Futurist computer generated graphics showing how one of Britain's poorest neighbourhoods could be transformed by the nation's first high-speed rail super hub were released today. To the sound track of 'We Built This City' by Starship, the YouTube clip shows how vast swathes of derelict or underused industrial land -- around Old Oak Common in NW10 -- could be transformed into London's newest city. The ambitious regeneration vision, which has been dubbed Park Royal City, shows 12,000 new homes and businesses and 115,000 extra jobs (40,000 in H&F) created around an unrivalled convergence of transport routes in north-west London. The four minute video, which was put together by Hammersmith & Fulham (H&F) Council and internationally renowned architects Farrells, was released as a growing coalition of west London businesses leaders and residents came forward to back the plans. Read more here: http://bit.ly/pJMbz9

Comments

1. A pity this promotional video is mssing a central atrraction - the Grand Union Canal's Padddington Branch that forms a spine through the heart of the area.  People and investors are more likely to warm to better public spaces and investment in the historic canal environment which gives the area a sense of place rather than a flash new rail hub.  Waterspace and development of the place at a human scale is needed, not just rail and road for getting in and out!  Look at the lessons of the parklands and waterways around the Olympic Park and highlight green infrastructure and sustainable transport - places for walking, cycling and well being as well as economic opportunity.
2. I don't see much "city". All I see is a bunch of tower blocks and cold wide open spaces of concrete. Looks like the same crap that was built in the 60s.
3. I hope my taxes didn't pay for that music track
4. Compare with the dreadful car-based BRENT CROSS scheme - search for Brent Cross Coalition. The 'agitators' there (as developer Hammerson calls them) have proposed a North and West London Light Railway - which could easily join with Farrell's light-rail suggestions. Both are maybe four-to-five-billion pound schemes - so plenty of planning-gain money, if and only if the politics is done correctly.
5. @aj4me5 The statement you have partially quoted from the Transport Secretary is more than 15 months old and, after several further reviews, things have moved on significantly since then. In fact, using Old Oak Common as a high speed rail interchange is a key component of the Government's recommended route for HS2. See a link to their website here for more: highspeedrail.dft.gov.uk/proposed-route.
6. @GordyFin I didn't realise the tracks were going to be that wide! The whole Chilterns ruined. Unless I'm really out of the loop and they've put it through the one really good bit everyone goes to?
7. Interesting that emphasis was put on the fact that OOC is a brownfield site. But it should be remembered that HS2 has chosen to build its 250mph track right through the nearest Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty to here in the Chilterns - a "protected" green area, hence spoiling a retreat for many west Londoners.