All over West Hampstead and Fortune Green people are hatching development schemes - ranging from small back extensions, loft conversions, basement digouts to bigger and more alarming developments. Many of these larger schemes involve the railway corridor and along Maygrove and Iverson Road. There is a large housing association development under construction in Maygrove Road adjoining the Sidings Estate and another scheme being planned next door to it which could tower over the newly refurbished Peace Park. (Watch this spot on this one) All year the Gondar Gardens Reservoir site was rumbling on (hopefully now dead in the water - at least for the time being) and meanwhile further south down West End Lane things are really buzzing.
A large new student hostel has permission to build in Blackburn Road and across the road by the Thameslink line works are on the way to completion of the new station and lift access to the platforms. It was with sadness we learnt some weeks ago that the popular Iverson Road Garden Centre had been forced to close and there are plenty of rumours about what might be built on that site. A little further on down Iverson/Maygrove Road the Council owns an industrial site known as Liddell Road on which they plan to put a new school.
But the really big one is the development planned for 187-199 West end Lane including the long thin triangle of railway land behind - next door to the Overground (the old North London Line) for which a company called Ballymore has a massive scheme.
This consists several large blocks of highrise flats, with some small green bits in between and a childrens play area at the far end. While along the road frontage they propose a small new "market square" and some setback shops. The site is not a thing of beauty at present - full of car repair shops etc and a market square would be welcome (even if would only take 10 stalls) but the height and density of the housing feels a bit too much for West Hampstead. It is unlikely to contain much family size housing and probably little "social housing". Do we really want a lot of small vertical shoeboxes? Some residents certainly don't think so ! And just imagine the extra traffic!
You can have the opportunity to check out this scheme as the developers are holding a public meeting at which local people can make their views known. So, if you are interested in the future of the area - please go along!
Monday September 12 at 6:30 pm (not 7.30 as previously advertised!)
St James’ Church Hall, Sherriff Road.
