Work has begun to build a new cinema, new affordable homes and a revitalised civic campus at the western end of King Street in Hammersmith.
The plans include for start-up space and the transformation of Grade II-listed Hammersmith Town Hall into a modern public building at the heart of the community.
“This is an important moment in our mission to revitalise Hammersmith because it will breathe new life into the western end of King Street,” said Cllr Stephen Cowan, Leader of the London Borough of Hammersmith & Fulham.
“The new four-screen cinema, new genuinely affordable homes, new public rooftop bar and restaurant and new public square are some of the factors that will rejuvenate the area and create a new Hammersmith neighbourhood.”
The town hall will be redeveloped as a civic campus with homework space for local children, start up space for local entrepreneurs, and space that can be used for many community activities throughout the week – such as a pop-up art gallery.
“I am extremely grateful to our partners, the architects and particularly to all the local residents who helped make this scheme something I think everyone who cares about our borough will be extremely proud of,” Cllr Cowan added.
The Town Hall extension – regularly hailed as the ugliest building in Hammersmith – is currently being prepared for demolition. The redevelopment scheme includes a new four-screen cinema, with cafes, shops and restaurants built on the existing cinema and car park site; 204 new homes of which 52 per cent will be affordable; a new public rooftop bar and restaurant; new community art and event spaces; new affordable, flexible office spaces for start-up businesses; and new public space for performances and events in front of the restored Town Hall.
Danny Lynch, Director of Land and Development at A2Dominion, said: “This development will address the shortage of good quality affordable homes in Hammersmith, create better facilities for the community and improve connectivity to the riverside. We look forward to working with our partners to deliver a scheme which makes better use of the land and creates genuinely affordable homes for local residents.”
Mark Rintoul, Project Architect at Rogers Stirk Harbour + Partners, said: “The council’s pioneering collaboration with multiple stakeholders and local amenity groups has defined this truly community-led development to deliver a civic campus with access for all.”
