Hundreds of homes planned in Tube station makeover

PUBLIC SQUARE, RESTAURANTS AND SHOPS COULD ALSO BE BUILT AT SITE

HUNDREDS of homes could be built around Hounslow West Tube Station according to plans revealing a modern makeover for the station that first opened in 1884.

If approved, the new homes will tower above the historic station that is known for its iconic hexagonal shape.

Under the new plans submitted to Hounslow Borough Council in September, 348 new homes will be built on top of the car park that currently serves the busy Tube station.

As well as new homes, there will also be a public square with a cafe, plus spaces for new shops and restaurants.

Between the blocks of flats, the tallest of which will stand at 12 storeys, there will be a number of green spaces for residents.

There will be footways, planting and play spaces, providing relaxing outdoor spaces for all generations.

This means the car park, which currently offers 419 spaces, will be gone for good if plans are approved.

According to developers, the car park “makes the station feel like an island in a sea of cars providing an opportunity for improvement”.

The new housing development will be car-free, but there will be disabled car parking, short-stay parking and 650 cycle parking spaces.

There will be a new bus stop for the 482 services on Vicarage Farm Road.

This means the service will no longer make a U-turn to head west along Bath Road, and instead will turn immediately right onto Bath Road.

Hounslow West is known for its Grade II listed ticket hall, which the construction will impact.

However, developer A2 Dominion has said: “Careful consideration has been given to the proposed works to the listed building to ensure there is minimal impact to its heritage.”

The last work on the station was completed in 1975 when the Piccadilly line was rerouted to serve Hounslow.

Transport for London said it wants to remove the partition walls that currently enclose an unused ticket office, returning the space to its historic layout.

TfL also wants to install a new wide aisle gate which will improve access.

The existing walkway between the ticket hall and Piccadilly line platforms will be demolished and a new, modern walkway constructed.

These plans come after Hounslow Council approved proposals to 1,525 new homes, hundreds of car parking spaces, retail units and more than 10 acres of open parkland on Calvary Barracks, a short walk from the Hounslow West Station.

As demand for housing increases the council has committed to delivering at least 26,700 homes before 2035, half of which needs to be within the Hounslow West station area.

Careful consideration has been given to the proposed works to the listed building.

Developer A2 Dominion

PAUL DOYLE Hounslow West Tube station