by Selina Sykes

Developers behind one of the most ambitious projects to happen in Chiswick for many years are gathering views on their plans.

Starting today (Thursday) shoppers, traders and residents have three days to air their views about initial design proposals for a reshaping of a significant proportion of Chiswick High Road.

The development of the 1.3 acre plot between Chiswick High Road, Acton Lane and Essex Place is being carried out by Lend Lease, a leading international property and infrastructure group, which acquired the site in March.

Standing opposite Turnham Green, the site comprises 69,000 square feet of existing buildings, including vacant office tower Empire House and seven retail units – one of which was Blockbuster which has been vacant since the chain went bust.

The area is a major link between the boroughs of Hounslow and Hammersmith and Fulham and has been the subject of speculation about development for some time.

Locals are anxious to prevent any over-development of the area which could change the character of the Chiswick High Road.

At a meeting organised by the West Chiswick and Gunnersbury Society in October 2012 more than 150 people including six local councillors agreed to provide “a powerful and positive voice” for locals in the face of potential developments.

A second meeting was then held to discuss what locals want for central Chiswick using results of a questionnaire organised by the Chiswick High Road Action Group (CHRAG), formed in response to the development proposals.

Residents are particularly concerned about the possibility of a second high rise building rumoured to be as high as the 11-storey Empire House.

There was also great concern over any increase in shop-floor surface and residential or office space having serious knock-on effects on traffic and local schools.

Lend Lease has been working closely with Hounslow Council on initial ideas and design concepts.

The company is planning to convert high rise tower Empire House into residential units which will have balconies overlooking Turnham Green.

Plans have been confirmed for a second structure to be built nearby Empire House fronting onto Essex Place.

Planning permission will be needed for the rest of the site which will include 72 additional residential units in Essex Place and Acton Lane and a new retail frontage with seven units along Chiswick High Road.

The public exhibition and residents’ feedback will form a key part of the design development as the developers work towards making a planning application this summer.

Lend Lease is behind some of London’s largest regeneration projects including The International Quarter, the new £1.3billion commercial district at Stratford City in the Olympic Park.

Janet Kidner, Project Director at Lend Lease for the Chiswick High Road project, said: “Our vision is to create an innovative and sustainable development that revitalises this part of Chiswick High Road.

“We aim to incorporate the best principles of high quality design and create a place where people want to live, visit and enjoy.

“We look forward to meeting residents at the public exhibition to explain in more detail our initial proposals, hear residents’ comments and answer any questions they may have.”

The plans for 408-430 Chiswick High Road can be viewed between noon and 6pm today, and between 10am and 4pm at 424 Chiswick High Road.

Lend Lease is also running the public consultation on its website www.chiswickhighroadw4.co.uk