The Mayor of London, Sadiq Khan, has officially opened Hounslow House, the new council HQ, following the release of the old Civic Centre site for housing.
Hounslow House, in the heart of the town centre, is a smaller, modern and more energy-efficient building with a community focus, which will allow the council to work more effectively for the borough’s residents and businesses.
Hounslow Library has also moved to the new building, bringing it back to the town centre, in addition we now have adult education classrooms. Our other partners include the NHS (Hounslow Clinical Commissioning Group) and the Metropolitan Police.
A new Civic Suite on the sixth floor includes the more modern and flexible Council Chamber, which can also be used as community or event space.
Councillor Steve Curran, Leader of Hounslow Council, said: “Hounslow House is a landmark building that will revitalise the western end of the High Street and give a real boost to the town centre. It also supports the creation of one of west London’s most vibrant retail, leisure and culture centres through the wider Hounslow town centre development.
“I was delighted to welcome Sadiq Khan, Mayor of London to officially open our new offices today, we have already benefited from 160 new homes for residents at the former Civic Centre site, with a further 750 to follow. I am grateful to the Mayor who has given us additional funding to secure 50 per cent truly affordable homes.
“I would also like to thank our partners Bouygues and their development arm Linkcity, who have delivered Hounslow House and high-quality homes, in partnership with Notting Hill Genesis, one of London’s leading housing associations”.
The Mayor of London, Sadiq Khan, said: “I’m delighted to open Hounslow House officially. This is a fitting home for Hounslow Council’s efforts to make life better for those who live, work, visit and study in the borough, and it’s great news that a wide range of community groups and events will be able to call this new building home for years to come. The council should be congratulated for delivering this project as part of their ambitious plans to increase the delivery of much-needed genuinely affordable housing in this area.”
Fabienne Viala, UK Country Director for Bouygues Construction, said: “This important project demonstrates the power of working together in delivering positive outcomes for local communities. The result of collaboration between our Group companies Linkcity and Bouygues UK and wider partners including Hounslow Council, the GLA and Notting Hill Housing Group, this scheme is already making a real difference to local people.
“As well as providing a modern and efficient workplace for the council, police and health services to continue delivering vital services to the community, it is also freeing up space for over 900 much-needed new homes, including affordable housing. It’s great to see this striking building opened and we look forward to working with our valued partners on future projects.”
The old Civic Centre in Lampton Road, Hounslow, was built in the late 1970’s and was no longer fit for purpose, with high running costs, so downsizing to a smaller building will also save money in the long term, as well as allowing the site to be used for housing for local residents.
The new council HQ has improved green credentials, with an improved energy rating, solar panels, and travel planning to encourage less car use for staff and visitors.
