Over the course of the week at MIPIM the London Borough of Hounslow will be presenting the Golden Mile Vision and Concept Masterplan prepared by Urban Initiatives Studio. The key principles of this Masterplan will be embedded in the Council’s Local Plan – the statutory planning document that will provide the vision and overarching direction to guide the future development of the corridor. The Golden Mile corridor contributes significantly to the overall composition of Hounslow’s and West London’s economic output. Today the corridor continues to be a prized destination for global, European and UK Head Quarters where 200 companies employ around 25,000 people.
Not since its conception in 1925 has a coherent, overarching vision for the Golden Mile corridor been considered. The ethos and spirit of innovation, manufacturing and knowledge was instrumental in shaping the employment corridor we have today and continues to attract multi-national companies to the borough, but over time many new challenges have emerged. In particular the corridor is operating in a more competitive market and faces new economic, social and environmental pressures.
The vision proposes four areas of transformational change including:
Kew Gate: A new mixed-use urban quarter centred around Kew Bridge Station, which draws on the qualities and values of Chiswick and Kew. ‘Kew Gate’ will be a new vibrant west London place.
Blue Sky: A strengthened West London digital and media district building on the proposed BSkyS campus expansion and the refurbishment of the Gillette Building into a creative hub for new and emerging businesses;
The M4 Gateway: The gateway to London! Building on the existing cluster of iconic landmark buildings and extending this character to create an exciting and dynamic identity and image befitting of its strategic location.
Brentford Lock North: Building on the success of Brentford Lock and the emerging ISIS development to create a cluster of creative and affordable workspace, live/work typologies and other creative employment solutions.
These areas of transformation are underpinned by ambitious, strategic transport improvements which are fundamental to unlocking the development potential of the area, would transform public transport accessibility across the area and link the Golden Mile into London’s emerging strategic public transport network, including Cross Rail and HS2.
These exciting, transformational projects will help to future proof the area as one of West London’s most successful economic corridors!