Developers and Council meet to discuss Urban Renewal

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Summit held about regeneration of brownfield land

Hammersmith and Fulham Council held its first ever urban renewal summit yesterday at the Disney Auditorium in Hammersmith.

The summit, comprising of senior council leaders, developers and Registered Social Landlords (RSL) was aimed at discussing the rejuvenation of the borough. The goal is to clear land for commercial and mixed-use buildings and create affordable housing through more efficient planning, both which the council hopes will create a series of new job possibilities for community members.

The regeneration project will focus on developing parts of White City, Shepherd’s Bush, North Fulham and Hammersmith, where there are over 100 hectares of Brownfield land with the potential for re-development.

Council leader, Councillor Stephen Greenhalgh called the plans “exciting” and “ambitious”.

“Westfield is a primary example of what can be achieved, helping to transform parts of the W12 into dynamic, modern centres of commerce, leisure and mixed housing. We want to encourage more of this type of regeneration,” Greenhalgh said.

If the plans are put into motion, the borough could see up to 6,000 new homes built over the coming years. Of the planned homes to be built, at least 50 per cent will be affordable housing- something the council has been criticised by opposing parties for not adhering to.

But councillor Greenhalgh is insisting that any development of the borough will be in the interest of the community and local residents who fall within the low to middle income bracket.

“With only one per cent of the housing mix currently dedicated to affordable home ownership, we are in danger of failing to meet the aspirations of the majority of families who want a foothold on the property ladder,” said Greenhalgh.

In a speech given to the council by Councillor Jean Campbell on September 19, it was pointed out that there are 8,000 people living in the borough in need of an affordable home and another 15,000 living in temporary accommodation- just one of the many issues the summit is addressing.

The targeted number of 6,000 new homes exceeds the projected goal set by the London Plan by more than 150 homes. ]

“By unlocking the potential in Hammersmith and Fulham that our location, land values and transport links provide, we are committed to improving our borough, providing a borough for opportunity for all,” added Greenhalgh.

October 12, 2007