Plans for the town hall now open to the public
I went along to the town hall yesterday to see the proposed plans for the town hall redevelopment. Three companies presented their plans and I understand that the winner will be announced in March next year (more details here: http://www.hammersmithtoday.co.uk/default.asp?section=info&page=concouncil21.htm). There was mention of public consultation through surveys etc but I wonder if the public will be involved in the final decision process. Does anyone know?I can't remember the names of the three companies with the plans, but they are listed as Scheme A, B and C. My own preference is for Scheme B as it was the only proposal to link King Street to the river, with changes to Furnival Gardens to reduce the noise levels from the A4. This company proposed the road at the side of the cinema to be the walkway with a gradual incline starting from King Street and being of bridge height by the time you reach the A4 and then a gradual decline to Furnival Gardens. The plans for Furnival Gardens include terraced/tiered landscaping. Both Schemes A and C keep the subway system.Scheme C was Tesco's developers. As they own the land the cinema is on, this seems to be a conflict of interest and makes me think that the whole exercise is fruitless and that Tesco will win the competition. Does anyone know more on this? Needless to say, this design includes plans for yet another Tesco which will make 4 within walking distance of King Street. Scheme A didn't include any retail names but it did include a building in the front of the Town Hall which I didn't like as the plaza will not be fully open as Lyric Square currently is. I like the idea of an open plaza viewable from King Street as it will attract more visitors to the area. Scheme B proposals showed Waitrose in place of Tesco and on the other side of the plaza (where the careers centre is), they showed Carluccio. I understand from the developers that they have shown the plans to both Waitrose and Carluccio and both have expressed an interest, should they win.I haven't really put any thought into the facade to the new buildings as design is subjective and they all look OK to me. I prefer Scheme B for the following reason:- It is the only plan that recognises the importance of the river and Furnival Gardens to the redevelopment project- It is the only plan that offers an overground walkway over the A4- It recognises the importance of bringing in the right retail outlets to enhance the area. To my mind, a new Tesco has never attracted high profile outlets but I honestly feel that retailers like Waitrose and Carluccio will attract more quality shops to this end of King Street and bring a much needed boost to the Hammersmith shopping experience.I would love to know how others feel about the designs so do go along to the Town Hall and post your views here. If any of the councillors are reading this, I am keen to know what influence Tesco has on the final decision given that they own the land and also how the public will be involved going forwards.Sharon
Sharon Isaac-Upton ● 6617d2 Comments