Sir Terry Farrell (right) and Cllr Stephen Greenhalgh at Old Oak Common
World renowned architects Terry Farrell and Partners are to work with Hammersmith & Fulham Council to create a vision for the regeneration of Old Oak Common.
The proposed High Speed Rail line from London to Birmingham will include a major interchange station at Old Oak Common that will provide a catalyst for significant regeneration of this neglected corner of London.
Plans for a Crossrail station at the interchange will link train services to the High Speed line to the continent, as well as links to the existing North and West London suburban routes, Bakerloo and Central Lines. A second phase will see a spur to Heathrow.
It is projected that HS2 will bring 10,000 new homes and 20,000 new jobs to west London, regenerating an area in the bottom fifth of the most deprived areas in Britain. At the time of the last census just over a half of working age adults living within 2km of the site were in employment, falling to less than half for those living within 1km.
“Old Oak Common has the potential to be as significant for west London as the redevelopment of Stratford has been for the east of the city,” said H&F Council Leader Stephen Greenhalgh. “H&F Council is determined to demonstrate what the regeneration of the area can achieve and to present a vision for the future of Old Oak.”
Farrells have previously been involved in other regeneration projects in the borough, such as the proposals for the transformation of Earls Court. The architects have also had specific involvement in the proposed High Speed Rail line at other stations on the route.
Sir Terry Farrell said:
"This is an incredibly exciting opportunity to work on a project that will not only reshape west London, but have a huge impact on the country as a whole.
“High Speed Rail is not just a transportation strategy; it’s a nationwide economic catalyst that requires creative placemaking. At Farrells we have previously worked on proposals for Euston and Birmingham stations in relation to HS2 and are helping reshape Ashford and Folkestone thanks to the economic stimulus provided by the arrival of HS1.
“Old Oak Common presents an exceptional opportunity and we look forward to developing a clear vision to maximise the benefits of HS2."
H&F Council is engaging with the Mayor of London, Transport for London and other west London councils before making its submission to the Department for Transport consultation that closes on 29 July. Cllr Greenhalgh will also be giving evidence to the House of Commons Transport Select Committee on 28 June.
Comments