Schemes in North Harrow, South Kilburn and Shepherds Bush were selected for commendation at Place West London in the Regeneration Showcase.
The Showcase was designed to show the many positive stories of innovation and problem solving in west London regeneration schemes. It contained fourteen selected by the Advisory Board as demonstrating particular characteristics of originality, innovation and effectiveness.
Of these, the Board selected three in particular for commendation, who were each presented with a commemorative certificate at the Place West London Dinner by chair of the advisory board Richard Barnes, and MP for Feltham & Heston Seema Malhotra:
Jacqui Clarke (centre) receives the commendation from Richard Barnes and Seema Malhotra.
South Kilburn Studios
Working with the Architecture Foundation and Brent Council, South Kilburn Neighbourhood Trust sponsored the transformation of disused portacabin offices into free workspace for young entrepreneurs. Studios were offered on a rent free basis so long as local people were recruited as trainees to learn on the job. The businesses include architects, fashion photographers, film makers, a milliner,sports wear manufacturer, event promoters, composers and a fully sound proofedrecording studio. One of the businesses is now paid a fee to programme the studios, allowing the council to step back from day to day activities. The studios is now properly imbedded in the local neighbourhood and is an openfacility for all members of the community to use throughout the week.
Bush Theatre
Hammersmith & Fulham (H&F) Council has helped the internationally-renowned Bush Theatre to move into the historic former Shepherds Bush Library building. The move forms the centrepiece of the council’s exciting vision of creating a new cultural quarter to complement an extended and enhanced Shepherds Bush Market. The building is a perfect fit for the theatre, allowing the company to have its own bar and cafe, rehearsal space, improved offices and dressing rooms. In addition there is space for playwrights to write and read, as well as a small library of playtexts. Bush was recently named London Theatre of the Year following its first year at its new home.
North Harrow
A collaboration between the Council, local businesses and residents has seen asuite of locally designed and delivered projects to reinvigorate North Harrow andhelp the businesses re-engage with their local community.North Harrow Town Centre has seen 13 projects delivered – supported by fundingfrom the Mayor of London’s Outer London Fund – including a number of events,a new streamlined planning regime, and visual merchandising. A Town Centre Partnership has also been established to continue the delivery ofprojects to increase footfall and spend in the town centre. As a result there has been a significant reduction in vacancy rates from 23% inApril 2012 to 13% by June 2012.
A full list of schemes selected for the showcase:
Brent
- Albert Road
- South Kilburn Studios
Ealing
- Acton Town Hall
- Dickens Yard
- Ealing Apprenticeships
- South Acton
Hammersmith & Fulham
- Bush Theatre
- Pocket Homes collaboration
- White City Health Centre
Harrow
- North Harrow
Hillingdon
- Hayes Shop Front Renewal
Hounslow
- Outer London Fund Round One programme
- West Thames College
Nine Elms
- Nine Elms on the South Bank
