The Chair of the Hammersmith Society, Rosemary Pettit, and others have seen the proposals back in July. She commented in an e-mail of 5th July as follows:"Queens Wharf RiversideA number of us have been briefed by Riverside, Mount Anvil and architect Assael on the plans for this joint site development. First feedback: it is a design improvement on the previous Queens Wharf scheme (no bow-front), and an ingenious wrap-around solution to place Riverside Studios in the basement (cinema, works, etc), the studios on the ground, a restaurant and café on the river side and housing above that with an open space/garden above the top of the studios in the middle of the development. The main entrance will be in Queen Caroline St, lorries and stage door in Crisp Road. The height is as given permission with an extra storey on the southern block.While we only saw massing proposals at our meetings basic detailing showed square windows and a cellular-type façade; the southern block is perceived by some as lego-like; just in case we were in doubt, the architect showed a pic of one he had made earlier in Lots Road. I think we generally agree that, in order to avoid an over-bearing river façade, the southern block needs to be stylistically varied from the rest.Riverside Studios was especially concerned about the treatment of the riverside as far as the bridge – what to do about it?Paul Goodacre [planning officer] was reserved about the style although he also mentioned that officers had been shown the Lots Road building. Like us he is adamant that the river wall and railings must accord with Street Smart guidelines (unlike the St George development at Fulham Reach); this is to be monitored as it will be a new wall and new railings. As to the draw-dock – also one of our concerns – Paul told them they must liaise with amenity groups (particularly HBG); we will also be interested in it, possibly as a water-sports’ resource. Paul expressed concern about Riverside’s desires for art signage on the building, and we will want to watch for that both on the land and on the river side."Rosemary has good judgment. We are going to be stuck with it. It is as high as the top of the finial on Hammersmith Bridge. It will ruin the setting of Hammersmith Bridge, which is Grade 2* listed. But the Council just sees the money, money, money to be made from the new flats (luxury overseas owners, of course. No riff-raff...)
Una Hodgkins ● 4193d