A landmark building with a place in many borough residents' personal memories is to be demolished and rebuilt for the 21st Century.

The Airport Bowl, in Bath Road, Harlington, which was built in 1964, will be re-developed to include a seven-storey, 560-room hotel, with a conference centre and ballroom, plus a 20-lane bowling centre and parking.

The development, to be built within the next three years, will create 600 jobs, 450 of them full-time. It was approved by councillors on Hillingdon Council's planning committee last Thursday.

The project also aims to reduce carbon emissions by more than 56 per cent, with use of renewable energy sources including solar power systems.

Councillor John Hensley, chairman of the planning committee, said: "The development was approved as it provides the highest ever seen amount of renewable energy, setting the standards for other developments in the area.

"It is a pleasing and very well-thought-out example of great architecture, and a flagship for other developers to aspire to in terms of good design and energy sustainability.

"It will also bring much-needed jobs into the area and will safeguard the enjoyment of 10-pin bowling fans."

The 60,000 square metre complex will include six basement levels with three restaurants, two bars, a swimming pool, gym, beauty treatment rooms and the bowling centre, which will be accessed independently via Nobel Drive.

There will be 139 parking spaces - 11 of them for the disabled - as well as 168 secure cycling spaces.

According to the report before council-lors, there is currently a shortage of hotel rooms in the borough, with an estimated 3,800 required before the Olympic Games in 2012.

Before work can begin, several conditions have been imposed; £25,000 must be used to monitor and improve air quality, while up to £110,000 is earmarked to upgrade bus stops and develop a Green Travel Plan.

Talks are under way about the use of an electric or alternative-fuel shuttle bus between the development and airport terminals.

A contribution of £2,500 for every £1million spent on building the development must also be paid towards the cost of construction training initiatives.

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