Forum Topic

Help save 30-52 Goldhawk Road from demolition

It has come to my attention that Hammersmith and Fulham want to make "improvements" to Shepherds Bush market.   While some of the suggestions may be welcome the Planning Brief proposes the demolition of 30-52 Goldhawk Road.  (A full copy of the draft planning and regeneration brief can be viewed on the Local Plan pages of the council’s website) At the moment this row of shops does not look much. (This is in part due to the fact that late last century Hammersmith and Fulham enforced the removal of cornicing on "health and safety grounds".)  But the reality is this terrace was built in the early to mid nineteenth century and they are good examples of Victorian shops.    The fact that they have fallen on hard times is no reason to have them demolished.  Rather this should be seen as an opportunity to have them restored to their former charm. The Planning Brief suggests relocating the businesses to within the redeveloped market.  But this terrace of shops brings atmosphere and community to the Goldhawk Road.  Not one of these shops is part of a chain - many are family firms - and the Pie and Mash shop has been in that location since 1899.    It would not be the same to simply relocate them.   There is a real danger that we will be turning a vibrant and interesting (if somewhat rundown) part of Shepherds Bush into something bland and average.  The Planning Brief goes on to describe 30-53 Goldhawk Road as being of a 'scale that is no longer appropriate for this part of the Goldhawk Road townscape'.  But the height of this terrace is very much part of their charm.     We have lost much good architecture in the area, such as Shepherds Bush station,  in recent years. Lets stop the destruction of yet more good buildings.  Please register your objections by email at  SBMarket@lbhf.gov.uk or call Jackie Simkins in the council’s planning department on 020 8753 3460.  The deadline for the council to receive responses is 5pm on Monday, October 11.

Mr Coll McDonnell ● 4975d44 Comments

Good to see another appeal is being made against the CPO according to an item in the Shepherds Bush newsletter. Might be a forlorn hope but a better deal for the community will be gained by fighting for every inch.Not sure why the item doesn't appear on the front page.

Mark Evans ● 3475d

The second legal appeal against this failed yesterday. Now all that stands between the scheme proceeding is a public inquiry.

Karen Taylor ● 3671d

The inquiry into the Compulsory Purchase Order for the site starts this Tuesday, 17 September, 10am at the Town Hall, and is likely to continue for eight days (excepting 23 September).

Rosemary Pettit ● 3885d

Rosemary, there was an item about this in the newsletter and it is currently on the site's front page. The 60,000 figure was quoted in that. Westfield's web site suggest 20mn visitors a year which would work out roughly the same but the infrastructure is not equivalent. A cynic would say the developers are touting ridiculously inflated numbers to tempt the traders to give up their freeholds without a fight.

Andy Jones ● 3885d

Please explain - what item is it that says 60,00 visitors 'over the weekend'? More detail please.

Rosemary Pettit ● 3886d

Hear! Hear!Please can you make a petition on change.org or a similar site to raise awareness travesty!Thank you"Hammersmith and Fulham Council - putting Westfields first"

Paula Benson ● 3886d

I was just reading the item on the public inquiry and noticed that the developers say the new scheme is hoping to attract 60,000 visitors over the weekend. Doesn't that make it even bigger than Westfield? Either that is corporate b.s. or the traders should be jumping at the chance to be part of it as long as they get secure tenure and reasonable rents guaranteed.

Andy Jones ● 3886d

tp://shepherds-bush.blogspot.co.uk/2012/05/goldhawk-road-traders-defeat-council.html"The Council were refused permission to appeal and now face a legal bill of £75,000."....would that be the same council that is always telling us they're saving money?

Charles Lawrence ● 4361d

Great news that local traders have won a victory over LBHF on this issue. Judge was apparently very critical of the Council. Well done to all involved.

Karen Hartnell ● 4362d

PEOPLE MUST  OFCOURSE FIGHT  FOR THEIR LIVELIHOOD AND THEIR BUSINESS PREMISES ...BUT IF IM BEING BRUTALLY HONEST ..NOT MANY OF THE FRONTAGES LOOK VERY ENTICING OR EVEN CLEAN TO RESIDENTS  ...IVE BEEN PASSING ON THE THE 94 FOR DECADES AND IT STILL LOOKS THE SAME ..MAYBE JUST  WASH THE FRONTS ..PUT ON A NEW LICK OF PAINT .... ASK THE COUNCIL TO JET WASH CLEAN THE PAVEMENTS ...CLEAN THE METAL GRILLS WHICH  MAKES IT LOOK LIKE LIVERPOOL OR DETROIT IM AFRAID ! IT MAY ALREADY BE TOOO LATE  ..BUT AT LEAST TRY #

Bob Hodkison ● 4439d

Thanks.the campaigners want to make common cause with my "Save Gaby's Deli campaign - which is fine but I don't think there is much in common between the two - especially as the sensible Goldhawk Road chaps are at least campaigning BEFORE it goes to the planning committee - whereas we didn't even know there was a threat until AFTER. So there must be a better prognosis for the local one.

Sara Nathan ● 4494d

Bumped for Sara

Paul Corcoran ● 4499d

By the way, here is a photograph of the market as it was 50 years ago:http://webapp1.dlib.indiana.edu/collections/cushman/full/P12200.jpg

Charles Lawrence ● 4608d

It seems LBHF is not too keen on letting the public know what is really going going on:  http://shepherds-bush.blogspot.com/2011/09/shepherds-bush-market-orion-planning.html

Charles Lawrence ● 4608d

I've missed all of this, Vivienne. What're the updates - if any - and is there anything I can do to get involved? I'm so totally against the plans and am frothing with indignation. Please guide me as to what I can do.

Terry Abrahams ● 4618d

I am told that it went well despite the inclement weather.

Vivienne James ● 4623d

how did it go?

Dominik Kouker ● 4623d

The Shopkeepers are rallying together with local residents to oppose this plan, starting a petition and hosting an exhibition of the history of their shops.  They will be kicking off with a celebrity launch party to celebrate 140 years of dedication and service to the community and providing food and wine.  They would love you and your friends to come along.  It will be a great street party-like atmosphere and good opportunity to make new friends.THIS COMING TUESDAY 6TH SEPTEMBER 11am-1pm then 1pm-5pmROSTOMIA restaurant40 Goldhawk RoadShepherds BushW12 8DN

Vivienne James ● 4625d

When is the judicial review to be held please? Does anyone know?

Vivienne James ● 4637d

Ken Livingstone seems to feel that these businesses should be listened to?

Vivienne James ● 4670d

The place looks like a dump and a half.  At night its worse.  The shop keepers have not improved the outside of their shops at all.  Drastic improvements are needed, not just for us but for future generations.

Roy Seda ● 4728d

How is it possible to assess whether or not parking restrictions have had the slightest effect when 23 million visitors pour into the Westfield centre taking the little parking that is available in local streets? Had ceratin restictions not come into place, there would be nowhere for local business's customers OR residents and their visitors either. Near the market at Hopgood St and Macfarlane Rd there are now 10 dedicated pay and display bays which were not there before (in which residents MAY NOT park at all), and this represents a good proportion of the spaces at the Uxbridge Road end of our residential road, and these were intended for local businesses, but the overwhelming majority of the vehicles that park in them are driven by visitors to Westfield. This just shows how best intentions have different outcomes from those intended. I'm not sure about Westfield being a "good place" - how do we define good?However I think it will be a very long time before Westfield will be considered a local business, plus it has its own 4500 space car park!

Vivienne James ● 4915d

To really judge this we'd have to look at the overall economic vitality of the area - unemployment, health of local shops and neighbourhoods and..... of course, the market which has been affected by parking restrictions as well as loss of trade.

Rosemary Pettit ● 4919d

Ameet you say that the jobs at Westfield have not gone to local people - this is not strictly true as many have and I know of several local students who work here earning much needed money to support them.  I have to say it I was against Westfields to start with but it is a good place with a great atmosphere.

Tina Pemberton ● 4919d

Many thanks Rosemary.

Vivienne James ● 4925d

Shepherds Bush Market: the public meeting with the Council Leader about regeneration plans for the market will be held on Wednesday, 1 December at 6.30 pm, Old Shepherds Bush Library, 7 Uxbridge Road. See also Orion Shepherds Bush Ltd (OSBL) website, www.orion-shepherdsbush.co.uk.

Rosemary Pettit ● 4925d

IS there any news on this? Many people are interested so  updates here would be appreciated even if no replies are forthcoming.

Vivienne James ● 4926d

Well done Robby.  I so agree.  Coll

Mr Coll McDonnell ● 4959d

I think tonights meeting confirmed many of my fears. The council are behaving in a very kniving and manipulative manner. They have a host of hidden agendas and are very advanced in its planning of redeveloping the market and goldhwak road. They have already purhcased pieces of land in key areas and have verbally agreed on a deal with orion shepherds bush.They want to fill our place with more overpriced apartments,houses,coffee shops and expensive restuarants.It is clear they are trying to make shepherds bush into the new kensington ( with rates and council tax to match)Tonight they were again unwilling to offer any assurances and were very guarded and vague about what the actual plan for our area is.We had good support from traders, shopkeepers,residents and local associations, Mr slaughter attended and made clear he thinks the whole thing is a shambles.We need everybodys support to ensure we keep the heritage of the market/goldhawk road and simply restore it to its former glory.Lets unite to stop this.Ameet

Ameet Marwaha ● 4959d

Yes, it's 6pm this evening, Wednesday the 6th. All welcome, Rosemary

Rosemary Pettit ● 4959d

Is the meeting in the old Library this evening (that you mention in your last post) happening?

Amy North ● 4959d

This Wednesday 6 October there is a meeting about the proposed developments to Shepherds Bush market and 30-52 Goldhawk Road.  It will be held at the old library at the Uxbridge Road end of Shepherds Bush Market.  It starts at 6pm.  I think our MP Andy Slaughter will be there.  Please come if you can.

Mr Coll McDonnell ● 4960d

Thank you!

Mr Coll McDonnell ● 4961d

You just tell people to search it on facebook. So just say 'search for save. 30-52 Goldhawk Road from demolition on facebook' For a link I think thats the only one that I already sent you.

Leanne Jane ● 4962d

I am going to add as much as I can to the Facebook page over the next week.  I'm not great with Facebook so please let me know if you have any suggestions.  Do tell as many people as possible!  Do you know if there is a simple link/web address for the Facebook page you kindly set up?  Thank you again. Coll

Mr Coll McDonnell ● 4962d

Your welcome. I go very often to Goldhawk for my materials as im studying fashion at university. i was handed a letter with your words at one of the textile shops that are being threatened. Leanne

Leanne Jane ● 4963d

Thank you! Thank you!  That is fantastic.  I'm rushing out today but I will add as much as I possibly can to the site!  I really appreciate your time and effort.  I would be very interested to know how you found out about the demolition.  I totally agree with you that these building can be restored....Coll

Mr Coll McDonnell ● 4963d

ive took the time to create a facebook group, please visit!http://www.facebook.com/home.php?#!/group.php?gid=113170378743495&ref=ts

Leanne Jane ● 4964d

Thank youive sent you an email.

Ameet Marwaha ● 4974d

Thank you for your message.  I totally agree with everything you are saying.  And it is very interesting to hear it from a trader in Shepherds Bush market.  I would be very interested in talking to you about this.  We have to act together and fast.  I will do everything I can to help.  My email is coll@colquitto.demon.co.uk.Thank you Coll

Mr Coll McDonnell ● 4974d

Please review your post. If everything is OK, click Submit below. Otherwise,click the Back button on your browser to make corrections.Topic: Re:Help save 30-52 Goldhawk Road from demolition   Message: We trader in shepherds bush market at shop number 41 ( directly behind the laundry and peabody site.) We would be the first to be affected by this development and are very worried.Ours is a family run business and we have been here for over 30 years. The answers we get from the council are NOT good enough, they are vague and evasive. We are being pushed aside. It seems they are interested in simply making the area into yet another money spinning commercial attraction.Our livelyhood totally depends on this, and while we agree that the market needs security, parking, atm machines, toilets and maybe a roof, we certainly DO NOT NEED offices, apartments, flats and more expensive shops.Our trade has not been affected by westfields, that place attracts customers from out other areas but in which way has it benefited our area? The jobs created their have not gone to local residents.Also lime grove would be totally ruined, the shops on goldhawk road ( which create a great quirky pre war feel ) would be demolished).The newsletters being handed out are misleading, claiming 70% of trader are in favour of redeveloping. THIS IS NOT TRUE.EVERY SINGLE TRADER FROM THE START OF THE MARKET ON GOLDHWAK ROAD DOWN TO THE TOILETS ( 20 shops) ARE TOTALLY AGAINST THE IDEA.The only traders supporting the idea are those who will remain totally unaffected ( incl the selfish SBMTA ). It would be great to liase with anyone interested, please email us on apsm@live.co.uk thank you

Ameet Marwaha ● 4974d

Yes, it looks run-down now, but its features could be reinstated if the will was there. Then other market retailing could be built behind it. Architecturally, there are precedents for this - look at Lyric Square.

Rosemary Pettit ● 4975d

I agree that it would be a shame to lose this little parade of shops. I have written to the SBMarket as you suggest. Are you planning on setting  up a page on Facebook?

charlotte jill rosenlund ● 4975d