Bollo Lane Plans an 'Emerging Proposal'
Disappointment at lack of detail released by TfL on major scheme
Artist's impression of Bollo Lane scheme. Picture from TfL Exhibition
Those who attended the recent public exhibition held by TfL on their planned development of land adjacent to Bollo Lane in Acton have generally expressed disappointment at the lack of detail being released.
The displays compromised a limited number of boards with no design overview for the site. When representatives of TfL were asked about the specifics of the development including the likely height of the buildings they said these were ‘emerging proposals’. The scheme, which would comprise over 800 flats as well as commercial premises, is set to be one of the largest ever in the area.
A limited number of artist impressions of the scheme were part of the presentation but they showed only quite narrow perspectives which gave little idea of the scale of the development.
New retail spaces including a café are shown built into existing railway arches opposite the Stirling Road industrial estate. A pavement is shown on the southern side of Bollo Lane which has remarkably become tree lined.
In other image Acton Town station is shown with what appears to be an eight storey building just behind it.
Artist's impression showing scheme behind Acton Town station
One of the attendees at the exhibition said, “I learnt precisely zero about what was planned which was infuriating because the architects must already have drawn up designs. If they are obfuscating what is planned then the chances are it is set to be highly controversial. This was a box-ticking exercise and TfL are playing the same games that private developers do, that is paying lip-service to their statutory obligation to consult with the public. As a publicly funded corporation they shouldn’t be engaging in this sort of activity.”
TfL say they are going to submit plans for a mixed-use development containing around 800 flats to rent or buy at the site early next year. In addition, the proposals seek to provide a what is described as a 'Green Corridor' along Bollo Lane that ‘will enhance the surrounding streetscape and provide a sustainable route and pleasant throughway for local residents’.
The site is currently used by TfL with some retail at the north of the area.
Global architectural firm HoK have been commissioned to design the project. Their portfolio includes a number of landmark buildings, airport terminals and stadia. They are currently developing Spire London in Canary Wharf which at 67 storeys would be western Europe’s tallest residential building.
TfL have been considering development at this site for some years, as part of its strategy to development property partnerships instead of selling off its sites. The plan is to use their landholdings, often disused sites being used as car parks, to generate revenue to invest in the transport network.
October 21, 2019
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October 21, 2019