REGENERATION
Talk of the town
Hanwell is increasingly
attracting independent
traders and boasting
an impressive array of
annual events that bring
the community together.
A small group of locals
are aiming to build on
this momentum.
C
rossrail will come to a
revamped Hanwell Station
in 2018 and the hope is that
it will complete a decade of
transformation. A successful regeneration
programme in 2008 led to a 50% fall in
vacancy rates and the formation of the
Hanwell Association of Traders (HAT)
with the help of the council.
Since then, HAT has played a central
role in building and supporting a vibrant
town centre with a high percentage of
independent shops and cafés around
the Clocktower conservation area.
Its members and other residents have
now begun steps to set up a ‘town
team’ to drive further development
of the area. Bids have been put in to
various bodies to raise potential funds.
A town team would bring
together different local groups and
organisations, with support from the
council, to work together on specific
projects to improve the area. Similar
ideas have been taken up in East Acton
and West Ealing.
“We want to add to the look and
feel of Hanwell and create a prominent
town centre that will be used by
everyone,” said June Martin of HAT.
“We want to work on designing a high
street that draws [