A rail link connecting Hounslow with the Crossrail and HS2 routes is key to bringing the glory days back to Brentford's Golden Mile business district, it was claimed this week.
Hounslow Council wants a new line between Hounslow, Syon Lane and Brentford and the proposed Crossrail and HS2 hub at Old Oak Common, in Shepherds Bush .
The route, also passing through Acton Central, would connect Hounslow to Tottenham Court Road, via Crossrail, and to Maidenhead in the west and Shenfield in east London.
It would also provide links to the Midlands and north England, via the proposed High Speed Two route, which has yet to be approved.
Speaking at a business conference at Hounslow Civic Centre on Monday (February 10), Hounslow Council's cabinet member for regeneration Steve Curran said: "If we can get our plans to connect Brentford, Syon Lane and Hounslow rail stations to HS2 and Cross Rail agreed, it will make the Golden Mile even more an attractive location for business."
The Golden Mile is the name traditionally given to a stretch of the Great West Road, which was a major industrial hub between the 1930s and 50s, but has since lost its shine.
Hounslow Council is trying to promote the region, already home to the likes of pharmaceuticals giant GlaxSmithKline and broadcaster BSkyB, to more businesses by highlighting its proximity to Heathrow and central London.
Council leaders took the chance to highlight its potential at Monday's meeting, attended by the likes of Harvey McGrath, deputy chairman of the London Enterprise Panel, and Debbie Jackson, the mayor of London's assistant director of regeneration.
They were keen to impress their two star guests, whose influence could help persuade London mayor Boris Johnson to invest more in the borough or introduce policy changes making it more attractive to businesses.
Although MPs will ultimately decide whether HS2 should go ahead, and whether the rail link with Hounslow should be built, Mr Johnson's support could prove crucial.
Speaking after the meeting, Mr Curran said: "The overwhelming feeling I gained from the excellent meeting was that Hounslow is brimming with potential, and places like the Golden Mile are beginning to enjoy a renaissance, as illustrated by BSkyB's existing plans to expand its campus.
"Brentford is buzzing with regeneration plans and the local football club is riding high. We also have one of the country's largest ever infrastructure investment projects with £800 million being pumped into revamping our roads and pavements across the borough."
