Grainger and Helical Bar have defended their plans for the redevelopment of Hammersmith town hall, ahead of a decision by the Mayor of London on whether to intervene, following protests.
The duo, whose joint venture King Street Developments secured permission for the £110m redevelopment of the King Street site earlier this month, said it hoped the scheme was not “undermined by loud campaigns”.
The jv’s defence comes after more than 100 protestors gathered outside City Hall yesterday chanting “Boris say no”, urging him to block the proposals.
Grainger development director David Walters, speaking on behalf of King Street Developments, said: “The opposition is well organised and vocal, but they do not represent everyone and much of their campaign is based on the misrepresentation of the proposals.”
He added that the jv’s own consultation with the community demonstrated a high level of public support for the scheme, and it would save taxpayers £18m.
Under the Sheppard Robson-designed scheme, the 1970s town hall will be demolished and replaced with a new public square. Other features include 290 new homes and a supermarket.
Walters said: “Boris entered City Hall on the promise that borough leaders would be given the reins to decision making in their local area and it is clear that Hammersmith and Fulham council believes this scheme should go ahead.”
The planning committee considered a scheme that was chosen by both the public and the council through a competitive public tender process in 2007/8 and originally submitted for planning at the end of 2010.
Amendments were submitted in August 2011 following a public consultation.
joanna.bourke@estatesgazette.com
