THIS is the first glimpse of how a new shopping and leisure quarter in Hounslow town centre might look.
A cinema is at the heart of early proposals to develop the run-down car park, unveiled today by Legal & General Property (LGP).
Shops, restaurants, a public square and improved links with the high street are also part of the firm's initial plans to redevelop the three to four acre site.
LGP, which already owns the Blenheim Centre, containing hundreds of flats and a 24-hour ASDA, earlier this month signed an 'exclusivity' agreement with Hounslow Council to develop the plot.
The deal means the investment giant will work with council officers to draw up plans for the land, which has long been earmarked for development.
This artist's impression is only a very early idea of how the site might look. Residents have yet to be consulted and it is likely be some time before a formal planning application is submitted. However, a spokeswoman for LGP said initial proposals included a cinema, 15-20 shops, six or seven restaurants and a 500-space car park.
Simon Russian, LGP's head of retail development, said: "This project offers an excellent opportunity to deliver new shops, leisure facilities and public spaces that will help revitalise Hounslow town centre and create hundreds of new jobs for local people."
It is four years since the Blenheim Centre, which was supposed to be the first part of a two-phase project, was completed.
The council cut links with the former Blenheim Centre owner and developer Blenheim Investments in 2007, because it was disappointed with plans for the second phase, and there had been little progress since.
Ruth Cadbury, deputy leader of Hounslow Council, said: "LGP has a strong track record of delivering major, successful development and regeneration projects, and we look forward to seeing the plans for the site. We will be continuing to press ahead with our wider plans for the town centre, which will create jobs and opportunities for years to come."
What do you think of the plans? Will they make a big improvement to the town centre and do you think they will see the light of day? Please post your comments at our Hounslow community site .
