here:

Stephen Browne ● 6760d

Nigel,I think you are right, these are earlier concept plans.

Neil Chippendale ● 6761d

Thanks, that makes it clearer.I wonder what the three vertical sails connecting the two main buildings are meant to do ?

Tim Henderson ● 6761d

I was wrong, there are a couple more perspective sketches. These show the Brewery Tap intact.The more I look at these the more I think they will be ideas dreamed up for Marvin Architectural in concert with TP and others, - not the current lot.

Nigel Moore ● 6761d

No Tim, as far as I can make it out the L shaped building extends to Brent Way, while the fawn coloured lower buildings only reach half way from north side of Brent Way to the High St and abutting Catherine Wheel Rd, with another block opposite the eradicated Brewery Tap.Either this scheme belongs to an earlier group of speculators who only envisaged developing this segment of the area, or - if the website is up-to-date, this is only as far as the Wood Wharf Group's architects have got so far.These are all the pictures and info revealed to date. I may just give them a ring to check it out.You're right, flash flooding is not unusual here as I've highlighted in other posts. However The Twickenham Plating/Marvin Architectural waterfront is higher than the towpath level and I've never seen flood water reach them. Nonetheless as you say, global warming means the EA would require higher build levels.

Nigel Moore ● 6761d

Does that lot (the square L shaped one) go all the way back to the High Street ?My initial impression is that the High Street becomes a narrow canyon between towering cliffs - and I fear from the slab that it will be rather boring and monotonous. Perhaps there is another view that presents it with more interest ?I always fear for these underground car parks at canal level -  it can't be that unusual for a bit of flash flood water to come down the Brent. (And I was interested to read that they raised the floor level of St. Lawrence by four foot six when they rebuilt it in the 1700's to lessen flood problems - and what with global warming .......)

Tim Henderson ● 6761d

You saw it here first!Breaking news on the new vision for the High Street!Well I’m sure you’re all keen to know what designs are envisaged for the area, - here’s the concept currently in progress. Thus far it’s concentrating on the eastern side of the site, between the boatyard/ footbridge and the Thames Lock:Viewpoint is from the footbridge to Brentford Dock Estate.  Any opinions from the Estate residents on their new proposed view?Elevation drawings:And an aerial view to relish alongside the glowing description: It’s only a concept design proposal for now of course, but one can see why they haven’t bothered to engage either Council or public. Should we feel gratified that they are looking primarily at the canalside? The High Street itself, though the scheme “respects” it, seems not to be interesting these developers so much as those high-priced waterside flats.

Nigel Moore ● 6761d

Quite a comprehensive discussion on the High St last night, including parking & leases etc, with considerable input from the High Street Traders, who were out in force.It was noted that the developers are still resisting any engagement at any level.As promised, the ownership status as I've determined it so far:

Nigel Moore ● 6763d

I see the latest on the High Street doesn't amount to much, so there is no change there. It is interesting to find out who owns the illegal dumping site next to autowise though perhaps someone can know make them succour the site and clear the mountain of crap that’s been building up there over the last two or three years but I doubt it. (Perhaps Jim could take some photos for his sites of Brentford theme). As for shops closing I have moved off the high street recently for many reasons mostly costs and health the high pollution levels were causing serious sinus problems which are clearing up now I have moved.Has anybody else noted that the High Streets new cameras all seem to be protecting the Court and no parking spaces and not the area of the High street with the most problems!

Philip Walsh ● 6763d

Rainbow over Brentford!  Nice one Nigel.I recall that when I first got my computer about 30 months ago..and explored the internet..there were hardly any pictures of dear Brentford to be seen..and it was sad really.These days things have really changed. We all have never had it so good!  Some might disagree!!  Some might say that too many pictures on this Forum might be discouraging others joining  in ..or might put viewers off from launching new topics..or joining in debates. I remember a Mark somebodyorother making off putting comments in my direction.Anyway..some of us not debaters but merely purveyors of information and local know-how..in picture or in text form.. so that Brentfordians are better informed about their local area..and what's going on.Never seen a rainbow over the High Street before.  Your picture is historic Nigel!!

Jim Lawes ● 6765d

This topic is being considered at the Area Monitoring Committee meeting tomorrow night at Brentford Free Church. There will be opportunity for comment and question by the public, so if you haven’t put your oar in yet, now’s your chance.With reference to Oliver’s obviously sensible question as to engagement, it’s interesting that the Agenda notes:“Despite direct approaches to the owners of these sites, neither has responded to consultation. Their response and commitment to proposals for these sites is not only key to delivery but also fundamentally important to proving the soundness of the Brentford Area Action Plan. Efforts therefore are continuing in order to engage them in the process.”Still, yesterday provided a snapshot opportunity that made me think of a ray of hope for the High Street yet:

Nigel Moore ● 6765d

Haven't bothered to check up on them yet Oliver. The Land Reg. titles list them as Sunlea (Richmond) Ltd, and they own St Lawrences I believe, plus the yard alongside Autowise, and Boars Head Yard immediately along my western boundary. Maybe more, but those are positive.Initially when I had only heard of this by word of mouth I'd assumed a Chinese-sounding name, but evidently not.We are looking to see whether we can put together a map showing all the various ownerships, but that'll take a small amount of wherewithall.

Nigel Moore ● 6774d

nigel, who are Sunlea Ltd?

Click here to enter name ● 6774d

Oliver, the group you pointed out at the beginning of this thread, led by Cllr Dakers, is interested in dialogue, but so far as I know only Council Planners have been communicating with the developers.British Waterways with 50% of the development group, have been having regular discussions with Strategic Planning, though without having revealed their interest (other than as waterways Consultee).I have spoken with one of the group's environmental consultants some time back, showed him around, made suggestions and gave my contact details as well as that of Cllr Dakers. No response as yet.A month back was my first intro to who they were when they sent a 3 man team to break into the boatyard. We've suggested to the solicitors acting for them that discussion might be more productive than such bullying, but thus far they've been unresponsive.Twickenham Plating signed an agreement to sell 11 months ago, but of course are disinterested in what happens once they leave.As I think I've mentioned, the group don't appear to be interested in drawing up plans until the Commerce Road Inquiry has produced a result. Even so, I would have thought and agree with you, that early engagement with all concerned would be useful to them.Brentford is just a tit-bit to them, and I suspect Wood Wharf itself will be taking most of their interest for now. I doubt if they have even appointed architects on a provisional basis for Brentford at this stage.Then too, they still don't have all the properties, just more than BTC did. Sunlea Ltd have sizable chunks last I checked. And it's very early days for them after all, - they only purchased BTC's portfolio in June this year.We'll just have to see.

Nigel Moore ● 6774d

Nigel, are any groups you are aware of -- local business or resident associations, current traders south of the river -- actually in touch with these new players. as i mentioned previously it would be useful for all sides to have some kind of an open debate. who knows some of the previous ideas mooted here may be of interest to them.

Click here to enter name ● 6774d

Returning to the High St - biggest players on the scene now are the Ballymore/Canary Wharf/British Waterways partnership (the "Wood Wharf Group".)They've bought all the BTC's titles and signed a purchase agreement with Twickenham Plating.Check out their style on the Ballymore website. Lot of east end stuff, including Ontario Tower.

Nigel Moore ● 6777d

I don't get the impression that there are fewer people on the High Street. On the contrary there seem to be more. Traders are always likely to talk business down for fear of the next rent review. However this doesn't necessarily mean they are coining it. The mix of shops remains wrong in my view. There isn't really enough there to justify a shopping trip - with Christmas coming I can't see us buying very much from the local High Street because once you have driven somewhere else with more choice you might as well stock up.

Dan Evans ● 6781d

Thanks for HTML lesson Paul! I'll have to find a link to test it out on now.

James de Vivenot ● 6781d

Lock your bike up outside, Jim.

Tim Henderson ● 6784d

Thanks Jim, but what I meant was how do I post a URL so it appears in blue/mauve as a live URL (as Paul's original post did) rather than just posting the URL in the forum without a live link.Paul, please could explain how you did it.Thanks.James

James de Vivenot ● 6784d

This would be the one they knocked down to make way for a drive-thru McDonald's? Yes that’s the one Phil; I never thought that would get knocked now in my lifetime.I believe that Fullers built the New Red Lion out of compensation for loosing the Barge Aground, The Bull, The Feathers and the old Red Lion.When I asked about the Small bit of Dual carriageway outside the site, the General Forman said “It’s been put in place now, ready for the dual carriage way that’s going to be built between Kew Bridge and Hounslow”That’s why Brentford lost all the old shops along the High Street to make way for it, although a very lame excuse was issued later, saying they didn’t take inconsideration that the Canal Bridge and Railway Bridge were in the way, so they shelved the project.I believe it was never going to happen, and the development going on at the time was only partially completed, someone should have been charged with criminal damage over that..       

Paul Allen ● 6784d

Maybe try this linkCopy and Paste..and when the page appears..click the LINK at the bottom.http://www.openplans.org/projects/brentfordhighstreet/community-planning

Jim Lawes ● 6784d

""Stupid question: how do you post URLs on this forum?""James...Just find the URL in an address bar..copy..then paste here...and Bob's your uncle..hopefully!                  Lyrics

Jim Lawes ● 6784d

"I worked on the building of the new Red Lion while they were also knocking down the gas works."This would be the one they knocked down to make way for a drive-thru McDonald's?  A sore point with me if ever there was one.

Phil Andrews ● 6784d

Thanks for the link.Stupid question: how do you post URLs on this forum?Thanks.James

James de Vivenot ● 6784d

It would have been the old Brentford and Chiswick Council plus the old GLC at that time Jim.You can say the the grand plans (downfall) for Brentford started in the 1950's I worked on the building of the new Red Lion while they were also knocking down the gas works. I also worked in the pub above for about three months rewiring it.

Paul Allen ● 6784d

"Hello, it's the Council Planning Dept here (1960?),we know you have a nice building there::"ooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooo"And we know that you are just behind our Magistrates Court in the centre of Town""We just wanted to let you know that we, the Council, are going to shove up some tasteful shops and flats ......just opposite and across the road from you"    "No: you don't don't have any say in the matter!"

Jim Lawes ● 6784d

Did you see the article on the front page of the Brentford,Chiswick and Isleworth Times today? Isn't that sad?Trade really down on Brentford High Street. Shops closing down can't make any money..no trade.La Rossetta boss reported that trade was at it's lowest for 20 years. Parking facilities poor.etc etc. But some people are trying to sort it out...and we wish them well.It's great pity that the old shops were pulled down in the first place. Who were the Planners,Councillors and Council responsible for that?.  Even the boss at Goddards would agree,I gather, that his prime site store is an eyesore. But it is a Council construction not his..and presumably he pays a decent rent to the Council...check, check!!  That County Parade looks awful too..who built that?Who was responsible? Names!!A friend said this .."yes, the high street was never crazy busy..but it had a Woolworths!, Banks on some corners, and lovely old buildings that could have been renovated.It's a shame, trying to run a business along there must be tough.  Stagnant porridge comes to mind.  Some vision is certainly required. A bus trip to the bus stop outside the new 24 hour Asda in Hounslow is threatening to cause more havoc..perhaps.Hope La Rossetta stays. I must start going there again! if I can find somewhere to park...safely.

Jim Lawes ● 6784d

I couldnt open the darn thing Try this link to the page with the files onBrentford High Street Plans

Paul Allen ● 6785d

now that the name of the new developers has been uncovered it would be very instructive i feel if some kind of q&a with this company could be arranged. albeit that many here hold views diametrically opposed to those of the developers i am sure that the new company would want to avoid the bad PR attarcted by their predecessor. i wonder if the co-ordinators of this site could organise something like this? (written form)

Click here to enter name ● 6785d

Thanks for that Oliver.Most interesting.

Jim Lawes ● 6785d