Architects are coming together this weekend for a brainstorming session on alternative plans for the controversial King Street redevelopment in Hammersmith.
Representatives from 12 local firms met today (Friday) at the Hammersmith Information Centre in the Broadway Centre and will continue their meeting tomorrow.
They are trying to come up with a new design to prevent two tower blocks being built as part of the the council's plan to knock down the town hall extension for new offices, flats and restaurants, which has attracted huge opposition, from both local and national groups.
And while most are resigned to a redevelopment of some kind, some hope a compromise can be reached with the council, which at the very least would mean smaller tower blocks, the retention of the much-loved cinema and the removal of plans to link a bridge with Furnival Gardens.
Opponent Melanie Whitlock, chairwoman of the Hammersmith Society, was at the architects' meeting on Friday, along with Tom Ryland of Chartered Practice Architects, and both believe they have a chance of swaying the authority.
Mr Ryland said: "I know there are people at the council who would like to see some alternative plans and that is what we are discussing this weekend."
Ms Whitlock conceded reducing the height of the blocks, and therefore the amount of flats and offices, would mean a possible financial outlay to the council to satisfy developers Grainger and Helical Bar, but said: "The council needs to put a value on what the riverside means to people.
"They say there is no financial cost to the scheme but there is certainly an emotional cost.
"We absolutely see the need to regenerate King Street but not at the expense of the unique riverside views.
"We hope the council are open to compromise and believe they could and should build more modestly, not least because now is not the time for grandiose schemes like this.
"There is no doubt they have been taken aback by the opposition and we are hopeful of making some progress."
