Forum Topic

Gillette corner development

Does anyone know what is happening to the redevelopment of the old Gillette building? Also any ideas as to why work has stopped on the GWQ hotel. Is it lack of finance?

Sarah Spain ● 5231d13 Comments

The huge Gillette Building does look forlorn tonight..the clock tower lights are not working and the time is incorrect.Is this a sign of something we feared?The GilletteCorner.com website seems to have closed down ("Account Suspended") and one wonders if the seeming lack of activity is indeed a sign that things are not quite alright.A posh Hotel in the near future...or another non active and redundant building? Anyone in the know?

Jim Lawes ● 5204d

Flicking through some old booklets last night, I found myself reading that the Gillette Building, built in about 1937, was modelled on a razor!Funny that, and looking at the picture below (a model that used to be on display in the foyer) one can see what the Gunnersbury Park Museum was referring to.

Jim Lawes ● 5209d

This picture appears on the old "Harlequin Avenue revisited" thread. It's by David Quick on Flickr.You can see the factory area..within the Gillette Building. That centre area has all been flattened and removed now.It's the SkyBSB complex that is in line for MAJOR changes!Employing 7500 people there..that's good news perhaps.

Jim Lawes ● 5217d

JL is keeping watch of the Gillette building this Bank Holiday weekend..just in case they try to demolish it!!It looks quite save today...

Jim Lawes ● 5220d

Jim Lawes ● 5220d

And this was taken 2nd August 2007...Clever camera... Canon Ixus 500. I just pressed the button!

Jim Lawes ● 5223d

Took this picture on 3rd November 2006.

Jim Lawes ● 5223d

Thanks Jessica, but the Chronicle report is incorrect is it not..saying that the clock hasn't been illuminated etc since 2003/2003.I took this picture on 15th August 2005:

Jim Lawes ● 5223d

http://www.hounslowchronicle.co.uk/west-london-news/local-hounslow-news/2011/03/04/clock-is-ticking-again-but-what-does-it-mean-109642-28282645/

Jessica Thomas ● 5223d

There were announcements from Bonningtons, the developer, about 2 years ago saying that because of the economic climate their plans were to be amended. The "Gillette" Hotel would become a 4 star instead of 5 star.Thank you to Tim Henderson who has dug out this report mentioning recent financial hiccups within the Bonnington Empire..but which may not affect the plans. Read of it what you will..if that makes sense.http://www.donegaldemocrat.ie/news/local/mcgettigan_s_hotel_group_in_talks_with_bank_over_67m_loan_1_2360521Thanks again Tim..we miss your investigative messages..so hope your cookies and cyberspace hurdles get sorted soonest.

Jim Lawes ● 5224d

Yes, what's happening at the Gillette Site?This picture shows the roof (on the Harlequin Avenue side)and could be used for all manner of things!

Jim Lawes ● 5231d

Up on the Gillette Building roof some four years ago (accompanied by Security!) I was able to take this snap.The factory below has since been removed. Unusual sight isn't it?

Jim Lawes ● 5231d

http://www.bonningtongroup.com/op_future_projects.htmWell, the Bonnington Group bought the site and planned to convert the building into a hotel and office complex... possibly with Sky TV as customers in mind.A good deal of work has been done. Hasn't the factory part.... within the four exterior big walls, been demolished and the ground onto which machinery had been standing decontaminted.Pretty sure the the problems of the Irish Economy has affected things ..but who knows? Many developments around the area are on hold..including the Skylon Hotel at the GWQ.

Jim Lawes ● 5231d