Massive development could see creation of new town centre
An overview of North Acton once development is complete. Picture: Pilbrow and Partners
A planning application has been submitted for the 56-storey high One Portal Way development in North Acton as the first stage in a major town centre development in the area.
The proposal by Imperial College London includes 461 flats in the main tower along with some commercial space, and an 19-storey building containing 384 flats and co-working office space. The towers will also offer shops and cafés at their base, with a large public square and park between the buildings.
A hybrid application has been submitted (part full/part outline) which could ultimately result in the phased development of seven buildings in the area. Full planning permission is being sought for the 56 storey and 19 storey residential towers. Outline planning permission is being sought for a 19-storey office block and two more 50 storey residential towers with up to 398 and 413 flats respectively, a 17 storey hotel building with 260 rooms with an option to build office space instead plus a six storey building with 53 flats and commercial space.
The site is currently occupied by Carphone Warehouse’s HQ and two office buildings, which will demolished under the plans.
The 4.5 acre site was acquired in 2013 by the Jersey based private equity company Crosstree Real Estate Management Ltd for around £40m. It has planning permission for 764 homes which originally included a 32 storey skyscraper and other tower blocks. The Imperial College endowment fund bought the site in 2016 for a reported £85 million.
Visualisation of the developments from Eastfields Road. Picture: Pilbrow and Partners
The decision to give the enormous town centre the green light will be made by the Old Oak Development Corporation, rather than Ealing Council.
Two other planned towers right next to the site, which are 55 and 45 storeys, have already been given planning permission by Ealing Council.
Designed by architect Pilbrow and Partners the plans would eventually up to 1,709 new flats in the area.
Visualisation of central square at One Portal Way. Picture: Pilbrow and Partners
The new development would be within walking distance from the Acton Mainline Crossrail station.
Developers Frame said that the scheme would be a great boost for Ealing residents.
A spokesperson for the group said, “The site is strategically located between North Acton station and the Acton Elizabeth line station, and within walking distance from the future HS2 hub in Old Oak, making it one of the best-connected areas in the UK.
“The proposed scheme maximises the site’s potential to knit together other developments, forming a new vibrant place with a 1.8-acre central public garden.”
Visualisation of public area at One Portal Way. Picture: Pilbrow and Partners
Documents submitted with the application say that, if approved, construction of the first phase would begin in 2024 with completion earmarked for 2027.
The One Portal Way plans are now open for consultation with residents.
You can view the application and comment on it by visiting the OPDC’s planning register, and searching for the reference number 21/0181/OUTOPDC. A direct link to the application is here.
Written with contributions from Alastair Lockhart – Local Democracy Reporter
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November 30, 2021
