The Trust estate provides the most obvious route for a Northern cross-borough pedestrian and cycle route. Much of it is already in place. The possibility of a link with the future development to the north of White City makes this project more compelling, and the developments we propose will work to extend and improve this link, although we will require grant funds to achieve this. However, the link cannot be completed without projects on the local authority-owned stretches, particularly on the adopted Malton Road, and the strategic value will be much enhanced with a link to Westbourne Park station.
The Trust owns this small site which is somewhat disconnected to the bulk of the estate. In 2006 planning consent was secured for a three storey office and workspace development. In 2007 the Trust opened discussions as to the potential for our site to operate as a pedestrian/cycle gateway to the forthcoming White City North development from North Kensington. The regeneration potential would be significant in terms of employment opportunities for local residents as there are no other such links across the railway for a considerable distance. The potential to attract a whole new catchment of customers to underpin the economic model of the Westway Sports Centre is also a valuable consideration in securing the centre’s long term future.
Negotiations are not wholly in the Trust's hands and much will rest with the planners and highways agencies in the two boroughs which such a project would link as well as with the developers of the land at White City.
This area secured planning consent in 2006 for flexible workspace buildings, including indicative uses for a play centre and health building, and a purpose built school/nursery. Although some of the intended users no longer exist or have changed priorities, the concept of a "socially minded" mixed-use site remains. By accommodating users in flexible designed workspace buildings and mixing community and commercial uses, the long-term sustainability of the development will be enhanced.
It is anticipated that the nature and relatively early availability of the site will make this the most attractive area for any relocation of services within the Borough, flowing from the Trust's consultation exercise with the various "public building" users. It will also be suitable for potential initiatives such as community hubs.
The site at Maxilla adjoining St Marks Road will become available for redevelopment in 2010 when the current art installation leaves. It is hoped that the site will be developed shortly afterwards, probably by selecting a private partner to work with.
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