Concerned residents have been given extra time to comment on proposals to redevelop Riverside Studios.
The public consultation has been extended by a fortnight, until Friday, November 1, after developers sent Hammersmith and Fulham Council revised drawings and parking plans.
The contentious scheme, which originally included more than 150 flats and has been described as ‘rushed and confused’ by one neighbour, who fears the area will struggle to cope with such a large project.
Stars of television and stage are backing the proposals, which would result in the historic performance centre being redeveloped into a state-of-the-art creative hub, complete with new theatre, cinema and performance studios.
There will be 165 flats in the new six to eight-storey structure, which also encompasses the adjacent Queens Wharf site, as well as restaurants, amenities and parking, next to historic Hammersmith Bridge.
But neighbours say the consultation was flawed, with letters sent out too late and a drop-in session held at an inappropriate time.
One objector who lives near the scheme said: “The redevelopment of a local cultural institution in
a landmark riverside location on this scale should be done with care, consideration and the full consultation of the local people it will impact upon. The redevelopment is being rushed with just a few hours of consultation on a few initial ideas over the summer when many people were away.
“The concerns of local people have not been properly sought or taken on board. [We] support a vibrant and successful Riverside Studios but want the centre to go back to the drawing board to develop plans with more care and consideration of the impact on the riverfront and local area.”
Despite local concerns, stars including Simon Callow and Jo Brand are excited by the scheme, with the former saying: “Riverside has been a powerhouse of theatrical energy, generating an astonishing range of new work, revitalising classics, and acting as host to some of the greatest performers in the world. Its location is superb. There’s nothing like it in London, nor anywhere else that I know of. I look forward to a wonderful future for it.”
Riverside Studios says the development ‘will be a wonderful asset to the people of Hammersmith’.
Developers Mount Anvil, working in conjunction with A2 Dominion, submitted the latest application in September, following earlier approval for the Queens Wharf part of the site.
