THE first phase of the vision to bring the old EMI factories back to life could be approved next week.
The Gatefold Building, to be built at the eastern end of Blyth Road, Hayes, will rise to seven storeys and contain 132 flats.
The name of the development pays homage to the sites rich musical past, and refers to the gatefold sleeves of many of EMIs classic LPs.
Last May, the 18-acre plot was bought by joint investors Purplexed, which quickly renamed the complex The Old Vinyl Factory and promised a s250million revamp.
The Gatefold development is recommended for approval at a planning meeting on Tuesday next week, subject to contributions, and on the condition that at least 90 per cent of two of the main employment blocks be kept as office space.
The plans for the rest of the EMI site are to be announced within the next few months.
There are two other major projects on Blyth Road in the pipeline: developer Ballymore wants to put 11 storeys of flats on a neighbouring plot, across the road from its High Point Village scheme, and an application has gone in to convert disused offices at the opposite end, near Dawley Road, into a 112-room hotel.
The committee meets at 7pm at the civic centre in High Street, Uxbridge, after the Gazette goes to press.
There will be a reminscence day for former EMI employees on Saturday at the Shipping Building, starting at 10am. If you would like to reserve a space, email rsvp@theoldvinylfactory.com.
