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Ss1234

London Borough of Hounslow

Draft for adoption

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London Borough of Hounslow

Regeneration and Economic Development Strategy

2016 - 20

Contents

1. Executive Summary ................................................................................................................... 3

2. Introduction ................................................................................................................................. 4

3. Context ......................................................................................................................................... 6

4. Vision and Strategies ................................................................................................................. 9

5. Objectives .................................................................................................................................. 12

6. Objective 1 – Growing Business ........................................................................................... 17

7. Objective 2 – Improving Connectivity ............................................................................... 35

8. Objective 3 – Place-making ................................................................................................. 40

A. Town centres ........................................................................................................................ 40

B. Context and character of the borough’s places ..................................................... 52

C. Sustainable mixed communities ..................................................................................... 57

D. Community infrastructure ................................................................................................. 61

9. Objective 4 – Enhancing the Environment ....................................................................... 72

A. State of the natural environment ................................................................................... 72

B. Ensuring environmental quality ....................................................................................... 76

10. Implementation of Key Work Streams/ Projects .............................................................. 83

Appendix 1: Strategies guiding Regeneration and Economic Development in

Hounslow ............................................................................................................................................ 84

Abbreviations .................................................................................................................................... 88

Cover image: Brentford Lock

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1. Executive Summary Hounslow is a great place to live and work. It has innovative entrepreneurs and thriving businesses ranging from sole traders, social enterprises to multi-national companies. Strategically situated along the A4/M4 corridor, the borough acts as the conduit between central London and outer west sub-region including Heathrow Airport.

The borough is well connected by public transport. It has vibrant town centres and high quality parks and open spaces such as Gunnersbury Park, Syon Park and Bedfont Lakes Country Park. Waterways, including the River Thames and the Grand Union Canal, are a unique part of the borough’s identity and provide opportunities for leisure, recreation, employment and transport.

However, the borough faces a number of challenges to achieving sustainable development. These include continuing to grow business, ensuring the local workforce has the right level and mix of skills, increasing the attractiveness and competitiveness of our town centres; delivering the number and quality of homes residents need and ensuring sufficient social infrastructure, such as schools, health and sports facilities, to support expected population growth; and improving the quality of public realm and tackling other environmental issues such as air and noise pollution. There are opportunities to address these, led by the council working in partnership with other key stakeholders and subject to securing funding.

This document sets out the council’s strategy for regeneration and economic development of the borough over the next four years. It is a key delivery document for a number of other council strategies and plans – most notably the Local Plan. It outlines the council’s plans to achieve lasting and successful regeneration and economic development and the role the council plays and will play in making that happen. The strategy contains priorities for actions and projects. Some of the projects are yet to secure funding – a key role of this strategy is as an investment tool to gain external funding.

The strategy sets out four key objectives going forward: 1. growing business 2. improving connectivity 3. place-making 4. enhancing the environment

This document references each of these objectives in turn within distinct chapters and supports the council’s commitment to delivering the vision set out in the Future Borough strategy: enabling Hounslow to become “a borough where people enjoy living and choose to stay throughout their lives. A great place to invest and do business” with opportunities for all to flourish through increasing sustainable economic growth.

Bedfont Lake Business Park is home to a number of national and international companies

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2. Introduction The relationship between regeneration and economic development is co-dependent - lasting economic growth cannot be delivered without improving disadvantaged areas, and successful regeneration cannot be delivered without investing in local economies and delivering sustainable employment. This Regeneration and Economic Development Strategy is a joint strategy integrating the social, economic and environmental elements of sustainable development together. It supersedes the Economic Development Strategy and Action Plan, September 2013.

This strategy sets out the regeneration and economic development priorities and interventions for the borough’s transformation. It outlines the council’s plans to achieve lasting and successful regeneration and economic development and the role the council will play in making that happen. The borough’s regeneration programmes will focus on the “Golden Mile” and Great West Corridor, the West of the Borough including Feltham and the town centres of Hounslow and Brentford. The council also wants to bring forward regeneration activities in other areas such as Heston, Chiswick and Isleworth as well as its cultural attractions, for instance Gunnersbury Park and Chiswick House. As a response to the Government cuts and the austerity measures, the council has reduced its budgets by over £75m since 2010. However, an additional £70 million of savings are required over the next four years. The council therefore has a role to play to continually review and set realistic and essential priorities for action in response to the budget challenges and seeking external funding to deliver the vision for regeneration and economic development in Hounslow alongside other key deliverables and services. Growing and developing businesses, delivering increased levels of high quality and well-designed housing with strong connectivity, particularly public transport links, are of paramount importance. As such, the council’s main focus in the first instance is on these key priorities. It will work proactively with partners on the projects and work streams identified in this strategy in order to:-

generate inward investment in the borough

retain and grow business

deliver sector development, particularly in creative, digital and technology

create more high quality jobs and provide a highly skilled workforce

identify and unlock development opportunities for well-planned and designed housing, including affordable housing

deliver major public transport infrastructure, such as the Southall Crossrail link, The Golden Link between Hounslow and Willesden Junction (via Old Oak

“Golden Mile”, a stretch of Great West Road (A4), is one of the focal areas for regeneration

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Common linking to High Speed 2 and London Overground) and Southern Rail Access via Feltham and Bedfont to Heathrow Airport.

These key priorities are considered essential in creating the investment necessary to address and resolve the regeneration challenges in the borough. To ensure the outcomes of regeneration are economically, socially and environmentally sustainable, the council needs commitment, participation, involvement and support from a wide range of stakeholders, including residents, businesses, business support organisations, the voluntary and community sector, staff, contractors, land owners, major employers, developers, Greater London Authority, Transport for London, partner organisations and government departments. This strategy will provide a platform for sharing information on regeneration initiatives and the council’s priorities with these stakeholders and funders, and will be a useful reference point for all partners involved.

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3. Context

The London Borough of Hounslow (Hounslow), home to 276,200 people1, is one of the

capital’s largest boroughs, covering 56 Square kilometres and stretching from the border of Heathrow Airport in the west to Chiswick in the east. Strategically situated along the A4/M4 corridor, the borough acts as the conduit between central London and the outer west London sub-region including Heathrow Airport.

Hounslow has four main town centres; with Hounslow town centre designated as a Metropolitan Centre in the London Plan2; Chiswick as a Major Centre; and Brentford and Feltham as District Centres. There are also large neighbourhood centres in: Hounslow West, Bedfont, Isleworth, Cranford, Hanworth, Heston and Old Isleworth, and 36 small neighbourhood centres. The “Golden Mile“ which is 2.4 miles long, extends along the Great West Road (A4) from Gillette Corner to Chiswick Roundabout. Hounslow Council recognises its status as a key economic asset, not just for Hounslow but for London as a whole. The borough benefits from 1,225 hectares of Green Belt and 1,123 hectares of open space including Osterley Park, Chiswick House and Gardens, Duke’s Meadows, Gunnersbury Park, Boston Manor Park, Syon Park and Bedfont Lakes Country Park

and many other local open spaces. Its waterways - River Thames, River Brent, River Crane, Londford River and canals - provide opportunities for leisure, recreation, employment and transport.

1 GLA short term trend-based population projections, 2014 round. 2 The London Plan, published by the Greater London Authority, is the overall strategic plan for London, and it sets out a

fully integrated economic, environmental, transport and social framework for the development of the capital to 2036.

Golden Mile

Source: Urban Context and Character Study 2014, London Borough of Hounslow

Chiswick

Town Centre

Hounslow Town Centre

Feltham Town Centre

Brentford Town Centre

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The borough has one of the largest economies of all the London boroughs, comprising around 143,400 employee jobs3 and 12,500 businesses. However, analysis4 of information from a private business intelligence database (MINT UK) suggests the business base is considerably larger than this, the number could be closer to 20,000 when businesses falling below official accounting thresholds are included. While a proportion of these additional businesses are likely to be inactive, the reminder are likely to be sole traders or micro businesses5 which fall below the accounting thresholds used within official datasets. Table 2 reflects the entrepreneurial spirit in Hounslow where the proportion of self-employed residents is significantly higher than London and Great Britain averages. See page 17 for details regarding businesses and enterprises in the borough.

Hounslow has been one of London’s strongest performing economies in recent years, with employment growth of 12% between 2008 and 2013 and business base growth of over 20% between 2009 and 2014. These represent the highest growth rates seen in west London and are considerably higher than London wide averages6.

Table 1: Sector composition of Hounslow economy

Business Sector7

Business count, 2014 Change 2011-

14(%)

Employment (jobs), 2013 Change

2009-13(%) No. % No. %

Manufacturing and construction 1,000 8 22.6 6,700 5 9.1

Public sector 900 7 12.0 22,100 15 2.4

Wholesale and retail 2,000 16 11.0 19.900 14 -5.2

Hospitality, leisure and other services 1,100 9 13.4 15,400 11 14.6

Transport and logistics 600 5 16.0 12,000 9 31.0

Business support services 900 8 20.1 15,800 11 -1.5

ICT and digital 1,900 16 51.4 12,900 9 52.9

Media and broadcasting 400 3 18.8 18,800 13 84

Other creative 600 5 12.9 3,000 2 61.9

Knowledge industries

Advanced manufacturing 100 1 50.0 2,200 2 7.6

Professional services 2,300 19 25.7 15,200 11 -2.6

Whole economy 12,500 100 21.4 143,400 100 14.9

Source: Regeneris Consulting 2015, based on information from BRES 2013 and IDBR 2014

Table 2: Labour Supply, September 2015 for those aged 16-64 Hounslow (number) Hounslow (%) London (%) Great Britain (%)

Economically active 149,200 79.1 77.3 77.7

In employment 141,200 74.8 72.3 73.4

Employee 110,200 58.4 59.4 62.8

Self-employed8 30,500 16.3 12.5 10.2

Unemployed 7,900 5.3 6.4 5.4

Source: Office of national Statistics Annual Population Survey

3 Employee jobs excludes self-employed, government-supported trainees and HM Forces. 4 London Borough of Hounslow Sectors Research, Regeneris Consulting 2015. 5 Businesses employing between 0 and 4 people. 6 London Borough of Hounslow Sectors Research, Regeneris Consulting 2015. 7 The Sectors are defined by the Standard Industrial Classification (SIC) definitions. 8 % is a proportion of economically active.

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The Index of Multiple Deprivation 2015 combines a number of indicators, chosen to cover a range of economic, social and housing issues, into a single deprivation score for each small area, Lower Super Output Area (LSOA), in England. This allows each area to be ranked relative to one another according to their level of deprivation. Out of 326 local authority districts, Hounslow ranks the 151st most deprived district. Overall. Hounslow has 24 LSOAs in the 20% most deprived in England in 2015, compared to 47 in 2010.9

9 The English indices of deprivation 2015, Department for Communities and Local Government, September 2015.

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4. Vision and Strategies ‘A Vision for Hounslow 2030’ was developed by the Hounslow Together Board (the Local Strategic Partnership) in 2011 following stakeholder workshops. The partnership consulted extensively on the vision with residents and other stakeholders during the preparation of the Future Borough Strategy which is a policy driver for all Hounslow strategies. The vision can be summarised as:

“Hounslow will be a borough where people enjoy living and choose to stay throughout their lives. A great place to invest and do business.”

The above vision therefore represents the overall regeneration and economic vision for the borough.

Regional Strategies guiding Regeneration and Economic Development in Hounslow

Strategies and Plans set by the London Enterprise Panel The London Enterprise Panel (LEP) is the local enterprise partnership for London. Chaired by the Mayor of London, the LEP is the body through which the Mayoralty works with London's boroughs, businesses and Transport for London to take a strategic view of the regeneration, employment and skills agendas for London. Local enterprise partnerships play a central role in determining economic priorities, driving economic growth and promoting the creation of jobs within a local area. One of the roles of the London LEP is to allocate funding made available to the Panel. The LEP has chosen to focus on four key strategic priorities since 2012. Hounslow’s Growth Partner for the London Enterprise Panel document (first issue published in January 2014, second issue in February 2015) outlines Hounslow’s regeneration progress to date and ambitions for the next stages of the regeneration programme. It identifies the existing and proposed investment activities which will enable the London Borough of Hounslow to reach its potential as a place of choice to live, work, shop, visit, and invest. It also sets out the council’s six ambitions for economic growth which in turn relate to the four priorities of the London Enterprise Panel. These six ambitions will help realise the council’s regeneration and economic development objectives as set out in the Local Plan. London Plan The London Plan (March 2015) is the Mayor of London's over-arching spatial development strategy and is part of the statutory development plan for Hounslow. It sets out a fully integrated economic, environmental, transport and social framework for the development of the capital to 2036. Boroughs’ Local Plans, have to be ‘in general conformity’ with the London Plan. Opportunity Areas, designated in the London Plan, have significant potential capacity to accommodate new housing, commercial and other development linked to planned or potential improvements to public transport accessibility. The London Plan states, “in Hounslow, there is capacity to continue the rejuvenation of Feltham as a town centre and to develop the borough’s strategically important industrial offer”. The London Plan also states that the Mayor of London will work with Hounslow on a

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potential Opportunity Area centred on the Great West Corridor. Heathrow Opportunity Area, one of the 38 opportunity areas, covers the west of the borough and Hillingdon. The area has an indicative employment capacity of 12,000 new jobs and a minimum 9,000 new homes. The council has begun the preparation of the West of Borough Plan and the Great West Corridor Plan in relation to the designation of Opportunity Areas. The London Plan also sets targets and standards to meet the population growth in the capital and the needs of a leading world city. It designates the ‘Golden Mile’ area along the Great West Road as the Great West Corridor Strategic Outer London Development Centre (SOLDC) with a digital and media specialist. The SOLDC is intended to identify and support business locations with specialist strengths and growth potential of London wide strategic significance.

Hounslow Borough strategies delivering Regeneration and Economic Development objectives

This strategy will support delivery of the economic development objectives in the Local Plan, which in turn takes forward the spatial elements of the Future Borough Strategy. The Corporate Plan and Health and Wellbeing Strategy have also helped guide priorities for the next four years. See Appendix 1 for the details on Hounslow’s strategic framework, its strategies and their relevance to regeneration and economic development. There are also international agreements, EU Directives, national and regional strategies guiding Hounslow’s strategies. The table below indicates which of the four Regeneration and Economic Development Strategy objectives are referenced in other council strategies. Table 3: Hounslow strategies delivering regeneration and economic development objectives

Objective Strategy

Growing business

Improving connectivity

Place-making

Enhancing the environment

Joint Prevention Strategy for Adult Services in Hounslow 2014 -18

Joint Children and Young People's Strategy 2015 - 2019

Leisure and Culture Strategy 2016 - 2020

Thriving Communities and Voluntary, Community and Social Enterprise (VCSE) Sector Strategy 2015 -2019

Community Safety Strategy 2014 - 2017

Housing Strategy 2014 – 2018

Climate Change Strategy (to be completed)

Hounslow Skills and Employment Strategy 2014 - 2016

Heritage Strategy (to be completed)

Corporate Property Strategy 2014 - 2019

Hounslow Local Implementation Plan for Transport (2011-2031)

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Local Plan The Regeneration and Economic Development Strategy is part of the delivery plan for the council’s Local Plan. The Local Plan (September 2015), which the council has a statutory requirement to prepare and adopt following consultation with residents and stakeholders, sets out the council’s proposals for future development and was adopted by the council in September 2015. The plan includes a suite of policies that guide planning decisions in the borough and sets out the council’s land use planning strategy and development allocations and management to facilitate future development over the next 15 years up to 2030, including the delivery of 12,330 new homes. The London Plan (March 2015) projects 21,000 new jobs for Hounslow over the period 2011-2036 (central trend projection). It identifies four parts of the borough as having capacity for growth and change: Hounslow Metropolitan Centre, Brentford District Centre, the Great West Corridor including the ‘Golden Mile’, and the west of the borough. In addition, the plan includes a number of site allocations to help direct investment and facilitate regeneration. The Local Plan also seeks to ensure that growth is supported by the infrastructure necessary to support new and existing communities, setting out proposals for improved public transport and critical infrastructure such as schools. The Hounslow Infrastructure Delivery Plan (IDP) 2015 – 2030 has been developed to encapsulate the majority of the borough's significant infrastructure requirements across a broad range of sectors. The IDP is a living document and will be reviewed and updated on a regular basis. Following the adoption of the Hounslow Community Infrastructure Levy Charging Schedule by the Borough Council on 14 July 2015, the council has been collecting funds through the Community Infrastructure Levy (CIL) to support necessary infrastructure from new developments.

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5. Objectives The Regeneration and Economic Development Strategy is part of the delivery plan for the council’s Local Plan. It applies four objectives which are derived from the eight Local Plan objectives in order to set priorities for Hounslow’s regeneration and economic development programme to deliver planned growth for the borough.

Objective 1 – Growing business

Hounslow has one of London’s strongest performing economies. Since 2008, there has been immense growth within the media and broadcasting; ICT and digital; and transport and logistics industries against a backdrop of an economic downturn. The economic activity within the borough is widespread, with economic hubs including town centres (particularly Hounslow, Chiswick, Brentford, Feltham and Isleworth) and other areas that are home to vibrant micro, small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) including social enterprises. Business parks such as the Chiswick Business Park and Bedfont Lakes Business Park, and the Golden Mile, all attract global companies partly because of the proximity to other key businesses and partly because of the proximity to Heathrow Airport and other transport connectivity. The council would like to see all businesses retained and continue to grow and new businesses to continue to set up in the borough.

Objective 2 – Improving connectivity

Good transport connections into, out of and through the borough are central to attracting investment and retaining businesses and skilled workers. Good transport connectivity is a key factor influencing people’s decisions about and perceptions of the borough as a place to live, work, shop, visit or study. Connectivity also refers to internet access.

Objective 3 – Place-making

This is about shaping an area so that it becomes a place where people enjoy living, wish to invest and do business in, as well as choose to stay throughout their lives. In doing this, it is important that growth is balanced and directed into areas that have capacity for change, whilst maintaining their local identity. This includes protecting and enhancing the borough’s social infrastructure, services, individual characters of places and heritage. An integrated approach to physical, environmental, social and economic programmes is therefore required to achieve successful and sustainable regeneration. To engage the community in the place-making process is vital to the success of this objective.

Objective 4 – Enhancing the environment

The borough benefits from 1,225 hectares of Green Belt and 1,123 hectares of open space. Its waterways provide opportunities for leisure, recreation, employment and transport. The quality, history, perception, reputation, characteristics, safety,

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connectivity and accessibility of these assets influence people’s choice to invest, relocate or visit the borough. Regeneration is a holistic process of reversing the economic, physical and social decline of places which market forces alone cannot achieve.

Role of the council in delivering the objectives

Prioritising resources

As a response to the Government cuts and the austerity measures, the council has reduced its budgets by over £75m since 2010. However an additional £70 million of savings are required over the next four years. The council therefore has a role to play to continually review and set realistic priorities for action in response to the budget challenge and seek external funding to deliver the vision for regeneration and economic development in Hounslow alongside other key deliverables and services. Hence, commitment from partner organisations, whether they are funders or service deliverers, is essential.

Direct finance

The council provides financial and staff resources to deliver interventions and initiatives to meet the needs of regeneration and economic development in the borough, the council also enables infrastructure improvements as a catalyst for regeneration. A wide range of new or improved social infrastructure like parks, public transport, community and education facilities, health facilities and leisure centres as well as more opportunities to shop, work and spend our leisure time locally, will be required to cater the additional homes to be built and economic growth. Section 106 contributions were the mechanism for securing developer contributions towards infrastructure delivery, but these have mainly been replaced by Community Infrastructure Levy (CIL). Following adoption of the council’s CIL, charging schedule, the council has been collecting funds through the CIL mechanism since 24 July 2015 to support necessary infrastructure from chargeable developments (excluding healthcare, education and emergency service facilities).The publicly accessed infrastructure in the borough that can be delivered through CIL includes: education health transport and connectivity leisure and cultural facilities green and blue infrastructure open space heritage assets leisure waste and recycling facilities energy and low carbon flood risk mitigation

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Bidding for funding

The council constantly seeks funding through bidding process from external funding sources such as the London Enterprise Panel, the Greater London Authority (GLA), Housing Zones, New Homes Bonus Top Slice, European Structure and Investment Funds, Heritage Lottery fund and other sources to match the councils own funds. The council also lobbies the Government, the GLA, Transport for London (TfL) and train operators for increased investment or to seek match funding.

Council’s assets

The council has a mixed property portfolio including office buildings, community buildings, libraries, parks and open spaces, leisure centres, schools, depots, day centres, older people’s homes, shops and industrial units. Some of these assets have a significant role to play in the delivery of regeneration initiatives through the direct provision of land and buildings. As well as generating an income to enable resource spending elsewhere, this will create opportunities to improve current assets and develop initiatives that will support community needs.

Planning

Planning is central to the council’s ability to regenerate the local economy. In the current economic circumstances, with market confidence and investment still to return to pre-crisis levels, the council produces planning briefs and masterplans in order to accelerate regeneration. These bring together relevant site specific information to guide the preparation of redevelopment proposals, ensure the highest quality of design and layout, and begin community engagement and to give some certainty to developers as to what is likely to be permitted on the site or area.

The council is using compulsory purchase order (CPO) powers to unlock regeneration of schemes that benefit the community where other options are not available. For instance, the council has made a compulsory purchase order (CPO) to assist in assembling the land needed to implement the High Street Quarter scheme in Hounslow Town Centre.

Neighbourhood planning gives communities the opportunity to direct the development of their areas through creating plans and policies Hounslow Council has been providing advice and assistance to neighbourhood forums or community organisations who are considering producing neighbourhood plans.

Housing

Hounslow Cabinet approved the Housing Strategy for 2014/2018 (incorporating the Homeless Strategy) on 3 December 2013. The objectives particularly relevant to Hounslow’s regeneration agenda are:

a. To provide a choice of high quality housing for people at all stages of their lives at prices they can afford;

b. To raise housing quality and standards across tenures, enhancing local areas and supporting thriving communities; and

c. To create cleaner, safer and greener living environments for local people.

Affordable housing is a key issue for achieving successful regeneration. Through negotiation, the council ensures the developers deliver affordable housing. The council manages and maintains its own stock, it also builds new affordable homes,

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regenerates housing estates or forms joint ventures with developers to develop its own land for residential and mixed use developments. The council has a clear commitment to increase the amount of social housing with a housing target of 822 additional homes per year. It needs to make sure some of these are affordable particularly for key workers and groups in need of new housing. Hounslow Council therefore aims to secure 3,000 affordable homes in the borough between 2014 and 2018, 400 of which will be new council homes. The London Plan has a requirement for the council to seek the maximum amount of affordable housing on developments, preferably 40%.

The council helps unlock and facilitate housing developments through planning briefs and masterplans and funding such as Housing Zones.

Housing quality can affect the physical, mental and social health of people living there and around. Good housing can reduce criminal behaviour, fear of crime and thus improve community behaviour and lifestyle as a whole. The council is also improving the energy efficiency of its housing stock to achieve environmental sustainability. Its own housing supply chain plays an important role in the local economy.

Economic Development and Business Support

The role of the council is to support and facilitate projects and initiatives that help business growth, and therefore job retention and generation in the borough. To help support and deliver its priorities, the council created an Economic Development and Regeneration Team in early spring 2014 with a focus on inward investment, business growth and retention and regeneration.

The team works with other council teams and business support organisations to represent business interests of micro, SMEs and larger businesses and delivers direct business support programmes to businesses across the borough to enable retention and growth of businesses and to help reduce barriers to growth of businesses. In addition, the team delivers an inward investment service, running a website to promote the borough and using events to engage potential businesses. The team focusses on supporting potential new businesses to start-up or grow in the borough or businesses to relocate from other parts of the UK or overseas. Working in partnership with organisations such as London & Partners and UKTI the council promotes opportunities in the borough for international business relocation.

Regeneration

The council is committed to sustaining and improving the quality, vitality and viability of Hounslow’s town centres and wider opportunities for regeneration of the borough. The council pursues funding opportunities to deliver appropriate regeneration projects. This has involved the successful delivery of projects under the Mayor’s Outer London Fund10 and more recently securing funding through the New Homes Bonus Top-slice11 and European Social Fund to enable the delivery of a range of projects to underpin local businesses and enable more jobs.

10 The Outer London Fund (OLF), launched by the Mayor of London in June 2011, was a three-year initiative funding of up

to £50 million dedicated to strengthening the vibrancy and growth of London’s high streets and town centres. 11 The New Homes Bonus is a grant paid by central government to local councils based on the amount of extra Council

Tax revenue for increasing the number of homes and their use.

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Community Engagement

The Community Partnership Team acts as a conduit for information between the council and the community regarding regeneration and local development. The team helps facilitate discussions on proposals with the local community which is vital in place-making. Hounslow Council’s Cabinet approved the Thriving Communities and Voluntary, Community and Social Enterprise (VCSE) Sector Strategy 2015-2019 on 9 September 2015. The outcomes-based strategy highlights how the council departments, the communities, the VCSE sector and the community leaders can work together to deliver priorities to achieve the outcomes. Those actions all underpin the council’s approach to regeneration and economic development principles to deliver better places, a better economy and improve quality of life. Skills and Employment

A Skills and Employment Team was established in autumn 2014 to help residents find work, training and apprenticeships in the borough. The team provides a job brokerage service. The team is building up close links with borough employers to generate more opportunities for residents, and to provide them with skilled work-ready candidates. They are committed to working with employers to facilitate apprenticeships, with a pledge of 300 new apprentices to be met between 2014 and 2018.

The Skills and Employment Strategy sets out how the council plans to support residents to gain higher level skills, support local employment growth and enterprise through: improving access to skills and reducing the mismatch between demand and

supply. improving all young people’s achievement and progression into employment. improving pathways into work for the unemployed and progression in work for low

paid residents. improving access to information, advice and guidance and labour market

information.

Partnerships

There are key tools making a strategy deliverable. Partnerships between the council and the private sector, between public and private sectors or within the private sector itself are equally important. These partnerships help deliver a programme of sustainable economic growth, developing sites for employment, housing and supporting infrastructure, driving enterprise and innovation, and increasing the skills of Hounslow’s resident workforce to meet the needs of current and future residents, businesses, visitors and students. The council would like to help businesses make the most of opportunities and develop new partnerships and collaborations. In some areas, the council has the capacity and capability to lead the partnership, however, in other areas, private sector leadership might be more effective. Sharing the information on the proposed projects will enable the council to work together with internal and external partners to maximise the use of limited financial and staff resources, and to find new ways of delivering these activities.

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6. Objective 1 – Growing Business The borough has one of the largest economies of all London boroughs, comprising around 143,400 employee jobs12. Government datasets (IDBR) suggest there are around 12,500 businesses in the borough, but analysis of other sources of intelligence suggest the number could be closer to 20,00013 when businesses falling below official accounting thresholds are included. Hounslow has been one of London’s strongest performing economies in recent years, with employment growth of 12% between 2008 and 2013 and business base growth of over 20% between 2009 and 2014. These represent the highest growth rates seen in west London and are considerably higher than London wide averages14.

Businesses and enterprises in Hounslow

Hounslow is an enormously entrepreneurial place with a vibrant micro and small and medium-sized enterprise (SME) business base and social enterprises. Hounslow is home to a large base of micro and small businesses (0 - 20 employees). In total, these account for around 93% of all businesses in the borough. They contribute around a quarter of the employment base. The majority of growth has come from within the micro segment (businesses employing fewer than 5 people) of the business base: this grew by around 1,800 firms from 2011 to 2014 (growth of 23%). This growth rate has been slightly above the London wide average of 19%, and is the highest growth seen in west London. Table4: Hounslow Business Size Profile (2014)

Number of businesses

% % Employment

0 - 4 9,200 74 8

5 - 9 1,500 12 6

10 - 19 800 7 8

20 - 49 500 4 12

50 - 250 200 2 25

250+ 100 1 42

Total 12,500 100 100

Source: Inter Departmental Business Register (ONS)

Medium sized businesses (20-250 employees) are also an integral component of the local economy and labour market, accounting for around 37% of the borough’s employment. In addition, the borough is home to a larger than London average proportion of large businesses. Around 100 businesses (less than 1%) employ more than 250 people locally; these support 42% of the local employment base, a significant proportion of the local economy.

12 Employee jobs excludes self-employed, government-supported trainees and HM Forces. 13 London Borough of Hounslow Sectors Research. Regeneris Consulting 2015. 14 London Borough of Hounslow Sectors Research. Regeneris Consulting 2015.

John's Boat Works in Lot’s Ait, Brentford for boat repairs

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Analysis highlights that the east of the borough (particularly around Chiswick) is a comparatively enterprising place, with high levels of self-employment and homeworking and a concentration of sole traders15. This is likely to reflect a complex range of factors including location and connectivity (proximity to central and west London economic hubs), local socio-economic and demographic characteristics (including strong skills levels and economic activity rates) and the standard of the living environment (including the quality of the housing market and local amenities / services). There are over 600 VCSE (Voluntary, Community and Social Enterprise Sector) organisations in Hounslow. Medium-sized and larger VCSE organisations contribute to the economic vibrancy and wellbeing of Hounslow by providing training, jobs, services and volunteering opportunities. Small and micro VCSE organisations are also vital contributors to Hounslow’s communities. Many of these share characteristics with businesses and require the same types of support to run their organisations effectively and face some of the same barriers to growth and sustainability in the local economy, such as skilled workers, infrastructure and connectivity and other issues. Social Enterprise UK defines “a social enterprise as a business that trades for a social and/or environmental purpose. It brings in most or all of its income through selling goods or services. It also has clear rules about what it does with its profits, reinvesting these to further the ‘social mission’.” As it currently stands, much of the social enterprises are very small and often completely volunteer led or staffed. However, there is potential for some to grow and employ more staff. The ability to win contacts is a key way of ensuing sustainable growth. Destination for Business Growth

Hounslow is home to the likes of Brentford Football Club, Sky TV and the British Standards Institute (BSI). With its proximity to Heathrow, excellent underground, rail and road links, Hounslow has significant potential for economic growth. The borough’s transport connectivity was rated in the top 20% of all 325 local authority areas in England in 2013 by Local Futures16. It is a natural location for ambitious businesses including major UK corporations and European and International headquarters such as Sky, GlaxoSmithKline (GSK), JCDecaux, SAP, Cisco, BP, Birds Eye Iglo, Lindt Chocolate, Discovery Channel, Targus and Stratus Technologies, Fullers Brewery amongst others, and is an attractive home for an international and skilled population. Business growth goes hand in hand with workforce development. It is about identifying critical job roles, skills and opportunities that local employers and sectors need. A skilled workforce can also attract businesses. The council’s Skills and Employment Job Brokerage Service offers support and guidance to upskills residents to access these opportunities.

15 London Borough of Hounslow Sectors Research, Regeneris, March 2015. 16 The MJ & Local Futures: Inward Investment Guide to England, 2013.

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Economic hubs

Economic activity is spread throughout the borough, with economic hubs including town centres and industrial areas. The borough has three Strategic Industrial Locations (SILs) designated by the London Plan for industrial uses including North Feltham Trading Estate, Brentford, and the Great West Road (part) and Transport Avenue (part) in Brentford. There are major office locations in the town centres, Chiswick Business Park, Bedfont Lakes Office Park, and at the eastern and western sections of the Great West Road. The 1,437,180 sq ft Chiswick Business Park is home to over 8,000 employees. More than 40 global companies such as Danone, CBS News, Ericsson, Paramount Pictures, the Walt Disney Company, PepsiCo, QVC, Singapore Airlines, Starbucks, Swarovski, United International Pictures and Vue are based in this award-winning, contemporarily designed and landscaped business park. Bedfont Lakes Office Park is home to a number of national and international companies such as BP, Birds Eye Iglo, Targus, Stratus Technologies and Cisco Systems.

The Great West Road’s “Golden Mile”, extending eastwards from Gillette Corner to Chiswick roundabout, is the western gateway to London, bringing international connectivity to the capital and the wider south east region. The Golden Mile was so called due to the concentration of industry along this short stretch of road. The area was a hub of industrial activities in its heyday between the 1930s and 1950s. This area along the A4/M4 corridor contains around 450 businesses and 24,000 jobs17. It is also strong in creative media, IT and digital technologies which provide a large number of information and communication jobs to the borough. The Golden Mile is home to a number of leading service and knowledge based industries such as Sky TV, pharmaceutical giant GlaxoSmithKline, Worleyparsons, a strong university presence (University of West London) and the advertising company JCDecaux.

Sector composition of Hounslow economy

Hounslow Council commissioned detailed analysis of the borough’s economy, focusing on the characteristics and performance of the business base, local sector strengths and opportunities. The sector composition of the Hounslow economy is summarised in full on page 7. The overall objective of the research was to help the council better understand the local business base and any interventions which might be required from itself or wider partners to support growth, including:

17 London Borough of Hounslow Sectors Research. Regeneris Consulting 2015.

Enjoy Work, Chiswick Business Park

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To understand the nature of the business base in the borough including numbers of and size of businesses across sectors and how best to support sectors to grow and thrive in the borough.

Business accommodation and premises needs – develop an initial understanding to what extent supply of business accommodation locally is constraining growth and, in particular, whether there is demand for increased provision of bespoke facilities aimed at supporting business start-ups and micro enterprise (e.g. incubation space).

Wider business support needs – understanding the wider business support requirements of the local business base.

Further research is underway to conclude early 2016 to review the employment land demand and supply across the borough in order to plan for the requirements of businesses over the next 15 years.

Media and broadcasting

Hounslow has the highest concentration of media and broadcasting jobs (as a percentage of total employee jobs in the borough) of media and broadcasting jobs in London.

Of Hounslow's key sectors, it is the one which shows the greatest co-location. The sector is predominately (50%) located in the east of the borough around the "Golden Mile", Chiswick, Turnham Green (33%) and the surrounding area probably because of proximity to the “TV Triangle” 18and Central London.

Aside from Sky TV, the borough boasts a cluster of firms with a large proportion related to TV production and broadcasting activities concentrated in Chiswick.

The number of media and broadcasting companies has grown by 19% between 2011 and 2014. The employment, 18,800 jobs, has almost doubled between 2009 and 2013.

ICT and digital

Hounslow has the second highest concentration of ICT and digital jobs in London.

Over half of those 12,900 ICT and digital jobs in Hounslow relate to software development and consulting.

The number of businesses operating in ICT and digital activities in Hounslow has increased by 51% between 2011 and 2014. Similarly, employment has grown by 50% between 2009 and 2013.

ICT and digital businesses in Hounslow largely classify as micro, with 94% of firms employing between 0 and 4 people. This is an extremely high proportion of micro businesses compared with the average across Hounslow's business base (81%). Nevertheless, there are a few large employers in this sector in Hounslow, including Cisco Systems, IBM, SAP and EMC Computer Systems.

Nearly a third of Hounslow's ICT and digital businesses are located in Hounslow town centre (27%) with another small proportion (13%) located just to the north in

18 TV Triangle is a networking group for the growing media tech industry cluster emerging in West London. The 'Triangle’,

sitting between the three points of Shepherds Bush, Hammersmith and Heathrow, covers Chiswick, Brentford, Isleworth and Hounslow town centre.

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Heston including Bedfont Lakes Business Park where Cisco and IBM are based. While the remainder are spread across the borough, 20% are located in the east of the borough in Turnham Green and Chiswick. This sector is supported by a number of local assets in Hounslow. These include the cluster of TV broadcast channels and platform operators.

Transport and logistics

Hounslow has the second highest concentration of transport and logistics jobs in London after neighbouring London Borough of Hillingdon where Heathrow Airport is based.

The sector has experienced strong growth in recent years in both its employment base (+31%, 2009-13) and business base (+16%, 2011-2014).

The transport and logistics sector comprises a range of activities including land and air transport activities, cargo, and warehousing. This sector provides around 12,000 jobs and 600 businesses.

A very high specialisation of activities in Hounslow support air transport operations at Heathrow.

These businesses tend to be located in the western part of the borough near Heathrow, with 37% located in Feltham and Cranford alone. An additional 27% are situated in Heston and Central Hounslow.

Professional and business services

While this sector does not represent a relative specialism for the borough, it plays an important role in driving the local economy with up to 32,500 jobs and 3,500 businesses.

Key activities within the sector are in facilities management, advertising, building cleaning and consultancy.

Wholesale and retail

One of the largest sectors in the borough, with around 2,000 businesses providing around 19,900 jobs.

The employment base has declined by around 5% in recent years (2009-13). Public sector

Public sector activities contribute a combined total of around 22,100 jobs, around 15% of all employment in the borough.

This includes around 9,900 health jobs, around 8,500 education jobs and around 3,800 public administration jobs.

Public sector employment is underrepresented in Hounslow compared to the London average.

Tourism sector

The tourism sector includes a variety of activities, which range from accommodation, exhibitions and conferences, passenger transport, food and drink and recreation activities, servicing both tourists and also the local population.

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Proximity to Heathrow and central London, a number of visitor assets and a strong and growing supply of hotels - 2,062 bedrooms (second highest in west London) have contributed to the growth of the sector in Hounslow.

The sector is made up of around 1,500 businesses employing some 15,300 people (over 11% of the borough’s employment).

The food and drink subsector accounts for around half of tourism jobs.

Employment had grown by 41% between 2009 - 2013 (17% for London.19). In particular, the Passenger transport sub-sector saw a job increase of 136% from 1,610 to 3,800 jobs between 2009 – 2013.

Heathrow Airport and the local economy

Heathrow Airport plays a particularly important role in driving local economic dependencies in terms of supply chains and labour flows. Hounslow lies immediately to the east and south east of Heathrow within the London Borough of Hillingdon, and places the borough in close proximity to major on-airport employment sites such as BA World Cargo, the major transportation hubs located around Hatton Cross and, of course, the airport terminals themselves. Unsurprisingly, there are concentrations of on-airport employees that reside within the borough, particularly within Cranford, Heston West, Heston Central and Hounslow West wards. Employment associated with Heathrow can be divided into four categories: 1. Direct (both on-site and offsite) – employment that is wholly or largely related to

the operation of the airport.

2. Indirect – employment generated in the chain of suppliers or goods and services to the direct activities.

3. Induced - employment generated by the spending of incomes earned in direct and indirect activity.

4. Catalyst impacts – employment generated by the attraction, retention or expansion of economic activity primarily attributable to the international connectivity facilitated by Heathrow Airport.

Heathrow-related employment is likely to account for between 19% - 29%20 of employment for Hounslow residents. According to the Heathrow On-Airport Employment Survey 2008-200921, around 11,000 Hounslow residents were directly employed by Heathrow that they accounted for 14.6% of all Heathrow employees or

7.2% of all Hounslow workforce. The importance of Heathrow’s on-airport operations as a generator of employment for Hounslow residents is clear. It is suggested that 10 – 15%22 of the borough’s businesses are directly dependent on Heathrow but this is likely to be greater in terms of indirect impact. With such an economic driver as a major international hub airport and a brand as strong as Heathrow, Hounslow Council and Heathrow Airport Limited have been working on a new vision, “Heathrow Garden City” to optimise this potential to plan 19 London Borough of Hounslow Sectors Research. Regeneris Consulting 2015 20 Heathrow Employment Impact, December 2013 produced by Parsons Brinckerhoff and Berkeley Hanover Consulting

and commissioned by the London Borough of Hounslow, the London Borough of Ealing and Slough Borough Council. 21 Heathrow On-Airport Employment Survey 2008-2009, SKM, 2010. 22 Hounslow Local Economic Assessment, SQW, April 2011.

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for the environment, communities, jobs, business, transport links and new stations. The council has begun the preparation of the West of Borough Plan. The West of Borough and the Great West Corridor Plans are two statutory Local Plan Reviews the council is required to undertake following the adoption of its Local Plan, in September 2015. As part of this process, the council is reviewing its evidence base including Green Belt designations, employment land review and housing needs assessment in support of the policies and proposals within the aforementioned Local Plan Area Reviews.

UK competitiveness

Hounslow performs well on the UK Competitiveness Index (published by the Centre for International Competitiveness). The index takes into account factors such as Research and Development (R&D) expenditure, Gross Value Added per head, business start-up and “survival” rates, imports and exports per head and a variety of other economic indicators. In the latest report published in 2013, Hounslow ranked 23rd out of 379 local authorities in the UK (and is thus within the top 10%). The borough is also ranked 12th within London.

Challenges (C) and Priorities (P)

C1 Supporting businesses

All businesses are important to the borough, whether they are town centre retailers, micro, small or medium businesses, social enterprises or multi-national businesses. Businesses face different issues and barriers which may constrain them growing or stop them trading and often the size and sector of a business will have different requirements.

The council is committed to working collaboratively to support businesses to grow and thrive in the borough sustainably. The council’s increasingly limited resources present a challenge in supporting the wide range of businesses in the borough and it therefore needs to be recognised that, in some instances, partnership with or delivery by other agencies, including the private sector, might be more effective and external sources of funding are required more often.

P1a The council will work in partnership with businesses and business support organisations through the Hounslow Economic Business Forum, Hounslow Skills, Training and Enterprise Partnership and other networks, as well as government, regional and sub-regional stakeholders to meet its objectives.

P1b The council will work with partners and business support organisations and groups to bid for external funding to support businesses and, where required and appropriate, to deliver services.

P1c The council will work proactively with partners to identify and reduce barriers faced by businesses and to provide an environment that will enable businesses to thrive and grow.

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P1d The council will work with local businesses to encourage their Corporate Social Responsibility23 programmes to add value and capacity to the VCSE sector.

C2 Retaining major businesses

Around 100 businesses each employ more than 250 people locally. They support around 40% of the local employment base, a significant proportion of the local economy. While these large businesses are found across the borough, there is a particular cluster in and around the “Golden Mile” and wider Brentford area as well as around Bedfont Lakes in the west of the borough. These large businesses play an important role in supporting small businesses in the Hounslow economy as a result of supply chain linkages and multiplier spending in local areas by employees. Losing any of these businesses will have significant impact on the local economy.

P2a The council recognises the importance of existing and future large businesses to the local, sub-regional and London economy. The council’s vision for the Golden Mile as well as emerging vision for the west of the borough demonstrates the council’s commitment to enabling these businesses to remain in the borough for the longer term by providing the infrastructure and scope for development required to enable these areas to be future-proof.

P2b The council will continue to work proactively through the Economic Development and Regeneration Team and Employment and Skills Team to remove barriers and provide support and opportunities that enable businesses to locate and stay in the borough.

C3 Supporting business growth and inward investment

There is strong competition in the market place for businesses to survive or grow as well as competition from other parts of London and the UK and Europe for business relocation. The council needs to promote the borough as a destination for business and to enable and facilitate the growth of large businesses in order to retain these businesses in the borough. The council also needs to attract potential new business relocation from UK and International companies in order to be competitive within the sub-regional, regional and wider economy.

23 Corporate Social Responsibility is defined by the Health and Safety Executive as: “The continuing

commitment by business to behave ethically and contribute to economic development while improving the quality of life of the workforce and their families as well as of the local community and society at large”.

Quality jobs at Bedfont Lakes Office Park – home to a number of

international companies including IBM, BP, SAP, Cisco and Lindt

Chocolates, Home Office, Birds Eye Iglo and Stratus Technology.

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P3a The council will identify and help remove barriers to business growth and support businesses to sustain their place in the competitive environment.

P3b The council will actively work with strategic partners such as the LEP, GLA, London and Partners and UK Trade & Investment (UKTI) to promote Hounslow as a business destination for international investors, developers and businesses and to retain its position as a competitive decision for existing major businesses.

P3c The council will continue to utilise and develop its inward investment team function, enhancing information available via the dedicated Invest Hounslow website, and utilising events and other engagement opportunities to promote the borough as a destination to invest, develop and locate businesses. The council will provide a proactive information service to help match developers and businesses with opportunities in the borough.

C4 Supporting Micro Businesses and SMEs

86 per cent of businesses in the borough employ less than 10 people. These micro and small businesses, mostly located in the town centres, provide vital jobs for local people.

P4a Key themes for the Economic Development and Regeneration Team of the council include improving survival rates for micro and SME businesses, providing a targeted service for high growth and emerging sectors and encouraging international trade.

P4b The council will work with partners and business support organisations and groups to identify the support required (in particular for micro and SMEs). For instance, developing skills to sustain the established sectors which are facing skills shortages, providing business support through signposting, training, events and mentoring, enabling a proactive planning process, and facilitating local procurement opportunities, amongst other initiatives.

C5 Supporting the Voluntary Community and Social Enterprise (VCSE) Sector

The council recognises the important role of voluntary, community and social enterprises in society and the local economy. They offer a self-sustaining means of providing a valuable community service and provide local employment opportunities. The economic benefits of social enterprises can be substantial, services and support must therefore be required to those lacking the business skills and knowledge to operate in a competitive marketplace.

P5a The council with work with partner organisations to explore assisting programmes to support the VCSE sector.

P5b The development of parks infrastructure encourages SME’s and community enterprises to use the spaces and develop businesses. Examples are the redevelopments planned for Boston Manor Park, Redlees Park and Duke’s Meadows, where a review of buildings and infrastructure will be able to support business and enterprise growth.

C6 Creative, digital, science and technology

Hounslow has the highest concentration of media and broadcasting employment, and the second highest concentration of ICT and digital

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employment across all London boroughs. These fast growing industries play a very important role to Hounslow’s economy. Sustaining the growth in these sectors requires the supply of skilled workers, sufficient accommodation and business support. Particularly, there are competitions from other local authorities or elsewhere in world to attract these businesses to relocate.

P6a The council recognises the strategic importance of these sectors to not only the local economy but also the wider west London and London economies. The council will develop targeted interventions to support and retain these sectors.

P6b The council will continuously try to attract businesses into its identified key sectors to create sustainable new jobs and wealth for the local economy.

P6c The council is focusing business and skills development for micro and SME businesses and for existing and future employees of key growth sectors such as ICT and digital, and media and broadcasting, as well as general business support across all sectors and sizes of businesses, ensuring that employers have access to the skills they require to remain and making the borough more attractive for business growth and relocation. In doing so, local residents can access high quality, sustainable employment and training in these sectors.

P6d The council will continue to work with Sky TV regarding the redevelopment and expansion of its media campus. The economic stimulus and digital and media specialism anchored by the Sky campus and Chiswick Business Park will be maximised, including supply chain opportunities. The council is keen to support the SME clusters emerging around Sky and is considering the creation of a centre of expertise around Sky’s new media campus at Syon Lane.

P6e The council will continue to support the creative industries sub-group of Hounslow Economic Business Forum as well as seek to develop relevant sector specific sub-groups subject to funding and requirement.

C7 Harnessing supply chain opportunities

C7a Of Hounslow’s 12,500 businesses, some 10-15% operate within the Heathrow Airport supply chain. The ability for these businesses to continue to win contracts is a key way of ensuring survival and sustainable growth.

C7b Whilst the public sector is not the dominant source of employment in the borough, the council recognises the impact of the council supply chain on the local economy.

P7a The council intends to strengthen the resilience of these companies by supporting local procurement opportunities for businesses in the borough through partnership working with Heathrow Airport, and subject to funding and resource, through other larger employers in the borough.

P7b The council will continue to review opportunities to provide information to local businesses about and support to access the council supply chain.

C8 Tackling the skills mismatch

There is a disparity between the skills of local people and available jobs in the borough. There are highly skilled jobs particularly in the ICT and digital, media and broadcasting jobs in areas such as the "Golden Mile", Bedfont Lakes

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Business Park and Chiswick Business Park. However many of these roles are filled by residents of other boroughs, while many Hounslow residents work in lower-skilled and lower paid roles, often linked to Heathrow.

P8 Working with the Hounslow Skills, Training and Employment Partnership (HSTEP) and local private sector to implement the Skills and Employment Strategy to: roll out the job brokerage service to a wider range of employers support Hounslow schools to build stronger links with employers work with employers in key sectors to identify skills challenges, and

addressing these in collaboration with local partners support low paid residents to gain new skills and increase their income. promote apprenticeships to employers to help fill skills gaps

C9 Commitment to apprenticeships

SMEs can find it difficult to identify opportunities to create apprenticeships, struggling with the administration and also not always being able to offer a full time opportunity for the full duration of an apprenticeship.

P9a The Employment and Skills Team will work with employers in particular SME’s to promote the value of apprenticeships and encourage new opportunities in the borough.

P9b The council will provide 300 new apprenticeship places for young people and more local skills training, such as through Hounslow Skills, Training and Employment Partnership between 2014 and 2018.

C10 Supply of suitable workspace

C10a The loss of available office space is also being exacerbated by the introduction of permitted developments rights24 and the pressures of

24 Permitted development right set by Central Government allows conversion from commercial office space to residential

subject to prior approval to consider the impact of the proposed development in relation to highways and transport, flooding and contamination.

Case Study 1: Careers Coach The Careers Coach is a specialist employment and training service delivered via a converted truck. It takes the service out of the traditional office environment and onto the streets of Hounslow Borough. The state-of-the-art mobile office, fully equipped with Wi-Fi and nine computer stations, offers on-the-spot CV, careers advice and employment and training information to people in and out of work. Part of the ‘Work Hounslow’ employment and training offer provided by Hounslow Council, this service is initially based weekly in Hounslow, Feltham and Brentford town centres. Residents can drop in and speak to an advisor, or arrange to make an appointment for more tailored advice. There is also specialist support for young people wanting to find out more about apprenticeship opportunities. Careers Coach staff will suggest suitable vacancies, help with job searches for residents, as well as help those in work to access training to take the next step in the borough and increase their earning potential and take the next step in their career with free training.

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requirements for new housing to meet population growth. It is beginning to have an impact on the supply of suitable office space for small and medium sized enterprises, particularly around Chiswick and Hounslow where transport links are good and should therefore be prime locations for office space.

C10b There is currently a limited supply of affordable accommodation for SMEs in the borough, including specific premises targeted at supporting enterprises.25 The study, “Supporting Places of Work: Incubators, Accelerators and Co-Working Spaces” (2014) commissioned by the GLA found that coverage of incubators and general co-working spaces were sparse in the Outer London boroughs such as Hounslow.

C10c There is a visible decline of available affordable office space for start-up space and move-on space for the creative/media and tech sectors in Chiswick which is a significant barrier for many micro, small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) looking for start-up space or space to remain in the area.

P10a The council has resolved to adopt a non-immediate Article 4 Direction26 from 25 November 2016 to remove the right to convert offices to dwellings within employment areas of the borough and town centres. It has commissioned employment land review to, in part, ascertain the impact of the loss of office space to residential and to examine issues such as the suitability of space and stock, and how this matches the requirements of key sectors and businesses that the borough should be seeking to retain or new businesses that should be attracted.

P10b The council will continue to work with its stakeholders, VCSE sector and partners to ensure empty office and retail units are promoted and filled promptly.

P10c The council is keen to source funding to develop or facilitate incubator space in Hounslow to support and nurture start-ups and entrepreneurship and therefore increase employment as well as strengthen innovation and creativity in the borough. The focus of these incubators would be high-technology sectors such as ICT and digital, media and broadcasting to seed a knowledge based, high value economy in Hounslow, but also support business driven innovation, complementing entrepreneurial clusters that have been created in other parts of London such as Tech City in Shoreditch and Croydon.

P10d The council is keen to source funding to develop or facilitate “grow-on-space” in Hounslow to support businesses moving from incubation, allowing them to enter a new stage of expansion and development.

P10e The council will encourage both developers and funders to invest in the development of Grade A office accommodation balanced with other types of priority workspaces to meet identified business need.

C11 Supply of Employment Land

25 London Borough of Hounslow Sectors Research, Regeneris Consulting 2015. 26 Details of the Article 4 can be found on the ‘Protecting Employment Space’ page on the Hounslow Planning Policy

Website

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C11a Industrial jobs in Hounslow are forecasted to grow27 by 5,300 respectively to 2030. Hounslow’s population is projected to grow by 23.5% to reach 323,000 between 2011 and 2030. Warehouse demand is projected to grow as it is often correlated to population where more people consume goods flowing from warehouses. Most of those industrial jobs are in the growth sectors in Hounslow. For instance, logistics and distribution warehouses need larger premises to expand and proximity to the main roads and airport.

C11b Similarly, office jobs are forecasted to grow by 3,300 by 2030. Hence, new office space is required to meet the forecasted demand.

C11c Evidence indicates that demand for high-grade office space from multinational corporations in high growth sectors such as hi-tech, media and pharmaceutical companies will continue to be strong to 2030. These companies, especially those looking for headquarters, tend to look for brand new purpose built premises. However, there are competing land uses for new sites with good public transport links potentially suitable for employment.

P11a The council will monitor the supply of employment land through the employment land review and allocate development sites through the site allocation process of the Local Plan Reviews in the Great West Corridor, the west of borough and the rest of the borough, to accommodate forecasted business growth in different sectors.

27 Hounslow Employment Land Review, Peter Brett Associates LLP, 2016

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Regeneration and Economic Development Action Plan for Objective 1 – Growing Business The projects listed below will help achieve Hounslow’s regeneration objectives, unlock and deliver sustainable growth across the borough. There are crossovers where a project can achieve multi-objectives. The list is not exhaustive. Please be aware that some of these projects are yet to secure funding and appropriate approval. The council will review the list annually to monitor the progress of the projects as well as to include new ones if necessary.

Ref. no.

Project/ initiative Project Summary Relevant priories

Target completed by March 2020

External / Potential Partners /

Stakeholders

Funding Secured as at March 2016

1.1 Hounslow Economic Business Forum

Building on positive relationships with private sector leaders through the Hounslow Economic Business Forum and it’s respective sub-groups.

P1a,P2 P3

More major businesses from the west of the borough join the forum by December 16.

Major businesses, business support organisations

Yes

1.2 West of Borough Plan

Area focusses review of the statutory Local Plan. It will include new policies and site allocations to be added to Hounslow Local plan and address future of Heathrow Airport, Feltham Masterplanning, and Green Belt Review.

P4

Plan adopted, funding sought to deliver initiatives and some projects implemented. CIL review.

Community groups, TfL, GLA, major landowners, developers, residents, businesses

Yes, for the plan production only, not for the delivery.

1.3 Great West Corridor Plan

Area focussed review of the statutory Local Plan for the Golden Mile and Brentford area. It will address the specific challenges, specify the required land uses in particular locations and identify key strategic interventions such as public transport improvements.

P11

Plan adopted, funding sought to deliver initiatives and some projects implemented. CIL review.

Community groups, major landowners and employers, TfL, GLA, developers, residents

Yes, for the plan production only, not for the delivery

1.4 Digital, media and creative industries cluster project

Support for businesses establishing/growing in response to the location of the cluster of micro, small, medium and multi-national media companies. Potential to explore incubator space / supply chain development programme. Skills and talent development project.

P6

External funding secured, sector support delivery programme for new businesses established. Young people and adults taking up training and employment in the sector

Creative industries sub-group members, Chambers of Commerce, DCMS, DBIS, GLA, sub-regional and regional partners

No (some through ESF to deliver early programme of business and skill support by December 17 the more intensive and long-term work seeks funding)

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Ref. no.

Project/ initiative Project Summary Relevant priories

Target completed by March 2020

External / Potential Partners /

Stakeholders

Funding Secured as at March 2016

1.5 Western International Market Optimisation

To optimise the asset and generate income for the whole site including the horticultural wholesale market. The site is owned and managed by Hounslow Council and located near Heathrow Airport.

P3a Options chosen and delivered

None

Funding In place for new trading unit of 12,000 sq.ft. within Western International market

1.6 Utilising council’s own property assets

The council is investigating opportunities to boost local economies through smarter asset management.

P1 On-going Internal resource

1.7 Business Support Programme

The two year programme (2015-2017) funded by New Homes Bonus Top-slice is delivering a range of business support through signposting, mentoring, business events and sector specific capacity building events to support businesses. As well as working with UKTI and other partners to support businesses to export. A regular email newsletter for businesses in the borough is also being produced to signpost services, promote events and share news.

P4 Programme completed in March 2017

GLA, UKTI, Skills Funding Agency, Business Support Organisations, Universities and partners

Yes further funding is required to deliver post March 17

1.8 Small Business Saturday

Hounslow event on the first Saturday in December marking the nationwide Small Business Saturday national initiative to ‘support, inspire and promote’ small businesses.

P4 Where possible support this event annually

FSB (Federation of Small Business)

Internal resource

1.9 Invest Hounslow

The council is committed to proactively enabling growth in the borough through businesses, developers and investors and utilises the Invest Hounslow business and inward investment brand to promote the opportunities and facilitate relationships.

All On-going London and Partners and others

Internal resource (further funding sought to sustain over the longer-term)

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Ref. no.

Project/ initiative Project Summary Relevant priories

Target completed by March 2020

External / Potential Partners /

Stakeholders

Funding Secured as at March 2016

1.10 Hounslow Business Directory

Comprehensive business guide and an online directory which will be free for every local business to appear in. The guide will be updated every 18 months.

P1

Feasibility reviewed for a 3 edition programme subject to staff resource to oversee

No funding for internal resource at present

1.11 Improving procurement accessibility

Streamlining and simplifying council documentation in order to make opportunities more accessible for smaller businesses. Sharing and signposting information on websites and via e-newsletters

P1,P7 Documentation completed by March 2017

Internal resource

1.12 Procurement training To provide local businesses with further training on procurement working in collaboration with Hounslow and Brentford Chambers of Commerce

P1,P7 Training sessions delivered by March 2017

Hounslow and Brentford Chambers of Commerce

Internal resource

1.13

Heathrow Business Summit/Heathrow Supply Chain Opportunities

To work in partnership with Heathrow Airport Limited to promote their supply chain opportunities to local SMEs.

P1,P7 Annual event Internal resource

1.14 Promoting council procurement opportunities

To actively promote the pipeline of opportunities and raise awareness of council procurement procedures amongst Hounslow businesses

P1,P7 On-going Internal resource

1.15 Workspace/ Incubator space

Review opportunities to enable suitable pre-incubator, incubator and accelerator space to support micro businesses.

P10b, P10c, P10d

feasibility undertaken and funding secured

TV Triangle, UWL West Thames College, Fusion Lifestyle

No

1.16 Hounslow Job Brokerage Service

Borough wide job and skills brokerage, establishing a strategic link with current and future skills and recruitment needs.

P1,P8 50 employers receive support in 1st year

Funding secured for 1 year

1.17 ‘Skills Escalator’ The ‘Skills Escalator’ will help people with low incomes get training and support to help them to improve their skills and find higher-paying jobs.

P7,P8

325 residents supported through project Pilot completed and evaluated. Further funding secured

Training providers, employers, JCP

Funding secured for pilot and 2 years of delivery

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Ref. no.

Project/ initiative Project Summary Relevant priories

Target completed by March 2020

External / Potential Partners /

Stakeholders

Funding Secured as at March 2016

1.18 Retail Sector Academy Providing specialist retail training to residents to provide a pool of skilled and motivated staff to retail employers

P8 Numbers of trainees confirmed by March 2017

West Thames College (WTC)

Funding secured from the WTC & JC+

1.19 Careers coach

A new service which provides Hounslow residents with information, advice and guidance on employment, skills and training via a state-of-the-art converted truck, fully equipped with computer stations for residents to work on their CV or job application.

P8

100 direct job outcomes, 100 indirect job outcomes, 750 IAG sessions by July 2016

Training providers, Heathrow Academy, employers, JCP

Yes, until end June 2016

1.20 Hounslow Apprenticeship Scheme

Co-ordinated borough wide approach to apprenticeships; to increase take up by local residents; and increase number of local businesses offering apprenticeships. Linking skills gaps with development of apprenticeships.

P9 300 apprenticeships created by 2018

Training providers, employers, JCP

Yes

1.21 Golden Mile Digital Media campus

Business park development (Chiswick Park model) around Sky to access supplier opportunities

P3,P6 Concept incorporated in Great West Corridor Plan

LEP, EU finding No

1.22 Lot’s Ait: Boat Building Skills Academy and Workspace

Assess opportunities to redevelop a derelict building at Johnsons Boatyard for a skills academy and maximise the use of the surroundings

P1b Feasibility Study (subject to funding)

Johnsons Boatyard, DBIS, HLF

No

1.23 Hounslow Voluntary Sector Support Service

The service, which is commissioned by the council, offers support, information and advice on fundraising and organisational development for voluntary and community sector (VCSE) groups operating in the borough.

P5 Contracts are in place until end March 2017, subject to funding

Ealing CVS Partially more funding sought

1.24 Hounslow Community Grants

The projects supported vary from year to year, but in any round there will typically be projects related to supporting the VCSE sector and supporting residents with accessing skills and employment

P5

Subject to funding agreed on an annual basis and the nature and quality of applications received

VCSE sector partially

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Ref. no.

Project/ initiative Project Summary Relevant priories

Target completed by March 2020

External / Potential Partners /

Stakeholders

Funding Secured as at March 2016

1.25 Parks infrastructure development to support SME’s

A number of parks masterplans will plan improvements that include better use of infrastructure, generating growth and supporting development of SME’s and social enterprises

P5b

Feasibility studies and masterplans completed. Funding bids submitted.

Existing major businesses to support usage and income generation, local SMEs. Friends of park and community groups, Carillion

Funding for master planning phase secured. No implementation funding

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7. Objective 2 – Improving Connectivity

Transport infrastructure

The borough is served by South West Trains, the District line, the London Overground, the Piccadilly line, 42 bus routes, 712 bus stops, and an emerging Local Cycle Network including the proposed Hounslow Cycling Spine along the A315, the Grand Union Canal and its tow paths, the Thames and its tributaries. Feltham Station is one of the nearest National Rail stations to Heathrow Airport, especially to Terminal 4. Good transport connections into, out of and through the borough are central to attracting investment and retaining businesses and skilled workers. They are also a key factor influencing people’s decisions and perceptions of the borough as a place to live, work, visit or study. Public transport improvements and other initiatives taken together are predicted to shift a proportion of the additional car trips generated by the additional development in the borough onto the more sustainable transport modes: walking, cycling, bus, train and underground. Improving connections from the workplace will create opportunities in town centres for local business services and networks to develop and create opportunities to do business outside of the normal workplace environment. For example, the council aims to improve prosperity of Brentford town centre by improving the connection between the “Golden Mile” and Brentford town centre via the canal towpath.

Broadband connectivity

Connectivity in this strategy goes beyond transport connectivity and accessibility. High speed internet connection and wide mobile Wi-Fi coverage can improve quality of life, business competitiveness and increase economic growth. Major technological, economic and environmental changes have generated interest in smart cities. Smart City technologies and programmes are being implemented in many cities in the world. “Smart City should enable every citizen to engage with all the services on offer, public as well as private, in a way best suited to his or her needs. It brings together hard infrastructure, social capital including local skills and community institutions, and digital technologies to fuel sustainable economic development and provide an attractive environment for all.” 28 Although there is no absolute definition of a smart city, the development of new technological and networked infrastructure is considered essential.

28 SMART CITIES: Background paper, Department for Business, Innovation and Skills, October 2013.

Feltham Train Station: regular direct services to and from

London Waterloo and Reading operated by South West Trains

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Challenges (C) and Priorities (P)

Hounslow Local Implementation Plan (LIP) for transport 2011 – 2031, approved by Borough Council in January 2012, sets out infrastructure delivery priorities in the short, medium and long term.

C1 Competitive external funding sources

The costs for delivering strategic transport infrastructure improvements are generally so significant that competitive external funding sources such as from TfL are required. Other London boroughs also turn to the same pots for funding. Most infrastructure improvement schemes will heavily rely on the commitment from partner organisations, such as TfL for improvements to the underground stations or network, bus services and facilities, A4 corridor, strategic cycle network, etc.

P1 The council will work with its partners to bid for external funding to deliver sustainable transport projects to unlock new developments and benefit the existing community.

C2 Transport infrastructure

Some areas in the borough cannot reach their full regeneration potential because of current public transport constraints particularly on the links running across the borough allowing fast access to Heathrow. Without improved transport infrastructure, new development proposals may struggle to achieve acceptance and approval. However, without the CIL contributed by the new proposals, improvements to transport infrastructure cannot be delivered.

P2a The council will maximise the opportunities for walking, cycling and using public transport to reduce congestion and pollution, improve health and well-being through the application of planning policies and standards for parking, cycle parking, electric vehicle charging, car-free development and travel plans.

P2b A number of parks have paths and cycleways and play key role in connecting green infrastructure with town centres. A number of developments in parks are planned to improve connectivity focusing on existing corridors

P2c The forthcoming Great West Corridor Plan and the West of Borough Plan will address transport infrastructure.

P2d The council will seek support for the provision of rail services connecting Feltham and Heathrow Airport.

C3 Telecommunications infrastructure

Broadband speeds in some areas in the borough are below the average speed, while other areas suffer from bad mobile reception or weak Wi-Fi connection.

P3 The council will seek to improve the provision of telecommunications infrastructure to enable business growth and retention.

To enable further development along the “Golden Mile” and A4/M4 corridor and to facilitate inward investment, a priority is to relieve congestion on the A4/A205 and

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the surrounding strategic road network (A315). Improved transport connections from the Great West Corridor to the borough’s town centres, and beyond these to the strategic rail network and international travel network are essential. The council is currently exploring options and proposals with its partners to connect High Speed 2 and Crossrail routes at Old Oak Common and Crossrail routes at Southall. This could transform the connectivity of this area of West London. The following proposals are specifically related to the “Golden Mile”.

Case Study 2: Proposed projects to improve the connectivity of the “Golden Mile”

I. Proposed connection to Crossrail The council would like to see a new station near Sky's headquarters by using

an under-used freight line for passengers. The connection could be opened in time for the completion of Crossrail at Southall.

II. Proposed connection to HS2 – The Golden Link The council is proposing a new passenger service between Hounslow

mainline station and Old Oak Common calling at Syon Lane and Brentford. A new station may also be provided at Lionel Road South, adjacent to the new football stadium.

III. Boston Manor Link A new link from the Great West Road across the Canal/M4 to Boston Manor

Tube station that will improve connectivity to the Piccadilly Line. IV. The Great West Cycleway The council would also like to enhance the bi-directional cycle track each side

of the A4 from Gillette Corner to the Chiswick Roundabout to provide a safe, segregated and continuous east-west route that will benefit cyclists from a wide catchment north and south of its alignment. The council is also working with TfL on designs for the cycle superhighway 9 (CS9) along the A315.

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Regeneration and Economic Development Action Plan for Objective 2 – improving Connectivity The projects listed below will help achieve Hounslow’s regeneration objectives, unlock and deliver sustainable growth across the borough. There are crossovers where a project can achieve multi-objectives. The list is not exhaustive. Please be aware that some of these projects are yet to secure funding and appropriate approval. The council will review the list annually to monitor the progress of the projects as well as to include new ones if necessary

Ref. no.

Project Project Summary Relevant priories

Target completed by March 2020

External / Potential Partners /

Stakeholders

Funding Secured as at March 2016

2.1 Feltham Transport Projects

Renewal of Feltham High Street and mitigation following closure of the level crossing

P1, P2 Project completed GLA, TfL Yes

2.2 The Great West Cycleway

The existing bi-directional cycle route from Gillette Corner to the Chiswick Roundabout will be enhanced to provide a safe, segregated and continuous east-west route.

P1, P2a, P2c

Subject to TfL business planning processes

GLA, TfL No. Subject to funding

2.3 Pedestrian/Cycling links and networks

Greenways/ Quietways – development of a cohesive network of accessible pathways for pedestrians and cyclists linking parks and open spaces across the borough and to neighbouring boroughs.

P1, P2a,P2c

Project completed. LBH and Greenway partner agencies, including CRT, EA

Partial

2.4 Golden Mile Public Realm

Golden Mile public realm improvement, including public art to create a sense of place

P1, P2a,P2c

Subject to TfL business planning processes

GLA, TfL No. Subject to funding

2.5 Southall Crossrail Link

A new shuttle service to use the existing freight line to link Southall Crossrail Station with the Golden Mile at Transport Avenue

P1, P2a,P2c, P2d

Project commencement (estimated start date 2020). GRIP 2 completed by October 2015

GLA, TfL, NR, South West Trains, major employers, LB Ealing

No. Subject to funding

2.6 Boston Manor Link A new link from the Great West Road across the Canal/M4 to Boston Manor Tube station that will reduce journey times to the Piccadilly Line.

P1, P2a,P2c

Outline feasibility completed by March 2017. Project commencement

GLA, TfL, Highways Agency

No. Subject to funding

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Ref. no.

Project Project Summary Relevant priories

Target completed by March 2020

External / Potential Partners /

Stakeholders

Funding Secured as at March 2016

2.7 The Golden Link

The introduction of a new passenger service between Hounslow mainline station and Willesden Junction (via Old Oak Common – High Speed 2), calling at Syon Park and Brentford. A new station may be provided at Lionel Road South, adjacent to the new football stadium.

P1, P2a,P2c

Project commencement (estimated opening date 2026); GRIP 2 completed by March 2017

GLA, TfL, NR, LB Ealing, South West Trains, major employers

No. Subject to funding

2.8 Southern access rail link from Feltham to Heathrow Airport

Overground link from London Waterloo to connect Feltham, Bedfont Lakes Business park and Heathrow Airport.

P1, P2a,P2c,P2d

Outline feasibility commenced by September 2015; Projects progressed by 2020

GLA, TfL, NR, South West Trains, major employers, Heathrow

No. Subject to funding

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8. Objective 3 – Place-making Place-making is about shaping an area so that it becomes a place where people enjoy living, wish to invest and do business in as well as choose to stay throughout their lives. “The creation of successful places requires recognition of its existing assets, combined with a strong vision of what that place could look like”29. It is a combination of characteristics that makes a place special and unique. The council recognises the following assets and their roles in shaping and helping regeneration. A. Town centres B. The context and character of the borough’s places C. Sustainable mixed communities D. Community infrastructure

A. Town centres Town centres give a sense of local identity to an area. They provide a range of services and activities. Within the borough, there are a network of town centres and local shopping centres that serve different functions in the local economy. Hounslow has four lively town centres; Hounslow town centre: designated as a Metropolitan Centre in the London Plan; Chiswick as a Major Centre; and Brentford and Feltham as District Centres. There are also seven large neighbourhood centres in: Hounslow West, Bedfont, Isleworth, Cranford, Hanworth, Heston and Old Isleworth, and 36 small neighbourhood centres. The council has delivered regeneration projects in Hounslow and Brentford town centres through its own budget, the Mayor of London’s Outer London Fund, Transport for London, New Homes Bonus Top-slice and other external funding sources. Hounslow’s vision for town centres

The council seeks to maintain its town centres as a focus for the community, providing a place to meet and socialise with a good range of services and facilities. As well as attracting investment through an improved retail and leisure offer, the town centres augment the borough infrastructure through the provision of new residential developments. The council seeks to attract new visitors to its town centres to deliver economic benefits to local business, including increased retail activity and footfall. The council will attract investment to town centres, through an improved retail and service offer, new leisure and cultural facilities, and new residential quarters. Enhanced public realm and environmental improvements will also help further build towns’ identity. Many of the town centres also have conservation areas within them and

29 Character and identity: Townscape and heritage appraisals in housing market renewal areas, English Heritage and the

Commission for Architecture and the Built Environment, 2008.

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regeneration in these areas should seek to enhance the historic and built environment. The council will continue to look for new funding to support ideas and activities to help regenerate its town centres.

Challenges to Hounslow’s town centres and priorities applied to all town centres in the borough

C1 Competition from other town centres and internet shopping The borough's town centres are facing competition from other town centres such as Ealing, Uxbridge, Kingston, Harrow and Richmond, out-of-centre retail outlets such as Westfield, shopping malls and the growth of online and mobile retailing. The rise of internet shopping via online and mobile technologies and changing consumer buying patterns are leading to empty retail units and increased vacancy rates on high streets.

P1a Development opportunities will be used as a catalyst to regenerate town centres, especially around Hounslow, Brentford and Feltham. Major mixed-use developments will be encouraged.

P1b The council will continue to bid for external funding to further improve its town centres.

P1c The council will continue to support and improve existing markets where appropriate and explore the opportunities for developing new street markets subject to funding.

P1d The council will endorse pop-up and interim uses for empty shops in high streets and town centres where viable.

P1e The council will continue to find mechanisms and funding to improve the public realm in town centres by promoting high quality design that enhances and conserves the historic core of these areas.

P1f The council will continue to explore further opportunities to work with shop owners to improve their shopfronts subject to funding and where appropriate.

P1g The council will continue to empower residents to actively shape their local areas and enhance civic pride.

P1h The council will continue to endorse suitable town centre partnerships and traders groups to help deliver regeneration projects and initiatives that support local micro and SME businesses.

P1i Heritage and cultural events and activities can help create, reinforce and enhance a sense of place and a distinctive identity that can help revitalise town centres. The council will seek funding to work with arts, heritage and

The Chiswick Pop-up held at the Barley Mow Centre on 18 July 2015 to promote and support small businesses

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cultural organisations and local communities to run heritage and cultural events and activities in town centres.

C2 Balancing activities

In most town centres, evening economy activities are associated with eating and drinking. The evening economy poses both major opportunities and challenges if they can increase employment, add vitality to town centres and reduce fear of crime when there is more natural surveillance - particularly important to public transport users.

P2 The council will seek to ensure a diversification of town centre uses to achieve activity during the day and night that acts as a focus for servicing the diversity of local cultural needs.

C3 Community Safety

To ensure town centres are attractive and safe environment in which to shop and socialise.

P3 The council will work in partnership with town centre shops and businesses to increase reporting of and prevention of business crime.

a) Hounslow town centre

Hounslow town centre, designated as a Metropolitan Centre in the London Plan, is located in the heart of the borough. It is the borough’s largest town centre, serving the widest catchment, extending into other parts of west London. It is served by three train stations – Hounslow Central and Hounslow East on the Piccadilly underground line and Hounslow Mainline to Waterloo Station (South West Trains). There are two managed shopping centres (Treaty Centre and Blenheim Centre), a range of national multiple retailers and anchor high street fashion stores. It also contains leisure and cultural uses, such as a library and theatre as well as the newly redeveloped high street with market and Bell Square performance space. Objectives set out by the Local Plan for Hounslow town centre

1. Promoting the regeneration of Hounslow town centre, with reference to the Hounslow Town Centre Masterplan.

2. Improving the quality of retail offer in Hounslow, while also boosting the range of other activities to offer diversity.

3. Enhancing the links to sustainable transport modes, particularly Hounslow mainline and Hounslow Central stations.

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Regeneration Progress so far

The Hounslow Town Centre Masterplan published by the council in 2013, sets a framework for future development, based on a clear vision to 2021 and comprehensive set of development principles. The council is delivering regeneration projects to serve as a catalyst for change and to attract investment into the town centre through the New Homes Bonus Top-slice, Transport for London and Housing Zone funding programmes. The Outer London Fund was designed to support economic growth in London’s high streets. In 2011, Hounslow town centre was awarded £500,000 in Round 1 for a programme of shopfront improvements, events, and street markets. In 2012, Hounslow Council received the largest combined award in Round 2 for Hounslow High Street (£2m) and Brentford (£1m), worth £3 million. The completed improvements co-funded by OLF and Hounslow Council included: a new street market, Hounslow Market trading from Tuesdays to Saturdays

brings a range of food stalls and specialist wares to add to the town’s rich retail mix and also provide practical opportunities for start-ups

creation of a new town square, Bell Square on Bell Road for outdoor performances that international acts regularly perform for free to the public

public realm improvements to enable a secondary performance space along with a new war memorial at Church Square

revamp of a number of Shopfronts and business support provided for shops

public realm improvements (Phase1): new paving, lighting, seating and street trees to improve the pedestrian experience of the High Street

The investment in Hounslow town centre has already helped generate new confidence and created the right conditions for business growth. Evidence of this success came in November and December 2014 when H&M and Next opened for business, bringing queues of excited shoppers and pride that Hounslow town centre is once again attracting key names and brands.

Hounslow Market

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Other regeneration initiatives

Second phase of improvement works has been completed to the middle (bus only) part of Hounslow High Street, continuing the scheme eastwards with new paving, lighting, planting and seating. The roadway has also been resurfaced and realigned to create a contraflow cycle lane. The scheme has been funded by Transport for London.

New Homes Bonus Top-slice funding will be used in Hounslow Town Centre to improve the linkages to the High Street, particularly along Lampton Road (the route from Hounslow Central Underground station to the High Street) and Whitton Road (the route from Hounslow mainline station to the High Street). Highlights will include new paving and carriageway resurfacing; lighting of the Hounslow Central bridge creating a new gateway feature; improved accessibility of bus stops; upgraded cycle parking facilities; and shopfront improvements. The work will be completed by March 2017. New Civic Centre

Hounslow Council are proposing to relocate the existing Civic Centre at Lampton Road to the Bath Road Car Park in Hounslow Town Centre to create a civic presence and a new focal point for interaction. The relocation will help maintain and enhance vibrancy and vitality of the town centre. The relocation enables the existing Civic Centre site to be re-developed for housing as allocated in the Local Plan. Planning briefs for Bath Road Car Park and Hounslow Civic Centre were adopted by Hounslow Planning Committee in February 2015 to offer planning certainty to potential development partners with information regarding the council’s desired outcomes for both sites. Hounslow Council also welcomes the award of £18.5m from the Mayor of London towards the Hounslow Town Centre Housing Zone which is part of its ambitious regeneration programme designed to boost jobs and business growth, and to accelerate high quality house-building.

Case Study 3: Public realm improvements in town centres Hounslow Council was awarded £3.7m from rounds one and two of the Mayor of London’s Outer London Fund (OLF) in 2011 and 2012 respectively. OLF was designed to support economic growth in London’s high streets. This money, plus £2.8m of council funding was used towards vital regeneration projects in Hounslow and Brentford town centres including new public squares, new shopfronts, improved public realm and connectivity. The pictures below show the transformations funded by Hounslow Council and Outer London Fund Round 2.

Hounslow Town Centre, 2015: public realm improved Church Square in Hounslow Town Centre, 2015: created for hosting community and local events

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Hounslow town centre regeneration priorities

H1 Relocating Hounslow Civic Centre to create a civic presence, a new focal point for interaction and increased footfall

H2 Working with arts delivery organisations to create a programme of events in Bell Square for 2016 – 18 that will help establish Hounslow as a top cultural destination in West London

H3 Improvements to the public realm including the bus only section of the High Street, as well as the High Street linkages – Lampton Road and Whitton Road

H4 Accelerating and unlocking further housing growth and affordable housing for the Housing Zone, whilst satisfying the presumption in favour of sustainable development

H5 Delivering the new Hounslow Town School and housing development, new Civic Centre and Civic Centre housing development as outlined in the adopted planning briefs for these sites

H6 Continuing to develop and enhance the Hounslow Town Centre Market

H7 Encouraging new retailers and office based employers into the town centre to fill vacant sites and office sites

H8 Completing the new pavilion in Bell Square

H9 Progressing the Hounslow High Street Quarter scheme

H10 Endorsing suitable town centre stakeholders and groups to form a representative voice for businesses in the area

H11 Exploring linkages and partnerships with the rest of the town centre and help unlock regeneration according to the Hounslow Town Centre Masterplan

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Case Study 4: Bell Square A particular highlight is Bell Square which holds part of the Hounslow Market from Tuesdays to Saturdays. The space is used alternatively for outdoors performances on Saturdays. The vibrant new event space provides a forum for Hounslow’s multicultural communities to enjoy year-round cultural events and activities. The work of Bell Square was funded by Hounslow Council and the Outer London Fund Round 2. The square was opened in spring 2014 and has since hosted a range of well received events. A new performance pavilion, to be built by the council subject to resources, will provide an event management facility with an external stepped area to provide seating for audiences and for every-day recreational use. This will further enhance this section of the High Street. Bell Square is also used as one of the locations for the Careers Coach service, a mobile employability service which delivers training, employment advice and support to residents.

Before: Bell Square in Hounslow Town Centre, 2012 After: Bell Square Performance Space Launch, July 2014

Case Study 3: High Street Quarter The council has been working closely with Barratt London and Wilson Bowden to deliver a major regeneration scheme called “Hounslow High Street Quarter” which is in a council car park. The scheme proposes 527 high quality homes, 41% being affordable, with new retail units, cafes and restaurants, a 10 screen multiplex cinema, new town square as well as secure car parking. The council made a compulsory purchase order (CPO) to assist in assembling the land needed to implement the scheme. The scheme includes an iconic 27-storey tower which will create a landmark for the town centre. The new housing and commercial development will provide much needed homes and jobs and will boost the evening economy of the area, revitalising Hounslow town centre.

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b) Chiswick town centre

Chiswick town centre is identified as a Major Centre in the London Plan. It is the borough’s second largest town centre, primarily serving the east of the borough. It is a successful upmarket retail destination including a range of chain and independent shops, financial and professional services, offices and leisure uses and wide provision of restaurants and bars which create a vibrant evening economy. Chiswick town centre has a special local character, largely due to its heritage and the layout of buildings, mature trees lining the High Road and green spaces including Turnham Green. Two tube stations serve the town centre. Turnham Green sits on the border of Zones 2 and 3 on both the District and Piccadilly lines. Chiswick Park is in Zone 3 on the District line. Chiswick town centre is at the centre geographically of the TV Triangle and within walking distance to Chiswick Business Park which is the home of companies such as the Walt Disney Company, Paramount, QVC Media, Technicolor Network, CBS news and Vue Entertainment. Chiswick town centre harnesses the economic stimulus of linkages to Chiswick Business Park by providing places to do business and soft networking. Turnham Green Common is an important greenspace infrastructure that enhance the value of Chiswick town centre with a number of events and a memorial that play an important part in place-making. Chiswick is a popular neighbourhood characterised by its low rise grid pattern nestled along the river Thames, well known for its heritage assets such as Hogarth’s House and Chiswick House, leafy streets, riverfront walks, and wide range of restaurants and pubs. Much of the town centre falls within Conservation Areas, which give its heritage character. Chiswick is bordered by Brentford to the west, Acton to the north and Hammersmith to the east, with Barnes, Sheen, Mortlake and Kew across the river to the south. All these add to its vibrancy, popularity, identity and individuality. Objectives set out by the Local Plan for Chiswick town centre

1. Preserving and enhancing the High Road through supporting the diverse mix of local independent shops and businesses, and preserving the character of the built environment through Conservation Area status.

2. Harnessing the economic stimulus of and linkages to Chiswick Business Park westwards towards the Golden Mile - providing places to do business and soft networking.

Regeneration progress so far

Chiswick Town Centre

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The role of the council is to support and facilitate the regeneration and development of the area, and enable and deliver key improvement projects. The council supports local businesses, particularly the small independent and creative and media sector businesses and stakeholders and provides a useful point of contact for any enquiries and initiatives relating to improving the vitality of Chiswick town centre – local business and creative cluster networks, affordable workspace and other regeneration initiatives. Chiswick town centre regeneration priorities

C1 Endorsing suitable town centre stakeholders and groups to form a representative voice for businesses in the area.

C2 Exploring setting up of a creative/tech hub space in Chiswick which will be linked to other incubator spaces along the Golden Mile and other areas subject to funding.30

C3 Exploring options to address the issues around affordable office space in and around this part of the borough in particular and the changes from office to residential use.

C4 Endorsing events, markets and festivals that will contribute to the vibrancy of the town centre.

c) Brentford town centre

The centre lies at the junction of two major waterways, the River Thames and the Grand Union Canal. The canal provides links to northwest London and the Midlands. The intersection of these two waterways provides distinctive historic character and waterside environments and uses. Whilst some major waterside sites near to the town centre have been redeveloped for housing, other areas still provide for traditional uses such as boatyards, moorings, small industrial and commercial uses, all of which contribute in their own way to Brentford’s unique waterside environment and unique sense of place. Brentford Station, served by South West Trains, lies to the north of the High Street. The train service provides connections with central London, and parts of Surrey. Objectives set out by the Local Plan for Brentford town centre

1. Regenerating Brentford town centre as a vibrant District Centre that celebrates the town’s heritage and waterside location, through:

a. Reconnecting the High Street with the centre’s wealth of historical assets which have been undervalued and neglected for many years and a canal side environment which is unique in character, enjoyable and diverse in the variety of uses it provides.

b. Supporting the new retail with a mix of leisure, entertainment and cultural uses which promote greater use of the canal side, primarily on the Brentford Waterside site to the south of Brentford High Street.

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2. Supporting Brentford’s distinctive role for the provision of waterside industries and support facilities, and reconnecting the area with its unique waterside location. This will include the development of the watercourses in the area which included river Brent and the Grand Union canal at Boston Manor Park.

Regeneration progress so far

Within Brentford, the council has worked with the community in partnership to deliver public realm improvements, capacity development of local business and traders’ organisations and support for interventions to attract further footfall to the town. Hounslow Council approved an outline planning application31 on 2 April 2015 with a Section 106 Agreement32 for the Brentford Waterside development which is being developed by Ballymore Group. The £500m mixed use scheme will cover a 4.79ha site between the High Street and the River Brent and includes up to 876 new homes, as well as new community and leisure facilities, retail space including a new supermarket and, employment and business space. The agreement ensures that 20 per cent of the commercial space will be allocated to local businesses with 20 per cent below market rent incentives for five years. There are also plans for water sports facilities, a new museum celebrating Brentford’s riverside heritage and a gym, which would be housed in a renovated St Lawrence’s Church. The approved application also covers the first phase of the scheme in full, including 323 homes of which 80 affordable homes will be built by the council. Ballymore is providing the council the land for free plus £7 million to pay for the council’s own properties located in the development site. Brentford town centre regeneration priorities

B1 Endorsing suitable town centre stakeholders and groups to form a representative voice for businesses in the area.

B2 Exploring options for meanwhile space to keep the frontages active whilst awaiting development on the Brentford Waterside site.

B3 Endorsing outdoor events in the newly regenerated Market Place and Brentford Lock and Piazza to support footfall and visitor engagement with the town centre.

31 An outline planning application establishes the principle of development and as such detailed plans will not normally be

required. A ’reserved matters’ application for approval of the details in accord with the outline approval must be made within three years of the outline planning consent.

32 Section 106 agreements, are a mechanism which make a development proposal acceptable in planning terms that would not otherwise be acceptable.

Artist’s Impression of the Brentford Waterside Development

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B4 Relocation of Watermans Arts Centre to unlock further regeneration opportunities.

d) Feltham town centre

Feltham town centre is identified as a District Centre in the London Plan, serving its largely suburban neighbourhoods of Feltham North, Feltham Village, East Bedfont and Hanworth. It includes a managed shopping centre (The Centre), a leisure complex (Leisure West), a range of national multiple retailers and anchor high street fashion stores. It also contains a library, ten pin bowling, multiplex cinemas and bingo hall.

Part of Feltham town centre is designated as a Feltham Town Centre Conservation Area33. This includes a number of listed buildings such as St Catherine’s Church Spire, Cardinal Road Infant and Nursery School, the Red Lion Pub, Feltham House, Manor House on Manor Lane and a Victorian Villa on Elmwood Avenue. Feltham Station (south side) is locally listed.

Feltham town centre is situated in the western part of the borough, approximately two miles south-west of Hounslow town centre and one and a half miles south-east

33 Conservation areas are designated by local authorities because of their special architectural or historic interest.

Planning authorities apply extra planning controls to protect or improve the character or appearance of the conservation areas.

Feltham Green at Feltham town centre

Feltham Town Centre

Case Study 5: Public realm improvements in Brentford town centre The pictures below shows the transformations funded by Hounslow Council and the Mayor of London’s Outer London Fund Round 2. The market place now has new trees, high specification wooden chairs and seating areas, a new performance stage, and a specially designed fountain and new paving made from recycled York stone. The space is now more open and inviting for the Sunday market and general uses. It has also been accommodating a range of outdoor events and performances. The scheme, designed by Kinnear Landscape Architects, has won a commendation from the Civic Trust Awards 2015 in recognition of the quality of the work. This town square provides a high quality setting for the homes, restaurants and cafes situated around, but most importantly, it also sets a high standard for the proposed Brentford Waterside scheme to deliver against.

Before: Brentford Market Place Square, 2012 After: Brentford Market Place Square, 2014

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of Heathrow Airport. Feltham benefits from a railway station with regular direct services to and from London Waterloo and Reading operated by South West Trains. Nearby Hatton Cross Tube Station is on the Heathrow Branch of the Piccadilly Line. The area is also accessed by a number of strategic roads including important east-west routes such as Staines Road (A315) linking the M25 to Central London. Great Chertsey Road (A316) provides a connection to the M3 as well as the north-south Harlington Road (A312) providing a connection to Heathrow. Feltham and its surrounding areas benefit from access to a wide range of employment opportunities from neighbouring Heathrow for instance. Surrounding areas include industrial parks such as the North Feltham Trading Estate and the site to the south east of Feltham town centre which provide a mix of airport related industries, manufacturing civil engineering, logistics and distribution warehouses, smaller and medium sized enterprises and offices of technology, IT and media businesses.

Objectives set out by the Local Plan for Feltham town centre

1. Publication of a Feltham Vision and Concept Masterplan to be used as evidence base for a new West of Borough Plan; the plan will promote the redevelopment or refurbishment of buildings or sites near to the town centre to include a mix of residential and leisure uses, and improve transport access into the town centre

2. Maximising and improving links to the town centre’s environmental assets such as the Longford River and Feltham Green

3. Continuing the protection of industrial land, including the North Feltham Trading Estate

4. Endorsing suitable town centre stakeholders and groups to form a representative voice for businesses in the area

Regeneration progress so far

A Vision and Concept Masterplan has been produced in 2015 for Feltham following engagement with a wide range of local stakeholders. The purpose of the masterplan is to provide a high-level vision and spatial concept for the town centre that will help guide development and enhancement in the future. The plan also contains a detailed analysis of the area’s challenges and opportunities. From this, a strategy and action plan for Feltham’s future has been prepared in close partnership with stakeholders to identify new housing and employment sites to help meet London’s growing population and enhanced economic links to Heathrow. The masterplan also seeks to build on the town’s existing assets and characters and the structure that is informed by recent investment from Network Rail into the area around the station. The development of Feltham greenspaces is included in the wider Feltham masterplan and a complete re-design and functionality of the greenspace will be carried out to maximise use and connection to town centre, The masterplan will form the key part of the evidence base for a West of Borough Plan that the council is bringing forward to sit alongside the new Local Plan. The West of Borough Plan will be a statutory planning document and subject to a formal consultation and examination in public process.

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Feltham town centre regeneration priorities

F1 Endorsing suitable town centre stakeholders and groups to form a representative voice for businesses in the area

F2 The council will continue to be actively engaged in pursuing funding bids for Feltham that will help it dig deeper into potential opportunities and test ideas

F3 The council will continue to actively promote improved public transport links in the area, including links to Heathrow Airport

F4 Utilising a Feltham Implementation Plan (funded by the GLA) to seek funding opportunities to deliver further regeneration in and around the town centre and unlock development

F5 Retaining local major employers and identifying opportunities for inward investment

F6 Pursuing the designation and delivery of a Housing Zone

F7 Securing the required funding and delivering transport and public realm improvements

e) Other town centres

In Hounslow, apart from the four major town centres mentioned above, there are other neighbourhood centres and isolated shops which are vital in serving the day-to-day needs of residents. These neighbourhood centres also add to the character and image of the areas, giving them a focal point. Isleworth is a large neighbourhood centre designated by the Local Plan (Bedfont, Cranfond, Hanworth, Heston, Hounslow West and Old Isleworth are the other six large neighbourhood centres). The town centre is situated around the Isleworth train station which is served by the South West Trains. Old Isleworth covers parts of Upper Square, The Pavement, South Street and Shrewsbury Walk.

B. Context and character of the borough’s places Hounslow has 28 conservation areas, and 885 statutorily listed buildings – both commercial and domestic. The borough also contains some of west London’s remaining great estates (some privately owned, some state owned and some council owned) at Chiswick, Gunnersbury, Boston Manor, Osterley and Syon - a unique and distinct aspect of the borough and which contributes significantly to borough’s environmental and cultural wealth. These assets as well as many non-designated assets, including 262 locally listed buildings, have a considerable influence on the townscape of the borough today. The council has produced an Urban Context and Character Study (2014) that has identified, described and assessed the character and quality of 232 character areas covering the entire borough.

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Some parts of the borough have historic connections to famous people or celebrities. For instance, Isleworth was home to Vincent van Gogh (1876), and Freddie Mercury lived in Feltham. Some parts of the borough are associated with industrial history that should be recognised. London Air Park was a grass airfield in the grounds of Hanworth Park House operational between 1917-1919 and 1929-1947. Aston Martin cars were manufactured in Feltham between 1948 and 1959. Isleworth Studios were essential to the British film industry from 1914 to 1952. Brentford has been associated with the boat building industry. Although Kew Gardens is outside the borough, the importance of this World Heritage Site is set out in the Statement of Outstanding Universal Value and part of its buffer zones falls within the borough. New structures in the buffer zone should not create adverse impacts on the views from Kew Gardens. However, there is a need to protect the wider setting of Kew Garens that it encompasses areas beyond the buffer zone and outside defined views.

The destinations of Brentford, Chiswick, Osterley, Isleworth, Hounslow, Heston, Feltham, Bedfont and Hanworth are all important and valued identities in the borough.

The 186 acre Gunnersbury Park is co-run and co-owned by Hounslow and Ealing councils. There are 18 listed buildings within the park including the Grade II* listed Large Mansion (Gunnersbury Park Museum) on the right, dating from 1801-1828. See page 73 for details of the park’s Heritage Lottery project)

Cultural Tourism and Regeneration

The GLA defines “cultural tourism” as a broad engagement with London’s arts and entertainment offer, both free and paid. It includes: museums; galleries; theatres; music; dance; comedy; exhibitions; fashion; festivals; literature; film; history; heritage and London’s architecture and built environment. It also means visitors are actively taking part in culture and combining this with tourism in a way that is authentic and means something to them.34

34 Take A Closer Look, Cultural Tourism In London, GLA 2015.

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Cultural tourism can help create new and retain existing jobs and stimulate economic development. It is both a catalyst for regeneration and can be created by regeneration. For instance, the installations of Bell Square in Hounslow town centre and Market Square in Brentford town centre have provided the infrastructure for performances and street markets. The improvements were funded by the Mayor of London’s Outer London Fund and council own fund. The additional visitors benefit the shops, restaurants and cafes around and provide a focal point for visitors. Hounslow has a different cultural offer to central London boroughs. The borough has unique attractions, such as Fullers Brewery in Chiswick, Chiswick House, Hogarth House, Osterley House, Gunnersbury Park Museum, the Watermans Arts Centre, the Musical Museum and London Museum of Water and Steam in Kew Bridge. Syon House was where the coffin of Henry VIII rested on route to Windsor. Many striking Art Deco buildings remain in the Golden Mile. Hounslow Urban Farm in Hatton is one of London’s largest community farms. The annual Oxford and Cambridge University Boat Race has its finishing line on the Thames at Chiswick and the Grand Union Canal, following a section of the River Brent, connects Brentford to Birmingham by narrow boats, cycling or walking. There are also annual festivals and events. For example, the annual Feltham Festival in Feltham, Hanworth and Bedfont showcasing exciting local artists, music, variety shows, visual arts and high quality community arts. Other festivals in the borough include Vaisakhi - a Sikh harvest festival – and Europe’s largest outdoor South Asian festival, the London Mela, which is held in Gunnersbury Park. Other events take place in the parks and town centres.

Challenges (C) and Priorities (P)

C1 Costs for maintenance

The borough’s heritage assets are irreplaceable resources and are granted special protection in the planning process. Careful treatment to sustain their value and importance for future generations is required. The costs for maintaining listed buildings could sometimes be significant. These buildings are often under pressure for changes of use to make them financial viable to pay for the maintenance. Vacant properties are vulnerable to damage from vandalism.

P1 The council will explore the potential for appropriate re-use of historic buildings, particularly for those at risk.

C2 Heritage at risk

Some heritage assets in the borough whether in private or public ownership, are in a poor condition in the borough and require different degrees of investment and repair.

Diwali 2014 - One of the free events held at Bell Square in Hounslow Town Centre

Diwali event at Hounslow Bell Square, November 2014

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P2 Historic England (HE) maintains the National Heritage at Risk (HAR) register. There are currently 21 buildings from Hounslow included on this register. The council aims to remove buildings from the HAR register by working closely with its partners to find new beneficial uses and where appropriate, identifying and supporting bids for funding to restore buildings. Gunnersbury Park, Hanworth Park House and Boston Manor House and Park are its current priorities.

C3 Urban design

Poor public realm can be detrimental to the historic environment.

P3 The council will work with partners and developers through the planning process to secure high-quality urban and architectural design35 to contribute positively to the character of an area.

C4 Balance between conservation and development

The council needs to reconcile the need for growth to accommodate increased population with the impact on the historic environment.

P4 The council will regularly carry out conservation area appraisals and produce up-to-date guidance and advice.

C5 Sense of place

Having a sense of place encourages people to be involved, to enjoy where they live or work, and to interact more with their surroundings. A better sense of place can create a stronger image of a place and improve the sense of community which is important in regeneration.

C5a The council will try to reinforce a sense of identity among local people, and encourage them to actively help manage their neighbourhood.

C5b Community integration is considerably important that new developments need to help create a sense of place whilst complementing the existing character of surrounding neighbourhoods. The council will continue to engage with the local community to develop a sense of place.

P5c The council will exploit the benefits of using local character in the promotion and branding of areas.

35 Urban design involves the design of buildings, groups of buildings, spaces and landscapes, in villages, towns and cities,

and the establishment of frameworks and processes which facilitate successful development.

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C6 Cultural tourism

Some cultural offers in the borough can be promoted further and linked to other initiatives. There are further opportunities for collaboration amongst the cultural tourism and tourism sectors which have been enabled, in part, through the Economic Development and Regeneration Team and the Leisure Team. Running cultural events successfully also relies on the VCSE sector’s involvement and depends on funding available. The Rugby World Cup 2015, for instance, helped establish business partnerships.

C6 The council will, subject to funding and staff resource, continue to explore ways to facilitate or endorse and work with partner organisations and businesses to: help promote cultural

events and attractions. help improve

awareness of Hounslow’s culture offer for tourists and Hounslow residents and workers.

maximise the economic benefits of major events in Hounslow.

facilitate collaboration amongst the cultural tourism and tourism sectors in Hounslow.

Case Study 6: Enhancing industrial heritageTo celebrate the industrial heritage of Brentford and to provide a safer connection and access to the Great West Road, funded by Outer London Fund Round 2, canal sheds in Brentford docks now have slatted panels to help light up the towpath, a key pedestrian route between Brentford High Street and Great West Road.

The Brentford Canal Sheds: Before After

Floating Cinema in Brentford, June 2015

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C. Sustainable mixed communities The council needs to make sure that housing growth is balanced and directed into areas that have capacity for change, while protecting and enhancing the social infrastructure. This means securing high quality, sustainable developments that are located appropriately. The council also needs to ensure that these new homes are fit for purpose and attract residents who want to make the borough their lifelong home. This will be achieved by understanding the quality of build and types of homes they need and want; the level of affordability and proximity to public transport; community, cultural and religious facilities; and provide suitable health, education and leisure facilities to enhance and improve their lives. Environmental factors such as noise and air quality are a limiting factor for housing growth but provide opportunities in those areas where housing is not appropriate. Housing type and availability affects attraction and retention of workers, thereby affecting business growth and retention.

Population growth

According to the 2011 Census, it is estimated that there are 94,900 household in the borough with an average household size of 2.67 persons. The population is projected to grow by 23.5% to reach 323,00036 between 2011 and 2030. Between 2015 and 2030, over 12,330 additional homes, adding to the current stock of 97,00037, will be built to meet additional needs.

Dwelling mix and types

The majority of dwellings in the borough are houses and the rest are mainly purpose built flats, with half of the homes being owner-occupied. The Local Plan sets clear guidance and policies on the level of size mix (number of bedrooms), scale and density (number of units per hectare) and internal and external space required for new developments to ensure they meet housing needs.

Dwelling types in London Borough of Hounslow

Source: 2011 Census

36 Local Plan 2015-2030, London Borough of Hounslow. 37 2011 Census, ONS.

56.9%34.9%

6.6%

1.4% 0.2%Whole house or bungalow

Purpose-built flat

Flat converted from a house(including bed-sits)

Flat in a commercial building

Caravan or other mobile ortemporary structure

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Table 5 : Tenure Type in London Borough of Hounslow

Tenure Number %

Owner occupied 47,562 50.1%

Shared ownership 2,245 2.4%

Rented from Hounslow Council 14,296 15.1%

Social rented: other 7,386 7.8%

Private rented 22,206 23.4%

Living rent free 1,207 1.3% Source: 2011 Census

Challenges (C) and Priorities (P)

C1 Meeting the needs of a growing population

The council needs to provide a mix of housing types and tenures to meet the needs of the growing population. These include affordable housing, family homes and high quality provision for the elderly to allow people to choose to live in the borough throughout their lives and create stable mixed communities.

P1a Local Plan Site Allocations have identified locations to meet the annual housing delivery target of 822 units, while the Local Plan policy ensures the allocated sites supply a range of housing types and sizes. The council will seek to achieve 40% affordable housing with a dwelling mix of 60% affordable/social rented and 40% shared ownership through the planning obligations38.

38 Planning obligations, under Section 106 of the Town and Country Planning Act 1990 (as amended), are a mechanism

which make a development proposal acceptable where a developer provides contributions to offset negative impacts caused by construction and development.

Case Study 7: Mixed tenure housingWorking in partnership with contractor United Living Ltd, the council has undertaken a complete redevelopment of the Manor Lane Estate, Feltham to provide 68 new homes. Of these, 28 are replacement homes for social rent, 4 are the council’s very first Shared Ownership homes, and 36 will be for private sale. The aim of the regeneration scheme is to enhance the quality of the built environment and create a sustainable community with a range of high quality housing opportunities. All of the new affordable homes have now been completed, with the private homes currently marketed for sale.

Manor Lane Regeneration Scheme in Feltham: 2012 2015

Before After

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P1b The council will work with partner organisations and developers to secure external funding such as further Housing Zones39 to help unlock and accelerate housing developments.

P1c Ensuring the delivery of high quality developments and help unlock regeneration, the council will prepare site-specific planning briefs to clarify planning policies subject to resources and timing, highlighting the development opportunities and giving guidance on the required outputs of the new developments.

P1d Identifying new areas of the borough for growth and development to provide much needed housing and jobs and ensuring successful place-making e.g. West of the Borough and the ‘Golden Mile’.

C2 Affordability

According to the Land Registry, the average Hounslow house price in 2015 was £379,010 (an increase of 11.2% compared with the previous year) while the average gross weekly pay for a Hounslow resident in 2015 was £565.740 (an increase of 0.6% compared with the previous year).

House prices in Hounslow were therefore 10.31 times average earnings in 2015.41 This is slightly below the London average ratio (11.04) but well above the national average of 7.36.

In January 2016, homes in Hounslow were sold for an average of £409,102. It means that an average earner in the borough cannot catch up with the rising house prices. It also means a sizeable deposit is needed for getting a mortgage.

Those unable to access finance to buy their own home, those not eligible to live in social rented homes (or unable to because of shortages) and those that need flexibility will turn to the private rented sector to secure housing. However, the private rented sector has always been accompanied by increasing challenges such as affordability, poor physical standards, rogue landlords and insecurity of tenure.

No matter which type of tenure, the level of affordability hinders labour mobility and social mobility.

However these borough-wide figures hide a large contrast between house prices in the east and the west of the borough. For instance, the average prices for homes sold in 2014 in Chiswick Homefields were four times more expensive than those sold in Feltham West, Bedfont, Cranford, Feltham North and Hanworth.

P2 The council is committed to delivering 3,000 new affordable homes, 400 of which will be new council homes between 2014 and 2018. The council will achieve these targets by negotiation through S106 agreements; securing external funding from the GLA’s affordable housing programme (and other funding sources such as the Housing Zones) as well as by working with

39 The Greater London Authority (GLA) intends to designate a total of 20 housing zones across London to help bring

forward housing developments. Each housing zone will receive a share of £400 million in grants and loans from the GLA and central government.

40 ONS annual survey of hours and earnings - resident analysis 41 Department for Communities and Local Government/Greater London Authority, February 2015

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external stakeholders/ partners and registered social landlords, such as housing associations and private developers, to reduce barriers.

C3 Deprivation in Hounslow

Deprivation in Hounslow is mostly concentrated in neighbourhoods that are often characterised by their large stock of post-1945 social or ex-social housing. It should also be noted that some of these pockets of substantial deprivation within the borough are located in areas that are closest to the airport. These areas are highly dependent upon on-and off-airport work at Heathrow for the major source of employment opportunities.

Some levels of deprivation can be reduced by physical regeneration which could involve the improvements to health, open space, educational and training facilities, quality of housing, living environment, job opportunities before, during and after development is complete, physical security and other crime prevention measures.

An integrated approach to physical, environmental, social and economic programmes is therefore required to achieve successful and sustainable regeneration.

P3a The council will continue to support residents to access good quality, sustainable employment by working in partnership and seeking funding to secure outcomes.

P3b The council will continue to work with partner organisations such as NHS, JobCentre Plus and VCSE sector improve access to jobs, higher incomes, skills, training and improved health conditions.

C4 Specialist and supported housing

Since 1982, life expectancy at birth has increased by two and a half years per decade in the UK for males, and by two years per decade for females. The ageing population requires specialist housing such as nursing homes and residential care homes.

There is also a need for other specialist and supported housing for people with learning difficulties, mental health problems, homeless people with support needs and young people. The needs may not be met if wholly relying upon the market and as the council is looking to develop new supported housing schemes as part of its own development activity as well as exploring new opportunities with partners.

P4 The council will start the consultation of development plans, Great West Corridor Plan and the West of Borough Plan by early 2016, to help accelerate regeneration including residential development and identify suitable sites for specialist and supported housing development.

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D. Community infrastructure Community infrastructure, including health, leisure, cultural and education facilities, sports venues, public houses, places of worship and meeting places, play a central role in meeting the needs of existing and future communities. The quality and proximity of the borough’s community facilities, as well as property prices, rent levels, shopping facilities, the transport network, community safety, open spaces and play areas, are the key factors to attract and retain residents and workers and encourage inward investment. They contribute towards higher standards of sustainable development and quality of life by providing appropriate facilities locally. The involvement of VSCE sector in determining the provision and quality of the community infrastructure is very important in terms of the role the sector in delivering many of the services, and / or managing community buildings or delivering services from them. Schools

There are 75 state schools in the borough - eight infant schools, eight junior schools (two are academies), 38 primary schools (two are academies), 15 secondary schools (13 are academies), four special schools, two all-through free schools, two Studio Schools and one pupil referral unit. There are also 14 independent schools in the borough. In terms of further and higher education, West Thames College has two campuses, one in Isleworth and a smaller Skills Centre in Feltham. The Brentford campus of the University of West London houses the School of Psychology, Social Care and Human Sciences and College of Nursing, Midwifery and Healthcare. The site also offers 839 single study rooms for students. Health

In terms of health facilities, there are 54 GP practices, 42 general dental practices, 54 community pharmacies, 41 optical providers and several hospitals including West Middlesex University Hospital NHS. An increased residential and working population will have direct impacts on the number of people who require health care in the borough. Leisure and culture The council operates 11 libraries and five leisure centres across the borough in Brentford, Chiswick, Hanworth, Heston and Isleworth. Hanworth and Isleworth are co-located with libraries. Each of the leisure centres boast a full range of facilities including fitness studios, health suites, swimming pools, cafes, crèche facilities and outdoor pitches. In addition to five leisure centres there is also a six lane athletics track and sports centre in Osterley. In addition the council has a large portfolio of properties leased to sports clubs and organisations. Leisure services need to be able to accommodate the demand an increase in residential and working population will have so that the council can ensure it provides the right services in the right places to have a positive impact on health and wellbeing. Hounslow prides itself on its rich heritage and cultural attractions which include Boston Manor House, Hogarth’s House, Osterley House, Syon House, Chiswick

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House, Paul Robeson Theatre, Redlees Artist Studio and Watermans Arts Centre, Hounslow Urban Farm, Gunnersbury Park Museum (is closed for renovation and will reopen in 2017), Musical Museum at Kew Bridge and the London Museum of Water and Steam. Parks and open spaces are utilised well and hold regular community events which brings vibrancy and a wealth of diversity in to borough.

Challenges (C) and Priorities (P)

C1 Ensuring education and health facilities meets the needs of a growing population.

P1 Working with key stakeholders to identify and secure funding to provide high quality education and healthcare facilities

C2 Continued cost effective provision of local authority leisure centres and sports facilities that adequately meet the demand of a growing population.

P2 The council will think strategically and prioritise in terms of people and place and work with key regional and national partners to draw funding into the borough.

Case Study 8: Heston Pools redevelopment The old Heston Pools was closed in 2014 and was replaced by a £13.5 million leisure centre. The new Heston Pools and Fitness Centre, was opened in February 2016, has a seven lane, 25m swimming pool; teaching pool; state-of-the-art gym; two studios; soft play area for children; café and changing places facilities. The scheme was funded through the sale of nearby land for residential development.

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Regeneration and Economic Development Action Plan for Objective 3 – Place-making The projects listed below will help achieve Hounslow’s regeneration objectives, unlock and deliver sustainable growth across the borough. There are crossovers where a project can achieve multi-objectives. The list is not exhaustive. Please be aware that some of these projects are yet to secure funding and appropriate approval. The council will review the list annually to monitor the progress of the projects as well as to include new ones if necessary.

Ref. no.

Project/ initiative Project Summary Relevant priories

Target completed by March 2020

External / Potential Partners /

Stakeholders

Funding Secured as at March 2016

A. Town centres

a) Hounslow town centre

3.1 Hounslow High Street Quarter

£180 million, leisure led mixed use town centre development. Multi agency project aims to regenerate the town centre and develop underutilised sites. The development of the site is proposed to be an entertainment leisure and retail complex, with a cinema, bowling alley, retail, restaurants, public space and 525 new residential units including affordable units.

P1a, P2, H9

Part of development completed.

Barratt London, Wilson Bowden

Yes (Barratt, the development partner has)

3.2 Hounslow Town Centre Housing Zone

£18.5m from the Mayor of London to boost jobs and business growth, and to accelerate high quality house-building.

H4 Development partners, GLA, landowners, developers

Yes

3.3 Civic Centre

Proposals for Bath Road car park to be redeveloped for a new Civic Centre with the Lampton Road site then given over for enabling housing development. It will provide a boost to the regeneration of Hounslow High Street through greater footfall of staff and residents.The council will be able to combine the library, registrar facilities and adult education with the new Civic Centre to create a strong community space.

P1a, H5 New Civic Centre completed

Development partner (Including Registered Providers), , GLA

Yes

3.4 Hounslow Town Centre Shopfront improvements

Using New Homes Bonus top slice money to support local businesses in Hounslow with bespoke shopfront improvement solutions including repainting, re-glazing, new signage etc. Improves the character and environmental amenity of the town centre.

P1f

Project delivered by March 2017

Retailers, GLA, architects, builders

Yes

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Ref. no.

Project/ initiative Project Summary Relevant priories

Target completed by March 2020

External / Potential Partners /

Stakeholders

Funding Secured as at March 2016

3.5 Bell Square Pavilion

The Pavilion will support the outdoor cultural events and performances at Bell Square and complement Hounslow Town Centre’s public realm. In addition to new public seating and changing rooms for performers, the Bell Square Pavilion accommodates a control room to control events lighting and projections, and storage space for technical equipment.

H8 Project completed by mid-2017

Assemble Studios and builders, event provider, local businesses, Town Team

Yes (subject to staff resource to facilitate)

3.6 Cultural provision – Hounslow High Street

The provision of Bell Square’s outdoor cultural programme until December 2018

P1i, H2

Programme December 2018 delivered; further funding sources identified.

Delivery partner (Hounslow Arts Trust), GLA,

Partial (funded externally no Council funding)

3.7 Hounslow High Street Linkages

Using New Homes Bonus top slice money to improve the public realm, shop front signage, street furniture and paving along the main public transport links to the town centre – from Hounslow Central Underground and Hounslow Mainline stations.

P1e, H3 Project completed by March 2017

GLA, TfL, contractors, retailers

Yes

3.8 Legible London

Nine Legible London signs will be installed in Hounslow Town Centre. One will be installed outside Hounslow Train Station to help signpost the way to the Town Centre

P1e, H3 Signs installed by March 2017

TfL, GLA Yes

3.9 Hounslow Market Ensuring the market place achieves its full capacity and is a successful vibrant market. Tender for market operator for delivery post September 2018.

P1c, H6

Work with current market operator to ensure success until September 2018; tender new market operator to deliver after September 2018

HH, Tudor Markets N/A

b) Chiswick town centre

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Ref. no.

Project/ initiative Project Summary Relevant priories

Target completed by March 2020

External / Potential Partners /

Stakeholders

Funding Secured as at March 2016

3.10 Chiswick Shopfront Improvements

Assess feasibility for and seek funding to enable revitalisation of parades in various locations

P1f

Viability assessment Potential locations identified by March 2017. Funding secured/project delivered by 2020

No

3.11

Chiswick Market (between Devonshire Road and Linden Gardens)

Facilitate town centre stakeholders to host markets. P1c,P1hC1 C4

Feasibility study underway; funding identified

Destination Chiswick, Chiswick Business Collective

No

3.12 Affordable Workspace

Enable affordable workspace in the town centre and surrounding areas.

C2, C3

Planning interventions (where required); feasibility study; funding sources Identified

No

c) Brentford town centre

3.13 Brentford Animation Programme

Enable partners to deliver outdoor events in the newly regenerated Market Place and Brentford Lock and Piazza to support footfall and visitor engagement with the town centre.

P1i, B3 On-going

BHSSG, Brentford Chamber, CRT, Ballymore, local businesses Isis Regeneration, GLA, Watermans

No

3.14 Brentford Lock Piazza

Create performance ready location with upgraded electrics and lighting (subject to review of requirements and feasibility).

P1i, B3 Feasibility investigated and funding identified

No

3.15 Brentford Lock Signage

Create of destination signage for Piazza at Brentford Lock

P1e Feasibility investigated and funding identified

CRT, BHSG, Brentford Chamber of Commerce

No

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Ref. no.

Project/ initiative Project Summary Relevant priories

Target completed by March 2020

External / Potential Partners /

Stakeholders

Funding Secured as at March 2016

3.16

Brentford “Meanwhile” Space/Pop Up Shops

Exploring options for and facilitating meanwhile space to keep the frontages active whilst awaiting development on the Brentford Waterside site.

P1d, B2 Plans agreed and implemented

Ballymore, Planning No

3.17 Retail Strategy

Development of a Town Centre Retail Strategy by Ballymore (the development partner for the Brentford Waterside site) which will market Brentford as a destination and encourage a mix of new retail and leisure units into the town centre.

P1a Ballymore No

3.18 Brentford Shopfront Improvements

Revitalise parades in various locations including Albany Parade, Stile Hall Parade, etc.

P1f Funding secured for more sites

Local businesses No

3.19 Watermans Park Marina

The £5.45m new marina in Brentford will host 26 berths along the River Thames in Brentford by Watermans Park. The plans are also part of the council’s commitment to regulate this stretch of the river, to control emissions and ensure health and safety compliance.

P1a Project completed and sustained

Port of London Authority

Yes

d) Feltham town centre

3.20

Delivery programme for Feltham Masterplan and the West of Borough Plan

Identify sources of funding to deliver programmes of regeneration identified within the Feltham Masterplan and the West of Borough Plan

P1b,F4, F5

Programmes identified; Viability undertaken; Funding sources and delivery partners identified

Feltham residents and businesses

No

3.21 Feltham Implementation Plan

Identify further feasibility requirements and identify funding sources for regeneration projects and delivery plan arising from Feltham Vision and Concept Masterplan, the Feltham Implementation Plan and the Feltham greenspaces masterplan.

P1a, P1b, F1. F3,F4,&7

Funding secured for some projects and some permanent projects delivered

Feltham residents, businesses, GLA, Town Team

Funding to be secured for projects

3.22 Feltham Major Scheme

Enable and facilitate delivery of programmes of regeneration including High Street works and improvements to bridges.

P1a, P1e,F7

Delivered by Summer 2017

TfL, Network Rail, town centre stakeholders

Yes

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Ref. no.

Project/ initiative Project Summary Relevant priories

Target completed by March 2020

External / Potential Partners /

Stakeholders

Funding Secured as at March 2016

3.23 Town centre’s environmental assets

Identify opportunities to maximise and improve links to the town centre’s environmental assets such as the Longford River and Feltham Green.

P1e,F7g No

3.24 Employment land around town centre

Utilising the findings of the employment land review and actively seeking the protection of industrial land and suitable office space.

F5 Project completed

Carillion services, Friends of Boston Manor Park, Historic England, HLF

No

3.25 Promoting public transport link

The council will continue to actively promote improved public transport links in the area, including links to Heathrow Airport.

F2,F3 Project completed Carillion services, Friends of Hogarth’s House, HLF

No

e) Other town centres

3.26 Isleworth Market

Marketing and refurbishment of market square – stalls, paving and pop up power to develop a regular market (subject to review of feasibility of market and requirements).

P1c Feasibility undertaken Inspiring Isleworth No

3.27 London Road Isleworth

Isleworth station was earmarked as the first pilot area to be resourced through the South West Trains’ London Community Rail Partnership. Projects are being reviewed and could include improved bus links to station, improved walking and cycling routes, art and education projects etc.

P1b,P1e

Projects identified by March 2017; Funding secured; Some projects underway by 2020

South West Trains. Isleworth businesses and residents

No

3.28

Public Realm improvements in front of Isleworth Station

Public realm improvements funded through S106 funding, resurfacing of pavement and planting.

P1e Project delivered; Further funding secured

TfL, South West Trains, town centre stakeholders

Yes (partial)

3.29

Isleworth Station House Refurbishment and Public Realm

Facilitating the exploration of viability and opportunities to bring empty property back into use.

P1a, P1d

Feasibility study underway, funding identified

South West Trains, town centre stakeholders

No

3.30 Isleworth Film Heritage Festival

Enable town centre stakeholders to develop and deliver a pilot and then potentially annual film festival based on Isleworth film heritage and develop a community and youth programme.

P1g, P1i

Viability assessed (subject to funding)

BFI, Inspiring Isleworth, GLA, HLF, Film London

No

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Ref. no.

Project/ initiative Project Summary Relevant priories

Target completed by March 2020

External / Potential Partners /

Stakeholders

Funding Secured as at March 2016

3.31 Hounslow West public realm

Public realm improvements to paving, street furniture, signage and planting to be identified for Hounslow West Neighbourhood Centre.

P1e

Funding secured for some of the elements and some projects implemented by 2020; Feasibility study underway by March 2017

HH No

B. Context and character of the borough’s places

3.32 Enhancing Local Heritage

Identify opportunities to enhance local heritage across the borough

P1e No current targets Heritage Lottery Fund No

3.33 Gunnersbury Park and Museum

Gunnersbury park and museum are jointly owned and managed by Hounslow and Ealing Councils. Both councils have agreed to progress a masterplan with a total cost estimate of £48million in three phases within the guidance of a conservation management plan. Phase 1 has been enabled through funding awarded by the Parks for People programme of the Heritage Lottery Fund (HLF) to focus on the key elements of the heritage landscape and through their Heritage Grant programme to focus on refurbishing the Museum within the Large Mansion. Phase 2 will address buildings not included in Phase 1 and Phase 3 will address the sports facilities at Gunnersbury and the wider landscape beyond the heritage core.

P2 Project completed

LB Ealing, Heritage Lottery Fund (HLF), Historic England, Friends of Gunnersbury Park

Yes

3.34 Boston Manor House and Park

To conserve and repair the house: its historic features and the park fabric in order to increase accessibility of the house and the parks facilities thus increasing the use of underused areas. Ensuring a viable new use is found for the house as well as being accessible to the public, ensuring it is also able to generate a level of income that will sustain the property for the future.

P2 Project completed

Carillion services, Friends of Boston Manor Park, Historic England, HLF

No

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Ref. no.

Project/ initiative Project Summary Relevant priories

Target completed by March 2020

External / Potential Partners /

Stakeholders

Funding Secured as at March 2016

3.35 Hogarth’s House

The project will refurbish and re-present the 17th Century walled garden creating a more appropriate setting for the House with new planting. Development of a fully accessible, multi-purpose room for learning activities and events to be positioned south of the House.

P2 Project completed Carillion services, Friends of Hogarth’s House, HLF

No

C. Sustainable mixed communities

3.36 Brentford Albany Development

Regeneration and development of river side area in east Brentford for residential development

P2, P3 On-going Waterman’s Arts Centre, joint venture with partner developer,

£6m funding secured a further £1.27m is to be secured to deliver the scheme

3.37 Brentford Waterside: Brentford Land South of High Street

The £500m mixed use scheme proposed by Ballymore Group will include up to 876 new homes, as well as new community and leisure facilities, retail space including a new supermarket and, employment and business space. There are also plans for water sports facilities, a new museum celebrating Brentford’s riverside heritage

P2, P3 Construction commenced

Ballymore Group Partial

3.38 Hounslow Town Centre Housing Zone Core Sites

To create at least 919 new homes on the Civic Centre site; To redevelop the Hounslow Town School site for a new school and at least 250 new homes; To speed up development of Nantley House for 68 new homes.

P1a, P1b, P1c, P2

210 units completed by March 2018 and 68 units by March 2019

Partner developers (Including Registered Providers), GLA

Yes

3.39 Heathrow new Garden City

Part of the evidence base for the West of Borough Plan - testing options for new Southern Rail Access to Heathrow, new station and associated development potential

P1a, P2, P3

Completed - feeds into West Borough Plan

Consultation as part of West of Borough Plan

No

3.40 Feltham Housing Zone

To accelerate and unlock further housing growth and affordable housing in Feltham; To boost jobs and business growth.

P1, P2, P3

Housing Zone bid submitted by early 2016

GLA, landowners, developers

No outcome expected April 2016

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Ref. no.

Project/ initiative Project Summary Relevant priories

Target completed by March 2020

External / Potential Partners /

Stakeholders

Funding Secured as at March 2016

3.41 Fountains Leisure Centre

Regeneration of the site for mixed use development – housing and leisure that the housing element could help fund the new leisure centre.

P1a, P2, P3

Funding secured for the redevelopment

Development partner, GLA

No

3.42 Creative People and Places

An Arts Council funded project which looks to increase local people’s involvement in the ‘traditional’ arts (dance, music, theatre, art, etc.). It includes the formation of a community choir, dance bus, etc.

P5 Engage 45% of Hounslow residents in the arts by 2017

Creative People & Places, Arts Council England

Yes

3.43 Heston Big Local £1m over 3 years to engage local people in the wider community; highest levels of deprivation etc.

P5 Sustained community involvement in Heston West

Heston West Partnership, Big Local, Groundworks (delivery partner)

Yes

3.44 Community College

employment and skills courses for local people to access for low cost/free, enabling them to learn how to run a community event, take ownership of their local community spaces, learn ICT skills, how to write funding applications etc.

P5 Increase in residents engaged in adult learning

Local businesses, housing associations

Yes

3.45 Community Impact Fund

Small pots of money to support local community projects

P5

Increased resident engagement, civic pride and cohesion. Number of grants allocated will be dependent on annual budgets

Local community and residents groups

Yes

D. Community infrastructure

3.46 Hounslow Local Infrastructure Fund

Annual consultation and engagement process on spending of the neighbourhood fund element of CIL

P1g Annual cycle commencing 2016

Area forums, residents and community organisations

Yes - CIL receipts from July 15 onwards

3.47 Primary School Expansion Programme

Additional primary form-of-entry (FE) are needed in the next 5 years particularly in the Brentford and central Hounslow areas which will continue to experience significant increases in housing

P1

5 primary schools + junior section of a primary school expanded

Primary schools to be expanded

Partial

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Ref. no.

Project/ initiative Project Summary Relevant priories

Target completed by March 2020

External / Potential Partners /

Stakeholders

Funding Secured as at March 2016

3.48 New Primary School Building programme

Additional primary form-of-entry (FE) are needed in the next 5 years particularly in the Brentford and central Hounslow areas which will continue to experience significant increases in housing

P1 2 new primary schools to be built and one school to be rebuilt

Developers, landowners

Partial

3.49 Secondary School Expansion Programme

Expansion of existing secondary schools on-site to provide up to 23 FE.

P1 Additional FE meets the need

Secondary schools to be expanded

Partial

3.50 New Secondary School Building Programme

New secondary schools delivered on sites identified as appropriate for new school places, to provide up to 20 FE.

P1 At least 4 potential sites to be identified/ secured

Developers, landowners

Partial

3.51

School places for children with special educational needs (SEN)

To create 275 new school places: The existing Marjory Kinnon School will be demolished, with teaching moved to a new purpose built primary and secondary SEN school on the site; The Oaklands School site in Bridge Road, Isleworth, could be converted to a new SEN primary school, and a new secondary, post-16 and young adult education facility would need to be built nearby.

P1

Additional places available at Marjory Kinnon School from September 2017, and Oaklands School from September 2018.

Marjory Kinnon School, Oaklands School from September

Partial

3.52 Outdoor Gyms To install outdoor gyms in 8 sites across the borough providing free, accessible opportunities to be active.

P2 To be complete by March 2017

Carillion and Fusion Funding secured

3.53 Active Spaces To refurbish and replace play areas in parts of the borough that need it most, creating animated spaces for children to play. To be delivered in phases.

P2 Play area programme to be complete by 2018

Carillion

Phase one and two funding secured.

3.54 Gunnersbury Park Sports Hub

A £9million sports hub to be created at Gunnersbury Park to include a sports hall, changing rooms, café, floodlit tennis courts and artificial grass pitches and multiple grass pitches.

P2 To be complete by January 2018

London Borough of Ealing, Sport England, National Governing Bodies

£5 million secured, £4 million unconfirmed.

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9. Objective 4 – Enhancing the Environment This objective involves the state of the natural environment and the interventions needed to mitigate and reduce the potential impacts of new developments on the environment.

A. State of the natural environment

The total quantity of public open space is 1,365 hectares, which equates to 5 hectares per 1,000 population. This significantly exceeds the average level of provision for similar and neighbouring boroughs, which stands at 3.6 hectares per 1,000 population42. The borough’s green and blue infrastructure encompass many forms and types of green space and links including: parks, Green Belt, Metropolitan Open Land43, private gardens, nature conservation areas, outdoor sports facilities, agricultural fields, hedges, trees, woodland, green roofs, green walls, allotments, city farms, cemeteries, churchyards, canals, rivers, lakes and ponds.

The quality, history, perception, reputation, characteristics, safety, connectivity and accessibility of green and blue infrastructure influences people’s choice to invest in, relocate to or visit the borough. Apart from providing the function of sport, recreation or aesthetic appeal, green spaces and waterways can also reduce flood risk, improve psychological health and wellbeing that can improve deprivation, provide a habitat for wildlife and boost local economic development in terms of attracting investment in housing, offices, food and drink establishments to be located around the green spaces and waterways.

Types of green infrastructure in the London Borough of Hounslow

42 London Plan Evidence Base: Open Space Background Paper, April 2013 (with minor amendments March and August

2014), London Borough of Hounslow. 43 Metropolitan Open Land (MOL) carries the same level of protection in policy from inappropriate development as the

Green Belt. Designation is intended to protect areas of landscape, recreation, nature conservation and scientific interest which are strategically important.

Source: Urban Context and Character Study 2014

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The Green Belt covers open space in the west of the borough up to Hounslow Heath, which is south west of Hounslow Town Centre. The borough has 208 parks and open spaces, nine cemeteries and 34 allotment sites. These open spaces are owned or co-owned and managed by the council or by the National Trust (e.g. Osterley Park) or private landowners (e.g. Syon Park is owned by the Duke of Northumberland). The borough has some of the most diverse habitats in London, some of which are also of regional and national importance. Within the borough itself, there are 954 hectares of open space managed either wholly or partly for nature conservation.

Although the total area of the top five largest parks and gardens (Osterley Park, Syon House and Grounds, Gunnersbury Park, Bedfont Lakes Country Park and Chiswick House and Grounds) account for 40% of the public open space in the borough, many smaller open spaces and parks play a valuable role in providing more informal recreation, including dog-walking and children’s playareas, and will continue to be protected. The council needs to protect, maintain and improve the openness, accessibility, amenity, biodiversity and recreational value of these green spaces to maximise their health and wellbeing benefits to its communities. Community engagement through friends of parks and Love Parks Week44 activities help obtain the Green Flag status.45

The All London Green Grid (ALGG) is a policy framework to promote the design and delivery of green infrastructure across London. The Mayor of London published ALGG Supplementary Planning Guidance in 2012 to set the vision and framework for London’s green infrastructure. Eleven ALGG area frameworks have been produced to identify objectives and projects at a sub-regional level. The borough is

44 Love Parks Week, which began in 2006 is a nationwide initiative aiming to get everybody outdoors enjoying their

beautiful parks and green spaces in communities up and down the country. 45 The Green Flag Award® scheme is the benchmark national standard for parks and green spaces in the UK. Awards are

given on an annual basis and winners must apply each year to renew their Green Flag status.

Case Study 9: comprehensive park improvement schemeIn October 2014, Hounslow councillors approved an additional £2.192 million investment in Gunnersbury Park to help deliver ambitious regeneration. The extra money is on top of the £2.6 million already committed to the project, and will be added to the £8.8 million from the Heritage Lottery Fund, and £5 million from Ealing Council, who jointly own the site. The project will restore and transform the 186 acre Gunnersbury Park into a sustainable, high quality public space for events, sports and recreational activities. Refurbishment work began in spring 2015 and is due for completion by spring 2017. The council agreed a further £1.25 million of public health money to be invested in the sports and physical activity hub at Gunnersbury.

After

Before

After

Building a brand new café to replace the current one is one of the planned improvements

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in: Area 9 - Arcadian Thames; Area 10 - River Colne and Crane; and Area 11 - Brent Valley and Barnet Plateau.

The Blue Ribbon Network in the borough is part of London’s strategic network of water spaces, which covers the River Thames, canals, tributary rivers, lakes, reservoirs, docks and smaller waterbodies. The borough’s waterways include the Grand Union Canal, the River Crane, the River Brent, Longford River, the Duke of Northumberland’s River and Portlane Brook run through both built and open landscape. They have long been associated with different settlements in areas such as Isleworth and Brentford, where the canalside and riverside environments contain industrial heritage. In regeneration terms, the borough’s watercourses are very important. They provide recreational, ecological and amenity resources, as well as an attractive setting for the surroundings.

The council has been working in partnership the VCSE sectors and groups including Hounslow Biodiversity Action Plan Partnership, Thames Landscape Strategy and Thames Strategy Kew to Chelsea, Crane Valley Partnership and Brent Catchment Partnership to improve and protect the riverside environment and landscape, water quality and biodiversity.

Via the council’s Community Grants, the council has funded projects that can demonstrate how they will help meet the council’s priority of a ‘clean, green borough.’ Green space improvement / volunteering projects have included those delivered by Groundwork, London Wildlife Trust (Crane Park), Friends of the River Crane Environment (FORCE) and allotment projects.

Blue Ribbon Network in London Borough of Hounslow

River Longford – a hidden gem in

Feltham Town Centre

Source: Urban Context and Character Study, London Borough of Hounslow 2014

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Challenges (C) and Priorities (P)

C1 Population growth:

The council will need to balance accommodating population growth with minimising detrimental impact on the environment. Although the council has good overall provision of open space, the quantity, quality and access varies across the borough. New development will intensify the use of the surrounding open spaces. Improvements to those lower quality open spaces should be addressed to meet the recreational and leisure needs of the new and existing residents and create an environment to promote social inclusion.

P1a External funding: the council will investigate the opportunities to enhance the poorer quality open spaces through the use of external funding, particularly in those areas facing population growth as a result of new developments.

P1b Priority areas: the council will look for funding to deliver improvements to Bedfont Lake, Hanworth Park, Boston Manor Park, Duke’s Meadows, Redlees, Feltham Park, Gunnersbury Triangle, Hounslow Heath and Crane Valley.

P1c Spatial planning: the council will protect and enhance the overall quality of the watercourses and the provision of recreational opportunities when masterplanning Feltham, the “Golden Mile” and other areas.

P1d Green routes: river walks and towpaths can connect homes, schools, employment, leisure destinations and shops. The use of those green routes will be maximised as a means to reduce congestion and pollution on the road.

P1e All London Green Grid: the council will continue to support the partnership working including joint funding bids within the All London Green Grid Frameworks.

C2 Community engagement

The council needs help to deliver these ambitious regeneration objectives.

P2 The council will continue to engage with residents and community groups to help maintain the borough’s green and blue infrastructure.

C3 Flood risks Some of borough’s waterways face flood risks during or after heavy rainfall

that may affect regeneration prospects of the surrounding opportunity sites.

P3 Naturalisation: the council will work with partners to identify and promote opportunities to restore rivers to their natural state through river restoration work.

Isleworth Ait Local Nature Reserve

Isleworth Ait Local Nature Reserve

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B. Ensuring environmental quality Regeneration is a holistic process of reversing the economic, physical and social decline of places where market forces alone are not sufficient. In the past, environmental protection has been seen as an obstacle to regeneration – because it has required higher standards carbon reductions, sustainable design and construction, energy efficiency and flood mitigation; control of noise pollution, light pollution, air pollution, demolition methods and waste disposals. Achieving these high environmental standards may incur additional costs that could affect the viability of developments. However, the economic benefits of environmental protection and sustainable development are now better understood. For instance, higher energy-efficient products and the variety, e.g. photovoltaic panels, have become widely available and affordable which is achieved by economies of scale. Implementing climate change mitigation and adaptation46 measures can now be done at a lower cost, and can be an example of “invest to save spending”. Ensuring environmental quality also protects the borough’s existing and new communities from the detrimental effects of noise, poor air quality and general environmental pollution.

Air quality Nitrogen dioxide inflames the lining of the lungs and it can reduce immunity to lung infections. Increased levels of nitrogen dioxide can have significant impacts on people with asthma. It can contribute to the formation of acid rain which damages vegetation, buildings and water bodies. The major source of nitrogen dioxide are emissions from road transport, although in this borough aircraft emissions are a contributing factor to air quality.

Concentration of nitrogen dioxide in the borough can be found in the busy road network including the M4, A4, A312, A30, A205, A416, A315 and A316, and in areas of Cranford, Heston and Feltham closest to the runways of the airport47. In 2006, the council designated the whole borough as an Air Quality Management Area (AQMA) due to excessive nitrogen oxide and air pollution particulate matter which can cause respiratory illnesses and other adverse health effects. The council operates seven automatic monitoring stations to measure different types of pollutants. Public transport improvements and other initiatives taken together can shift a proportion of the additional car trips generated by expected economic and population growth to more sustainable modes of transport such as walking and cycling and bus, train and underground services. Locating amenities such as schools, shops, jobs, leisure and health facilities accessibly will also reduce demand for car travel.

46 Mitigation addresses the root causes, by reducing greenhouse gas emissions, while adaptation seeks to lower the risks

posed by the consequences of climatic changes. 47 Air Quality Action Plan Progress Report 2013, London Borough of Hounslow 2014.

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Noise Pollution

Meanwhile, noise from aviation, transport and noise generating uses (such as industrial and commercial operations, construction sites, food and drink establishments and other town centre uses) can impact on surrounding residential properties. There are four noise monitoring stations. The council is currently preparing a draft Noise Supplementary Planning Document (SPD). The SPD, when adopted after consultation, will help developers, clients and agents interpret relevant legislation and guide good acoustic design leading to acceptable acoustic conditions.

Climate Change

The built environment has a significant role to play in climate change mitigation and adaptation. The council expects new development proposals to incorporate established principles for sustainable design and construction including passive solar design, water efficiency standards, sustainable urban drainage systems48, the reuse and recycling of construction materials, green roofs and urban greening. Improved sustainable design of developments may also benefit future occupiers in terms of saving running costs and living or working in a more pleasant and healthier environment, for example with more natural light, natural ventilation and adaptability for future needs.

Constructing a new building generates waste before (demolition), during (construction) and after (commercial and municipal) it is completed. The waste hierarchy ranks five steps for dealing with waste. Prevention is at the top of the hierarchy, followed by re-use, recycling, recovery and finally disposal. Hounslow residents are currently recycling more than 37% of their waste, whereas 85%49 of household waste is actually recyclable. The level of commercial waste generated in the borough has stabilised while its household waste is projected to increase.

48 Sustainable Urban Drainage System (SUDS) is designed to use water management facilities such as permeable surfaces,

wetlands, ponds etc. to drain surface water rather than routing run-off through a pipe to a watercourse. This reduces the risk of “flash-flooding” on roads when rainwater rapidly flows into the public sewerage and drains.

49 Further Alterations to the London Plan 2015, GLA.

Case Study 10: Air Quality Monitoring The council worked with partners in the Transport Research Laboratory, GLA, TfL and the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs to deliver a project entitled “Chiswick High Road and Great West Road (A4) Mitigation Options for Air Quality Hotspots in Hounslow”. The project, completed in December 2012, determined roadside pollutant emissions contributions from different categories of vehicle types (HGVs, LGVs, buses, etc.), by using automatic number plate recognition (ANPR) camera technology. The project recommended mitigation options suitable to reduce emissions.

The pollutants monitored at this roadside site of Great West Road are nitrogen oxides fine particulates (PM10) and carbon monoxide

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Hounslow Council has joined five other west London boroughs (Brent, Ealing, Harrow, Hillingdon and Richmond) to prepare a joint waste plan covering a 15 year period up to 2031, for the combined area. The West London Waste Plan, adopted by Hounslow Council in July 2015 sets out a sub-regional waste management strategy containing policies identifying and safeguarding sufficient sites for waste management facilities in the area to meet the London Plan waste apportionment targets. The plan also allocates a site at Western International Market for waste management.

Parts of the borough have been home to a wide variety of uses throughout its history including industrial uses, landfill, military operations and gas works. These industries have sometimes polluted the land where they operated. This pollution, or contamination, can harm human health, water supplies, natural habitats and property - but not all old industrial sites are contaminated. Where sites come forward for redevelopment, the council, through the planning process, ensures that any contamination clean-up is carried out.

Challenges (C) and Priorities (P)

C1 Reducing carbon emissions

Building Regulations and the London Plan sets targets for reducing carbon emissions when giving planning permission for new developments.

P1a Planning decisions will incorporate requirements for new developments to be constructed to London-wide sustainable construction, energy, and water use and drainage standards. Additional emphasis will be placed on the mitigation and avoidance of air quality and noise problems. Opportunities for retrofitting existing poorly performing council owned buildings as well as homes (in public and private ownership) will be maximised.

P1b The council will explore the opportunity for decentralised energy networks in regeneration areas where it is feasible and viable.

P1c The council will ensure energy efficiency improvements are considered as part of the Asset Management Strategy and explore job opportunities when retrofitting its existing building stock.

C2 Noise and poor air quality

Areas of the borough suffer from noise and poor air quality and it is a challenge to mitigate against these environmental constraints to provide a good standard of working and living environments.

P2a Planning guidance: the council will apply the policies and standards included in the London Plan, Hounslow Local Plan, West London Waste Plan and Noise Supplementary Planning document when they are adopted. The council is currently reviewing and updating the Air Quality Supplementary Planning document (2008) following the publication of the National Planning Policy Framework, National Planning Policy Guidance and the Submission Local Plan. These supplementary planning documents are designed to provide technical advice including air quality for developers to use and on how the council consider planning applications.

P2b Heathrow Airport: the council will continue to work with Heathrow Airport to mitigate noise and air quality for homes, schools and community buildings.

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P2c Electric vehicles: the council will continue to encourage the use of electric vehicles which are zero-emission at point of use. The council will apply the standards established in the Local Plan for electric vehicle charging when assessing planning applications.

P2d The council will investigate the measures and innovative methods to achieve

air pollution emissions reductions.

P2e The council will continue to encourage community engagement in actions to improve air quality.

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Regeneration and Economic Development Action Plan for Objective 4 – Enhancing the Environment The projects listed below will help achieve Hounslow’s regeneration objectives, unlock and deliver sustainable growth across the borough. There are crossovers where a project can achieve multi-objectives. The list is not exhaustive. Please be aware that some of these projects are yet to secure funding and appropriate approval. The council will review the list annually to monitor the progress of the projects as well as to include new ones if necessary

Ref. no.

Project Project Summary Relevant priories

Target completed by March 2020

External / Potential Partners /

Stakeholders

Funding Secured as at March 2016

A. State of the natural environment

4.1 Feltham Arena As part of the wider West of Borough Plan to revitalise former sports as a relevant sports hub contributes to the local community connectivity the open space.

P1c Feasibility study completed

As above No

4.2 Feltham Parks`

To improve, conserve, manage and maintain Feltham Parks as well as increasing access to and within the parks and facilitate more opportunities for sport and physical activity.

P2 Feasibility and phased improvement funding secured

Fusion, Carillion, Sport England, London Sport

Feasibility study and phase one funding secured

4.3 Dukes Meadow To improve access to the range of sports offer and improve infrastructure on site.

P1b Feasibility study Funding secured

Fusion, Carillion, Sport England, London Sport

Feasibility study Funding secured

4.4

Glebelands and Blenheim Park work around the Longford River

Enhancement of habitats along the Longford River between Feltham and the A315 Staines Road. Greater establishment of habitats, information and density of area

P1e Feasibility study Funding secured

Carillion services, Friends of Park, local residents

No

4.5 Hanworth Park

To improve usage of park through developing a holistic regeneration plan for the whole site to take consideration of its significant sports, heritage and improving habitats

P1c Feasibility study Funding secured

Carillion services, Friends of Park, Sports Clubs, local residents and sports governing bodies

No

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Ref. no.

Project Project Summary Relevant priories

Target completed by March 2020

External / Potential Partners /

Stakeholders

Funding Secured as at March 2016

4.6 Bedfont Lake Development Plan

Improve the green infrastructure at Bedfont Lake to create a hub for nature conservation in the west of the borough and development of recreational facilities

P1b Masterplan completed. Funding bids completed

Carillion, Groundwork, Local businesses, schools, community groups, Friends of park

Funding for masterplan secured. Funding for implementation yet to secure

4.7 Gunnersbury Triangle

Support the development of a hub for nature conservation in the east of the borough with the development of a visitor and education centre led by the London Wildlife Trust.

P1b Masterplan completed. Funding bids completed

LWT, local businesses, schools, community groups, friends of park

Some funding secured through S106

B. Ensuring environmental quality

4.8 Maximise potential for renewable energy

Explore solar PV (Power Purchase Agreements - PPA), wind, investment programme in corporate property buildings and schools

P1a Procure feasibility and develop Phase 1 programme

Schools, Utilities, Energy companies

No

4.9 Improve energy efficiency of housing stock

Ensure energy efficiency improvements are considered as part of the Asset Management Strategy; carry out a review of current housing stock condition and assess the potential for retrofit and the most cost effective way of meeting targets. Identify delivery partners who can provide funding to contribute towards retrofit and other energy efficiency works – and support local employment.

P1c Works programmed Energy companies No

4.10 Utilise RE: FIT Energy Efficiency Programme

Identify further opportunities to reduce energy consumption and upgrade corporate property and Leisure portfolios.

P1b Procure feasibility and develop Phase 1 programme

Utilities, Energy companies

Salix Funding

4.11

Compliance with Minimum Energy Performance Standards (MEPS) regulations

Scope all non-domestic properties defined in regulations requiring ‘E’ Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) rating and deliver required upgrades to ensure the MEPS regulations are met

P1c

Procure feasibility and develop Phase programme

Leaseholders, LBH, Energy companies, Utilities

No

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Ref. no.

Project Project Summary Relevant priories

Target completed by March 2020

External / Potential Partners /

Stakeholders

Funding Secured as at March 2016

4.12 Aircraft noise mitigation measures in schools

Individual noise surveys/assessment to be completed for all schools in the borough as and when funding and resource becomes available. The assessment should recommend noise insulation and ventilation measures for schools affected by aircraft noise from landings and take offs at Heathrow Airport. Implement recommendations as and when funding and resource becomes available and is allocated.

P2b

Action taken on how to improve internal noise levels against required standards

Surveys completed in the following schools to date: Cranford Primary School and Beavers School.

Partial

4.13

Green Travel measures to West London Businesses and Heathrow, funded by Mayor's Air Quality Fund (MAQF)

This joint initiatives with Hillingdon is expected to lead to increased usage of cycles that will result in a number of displaced car journeys, increase the usage of electric vehicles etc.

P2c

Projects being implemented, with construction scheduled to start work (Phase 1) in January 2016 on Cycle Route on Hounslow Road, scheduled for completion at end of 2016.

LB Hillingdon, GLA Full

4.14

Traffic signal system - Split cycle offset optimisation technique systems (SCOOT)

Implementation of 9 SCOOTs at Chiswick High Road to reduce traffic queue length and therefore reduction in journey times. Initial and intermediate phases completed.

P2d

Further measures implemented in order to reduce peak time congestion and emission reduction. Outcome pending post implementation survey of traffic queue length; project expected to be completed by end of 2016.

TRL, TfL, Defra,, GLA

Full (Defra, TfL)

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10. Implementation of Key Work Streams/ Projects This strategy tries to balance ambition with deliverability, focusing on priorities and opportunities while addressing the challenges posed by reduced levels of public funding and lack of investment for regeneration and economic development. The Strategy is ambitious and covers a wide spectrum of issues that the council aspires to address, but the very nature of regeneration and economic development is ambition and as such the objectives, priorities and projects in the Strategy are considered achievable. However, working together with partners in the public, private and voluntary sectors to deliver the Strategy, and tapping into funding streams, is crucial. Identifying and focussing on absolute key priorities is essential however. Of paramount importance in the first instance is to grow and develop businesses, and deliver increased levels of high quality well designed housing with strong connectivity, particularly public transport links. As such, the council’s main focus in the first instance is on these key priorities. It will work proactively with partners on the projects and work streams identified in this Strategy in order to:

generate inward investment in the borough

retain and grow business

deliver sector development, particularly in creative, digital and technology

create more high quality jobs and provide a highly skilled workforce

identify and unlock development opportunities for well-planned and designed housing, including affordable housing

deliver major public transport infrastructure, such as the Southall Crossrail link, The Golden Link between Hounslow and Willesden Junction (via Old Oak Common linking to HS2 and London Overground) and Southern Rail Access via Feltham and Bedfont to Heathrow Airport.

These key priorities are considered essential in creating the investment necessary to address and resolve the regeneration challenges in the borough.

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Appendix 1: Strategies guiding Regeneration and

Economic Development in Hounslow

Hounslow Policy Drivers Not all of the policy drivers are directly related to the Regeneration and Economic Development Strategy, however the Future Borough Strategy and the Corporate Plan are particularly important in shaping the role of the council to achieve lasting and successful regeneration and economic development. 1. Future Borough Strategy The Hounslow Together Board is a Local Strategic Partnership (LSP) of public, private and voluntary sector organisations, which meets quarterly to focus on local issues in a strategic and co-ordinated way. The Future Borough Strategy, developed by the Hounslow Together Board in 2011, is a long-term vision for the borough concluding in 2030. It is both a strategy and action plan for the economic, social and environmental wellbeing of the local area. 2. Corporate Plan 2015-19 The plan summarises the council’s overarching priorities and outlines how the council is going to deliver its substantial contribution to the Future Borough Strategy. The Corporate Plan is intended primarily for council staff to understand its priorities and to set service, team and individual objectives in the context of these and associated performance targets under its seven, established key themes: Keeping you safe Brighter futures for our children Good quality homes and jobs A cleaner, greener borough Active, healthy communities Help and support when you need it An ambitious council, delivering quality services and value for money.

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Level 1, Level 2 and Level 3 Strategies There are level 1, level 2 and level 3 strategies within Hounslow’s strategic framework. Level 1 strategies are the overarching strategies for both level 2 and level 3 strategies. Level 3 strategies, which are not included in the diagram above, are guided by Level 2 strategies. Level 1 Strategies 1. Joint Health and Wellbeing Strategy (JHWS) 2013 -17 The JHWS built on many complementary plans and strategies, sets priorities to improve health and wellbeing of Hounslow residents and make a real impact on people’s lives, particularly where coordinated action is necessary. 2. Local Plan The Local Plan, which the council has a statutory requirement to prepare and adopt following consultation with residents, sets out the council’s proposals for future development. The plan includes a suite of policies that will guide planning decisions in the borough and sets out the council’s land use planning strategy and development allocations and management to facilitate future development over the next 15 years up to 2030, including the delivery of at least 12,330 new homes. Level 2 and Level 3 Strategies The Regeneration and Economic Development strategy is a level 2 council strategy and sits under the Level 1 Joint Health and Wellbeing Strategy and the Local Plan. As such it links across to the other Level 2 strategies particularly the Leisure and Cultural Strategy, Thriving Communities and VCSE Sector Strategy, Community Safety Strategy and Housing Strategy while the Level 3 strategies - Local Implementation Plan for Transport, Adult Education Plan, Hounslow Town Centre Masterplan and Skills and Employment Strategy are steered by this Regeneration and Economic Development Strategy.

Strategy Summary Relation to regeneration

Level 2 Strategies

Joint Prevention Strategy for Adult Services in Hounslow 2014-18

Sets out a framework that supports a real shift to more preventative services and addresses the requirements of the increased demand on the health and social care system;

Outlines how the council and Hounslow Clinical Commissioning Group (HCCG) will work in partnership with providers to meet the challenge of helping adults retain their independence and good quality of life for longer.

Primary prevention includes services, activities, facilities or resources provided or arranged that may help an individual avoid developing needs for care and support. Regeneration projects involving the following measures will help deliver the Joint Prevention Strategy for Adult Services:

support safer neighbourhoods

promote healthy and active lifestyles (e.g. physical activity, health walks)

Joint Children and Young People's Strategy 2015-

sets out the strategic vision to improve outcomes for children,

Particularly relevant priorities include

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Strategy Summary Relation to regeneration

2019, young people, parents and their families in the borough

1. meeting the growing demand for school places, providing the equivalent of 3 new secondary schools;

2. Increasing the number of young people (16 -25) in training, apprenticeships or employment

Leisure and Culture Strategy 2016 - 2020

This strategy responds to the challenges facing Hounslow borough and aims to build on our existing library, park, leisure centre, public hall, heritage and arts offer for both local communities and visitors.

It proposes how action is done whilst considering how to strengthen leisure and culture services in the areas of learning spaces, active and healthy spaces, community spaces, creative spaces and commercial spaces

Thriving Communities and Voluntary, Community and Social Enterprise (VCSE) Sector Strategy 2015-2019

The outcomes-based strategy Outlines how Hounslow Council will work in partnership to support active resident and VCSE involvement in meeting local need and achieve:

1. Empowered residents actively shaping their local area and enhancing civic pride

2. Enabling independence and resilience by building the skills, resources and capacity of residents, neighbourhoods and communities

3. A vibrant, self-sustaining and ambitious Voluntary, Community and Social Enterprise sector in Hounslow

The strategy highlights how the council departments, the communities, the VCSE sector and the community leaders (councillors) can work together to deliver priorities to achieve the outcomes. Those actions all underpin our approach to regeneration and economic development principles to deliver better places, better economy and improve quality of life.

Community Safety Strategy 2014 -2017

An agreed plan between partners published jointly by Hounslow Council and Metropolitan Police.

Identifies a number of priorities for action based upon the findings of the Strategic Assessment 2013-14.

Sets out the shared priorities, actions to be taken, the crime reduction initiatives and the methodology to measure progress.

The priorities and planned action which are particularly relevant to regeneration and economic development:

1. “Safer Neighbourhoods and Town Centres” and “Safer, Cohesive Communities” and action plan to deal with crime reduction, anti-social behaviour, road safety and business crime

2. “Safeguarding Adults at Risk” and action plan to achieve community cohesion

Housing Strategy 2014 – 2018

Sets out how the council is responding to the government’s housing reform programme. It aims to demonstrate how different housing services, investment and enforcement will be combined to ensure the successful delivery of its plans for growth and regeneration.

The objectives particularly relevant to Hounslow’s regeneration agenda are:

1. To provide a choice of high quality housing for people at all stages of their lives at prices they can afford;

2. To raise housing quality and standards across tenures, enhancing local areas and supporting thriving communities; and

3. To create cleaner, safer and greener living environments for local.

Climate Change Strategy

The emerging Climate Change Strategy will allow the council to set out its vision and key objectives for mitigating and adapting to climate change. It will bring together the initiatives that are currently being

It will bring together the initiatives that are currently being implemented by the council and its partners to address this issue.

It will enable the council to monitor the progress being made to reduce the borough’s carbon footprint whilst delivering national and regional targets, which will be

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Strategy Summary Relation to regeneration

implemented by the council and its partners to address this issue

achieved by working with partners in the borough and across the region.

Level 3 Strategies

Hounslow Skills and Employment Strategy 2014 - 2016

Sets out how the council plans to support residents to gain higher level skills and find sustainable employment, and how the council will work with employers to help them find skilled and talented local recruits.

The delivery of this strategy is strategically interlinked with the success of the delivery of the overall Regeneration and Economic Development Strategy and will enable social and economic regeneration across the borough.

Heritage Strategy The emerging strategy seeks to increase the understanding of the borough’s historic environment and sets out a strategy for ensuring the historic environment integrates with the wider regeneration of areas of the borough

The historic environment contributes to the unique identity of many areas of the borough and the strategy sets out a programme of work which will produce information concerning the significance of the borough’s many heritage assets.

Corporate Property Strategy 2014 – 2019

Provides a comprehensive listing of all of the council’s operational and non-operational assets, coupled with an assessment of the ongoing Service requirement for buildings and land in order to deliver services to residents

Will continue to evolve over time as the nature of the council’s business changes and responds to Central Government Policy.

The actions to meet the objective - “To use land and buildings to facilitate and support development and regeneration in the borough”: identification of properties with redevelopment/ regeneration opportunities.

Inform master planning activities with property data.

Seeking all opportunities to submit bids for funding.

Identify relevant partners and share intelligence on property and land suitable for development.

Active support of construction apprenticeship programme.

Reduction in unused/derelict properties including promotion of “live in guardians”.

Seek opportunities to maximise income from business rates.

Promotion of borough wide skills and training programme with local people in sustainable jobs.

Hounslow Local Implementation Plan for Transport (2011-2031)

Sets out how the council will develop its transport network to support the Mayor of London in achieving his transport objectives for the capital.

Seeks to facilitate a transport network and street environment that is safe, environmentally sustainable, attractive, accessible, healthy and efficient.

Includes a delivery plan which details the available funding for the borough to implement schemes.

The objectives which are particular important to regeneration are:

1. to reduce transport-related CO2 emissions and other air pollutants

2. to improve residents’ and visitors’ satisfaction in the quality of the street environment and maximise the amenity value of public spaces

3. to ensure the transport system facilitates access to jobs, services and leisure opportunities, regardless of disability or social circumstance

4. to ensure that the transport system is managed appropriately to reduce traffic congestion and to maximise the current capacity of the network – in particular unlocking regeneration opportunities.

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Abbreviations

ATCM - Association of Town and City Management

BHSG - Brentford High Street Steering Group

CRT - Canal and River Trust

DBIS - Department for Business, Innovation & Skills

DCLG - Department for Communities and Local Government

DCMS - Department for Cultural Media and Sport

DECC - Department of Energy and Climate Change

Defra - The Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs

EA - Environment Agency

GLA - Greater London Authority

HH - Hounslow Highways

HLF - Heritage Lottery Fund

JC+ - JobCentre Plus

NR - Network Rail

TfL - Transport for London

TRL - Transport Research Laboratory

UWL - University of West London

WLA - West London Alliance WTC - West Thames College