On the occasion of the Brentford Dock Residents' Association AGM, two representatives of the development company that owns the majority of the land on the south side of Brentford High Street reassured dock residents that their opinions would be listened to.
Addressing an audience of about 30 residents on April 7th, Senior Town Planning Manager, David Laycock, and Town Planning Director, John Turner, said that Ballymore Properties has gone back to the drawing-board in their vision for Brentford after universal condemnation of a previous proposal.
With vacant buildings on the south side of Brentford High Street becoming increasingly derelict and unsightly, residents were looking for answers from Ballymore. Turner apologised for a lack of activity and said that the company had been 'ham-strung' due to the financial crisis, but now plans for the redevelopment of the area are back on track.
Laycock stressed that the residents of Brentford Dock are 'one of the most important groups of people to talk to' and would not be ignored. While, Turner noted that Ballymore will 'deliver', once it gets 'stuck in.'
Laycock explained Ballymore's philosophy as one that focuses on design and, and he extended an invitation for residents to visit other Ballymore developments, such as those at Hayes and Harlington or Wapping. Ballymore is committed to the future of Brentford for the 'long-term,' according to Laycock, and the company's chairman is keen to leave a 'legacy', he said.
The development vision for Brentford is one of mixed use, with a diversity of architecture that respects the heritage of the area and retains selected unique buildings.
Three individual planners will be employed to ensure a good mix of designs. The 'lanes' connecting the High Street to the waterfront are set to be a key feature, with a continuous footpath along the water's edge.
The future of the Grade II*-listed St. Lawrence Church is guaranteed, and might be incorporated into a relocated Waterman's Arts Centre. A pledge was also made to retain the existing working boat houses, and to include an element of social housing in the scheme. Still, a 'certain density' is essential to make the plans work, according to Laycock.
While Laycock cautioned that the development may not be complete for 7-8 years, he said that things would start to move in the 'next few months', including the formation of a consultation group that residents are invited to join.
In conclusion, Laycock and Turner promised to stay in touch with residents of Brentford Dock via the Residents' Association, and to return with an update on progress in the summer.
As for the residents attending the meeting, one expressed her delight at the openness and honesty expressed by Laycock and Turner, while another compared the meeting to a 'breath of fresh air', and as a chance to make a 'fresh start' in the relationship between local residents and the developer.
One long-term resident remained sceptical however, and said that 'promises have been broken' before.
The resident pledged to keep the pressure on Ballymore to 'live up to its promises' and to deliver a development solution that indeed 'respects the unique and valuable heritage of Brentford based on the wishes of local people.'
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