THE regeneration of RAF Uxbridge is set to move up a gear.
The first phase of demolition is due to begin in October, which includes removal of the communications tower, followed by a second phase in which buildings in Parade Square will be flattened in 2013.
VSM Estates is transforming the 110-acre site into 1,340 new homes, plus 20,000sq metres of commercial space, a 90-bedroom hotel and a care home and primary school.
A spokesman for VSM – a joint venture between St Modwen Properties Plc and VINCI Plc – told the Gazette that it was moving preparation work for phase three forward, which will include the athletics stadium, to allow work to begin on the school. A planning application has been submitted.
He said: “Demolition for phase three, which covers the northern area of the site, is unlikely to commence until 2014.
“However, demolition of parts of this area will need to start early next year, to prepare the area around the former athletics stadium for the proposed three-form entry primary school, so that thew London Borough of Hillingdon can commence work earlier than initially planned.
“This includes the creation of a new access for the school from the Chippendale Waye roundabout.
“All listed buildings within the site will remain.”
RAF Uxbridge is best known for being the headquarters of Fighter Command’s number 11 Group, and where the Battle of Britain was masterminded. ‘Lawrence of Arabia’ – TE Lawrence – also trained there as an airman between the two world wars.
The site was bombed by the IRA in 1981, who planted a device in Suvla Barracks. No one was injured.
It closed as an RAF base in March 2010 as part of a reduction in the number of Ministry of Defence properties in London.
The historic Battle of Britain bunker will not be affected by the development.
