Derelict mansion may be restored to former glory
A DERELICT 19th century mansion in West London could be changed forever if plans to restore it go ahead.
Twyford Abbey, in Ealing, has stood empty since the 1980s but it could be brought back to its former glory as part of proposals that would also see several blocks of flats built in its grounds.
Under plans currently being drawn up by developers Latimer and Redington Capital, a number of five-storey blocks containing 325 flats would be built in the mansion’s grounds.
According to the developers, the flats would be a mixture of one-, two- and three-bedroom homes, of which 35 per cent would be affordable housing.
Two town-houses would also be built in the mansion’s grounds.
Additionally, the developers plan to restore Twyford Abbey “to its former glory” and open the Grade IIlisted mansion’s south lawn and walled garden to the public, with some of the garden potentially turned into allotment space.
Setting out their proposals to the public, the developers wrote: “Twyford Abbey is a fantastic local asset with a rich history.
“However, it has for the past three decades been inaccessible and vacant.
“We now want to restore this fantastic Grade II-listed building and allow it to be celebrated locally by
opening up access to the grounds and ensuring that our design is sensitive to its setting.”
Built on the site of a 13th-century manor house, the present mansion was built after Thomas Willan, the owner of a successful stagecoach business, bought the land in 1806.
The mansion, named Twyford Abbey by Willan to give it a “romantic” feel, was built in 1809 according to designs by the famous architect William Atkinson.
The Abbey was sold to the Catholic Order of St Alexis in 1902, which used it as a care home until funds ran out in 1988.
Despite proposals over the years to restore the mansion, including turning it into a school, the site has stood derelict for more than 30 years.
The plans are currently open for public consultation, and planning permission is expected to be submitted to Ealing Council in May.
A spokesperson for Latimer
Developments, said: “Our vision for this historic site will not only save Twyford Abbey from collapse and restore it to its former glory, but also open up 1.2 acres of green space to the public for the first time and deliver around 325 new homes – 35 percent of which will be muchneeded affordable housing options for local people.
“Our proposals have already evolved significantly following feedback from our public engagement programme and we would welcome further input from local people and the public alike to help us continue to shape the future of the site before we submit a planning application later this spring.”
Redington Capital has been approached for comment.