Around Ealing Summer 2015 | Page 41

SOUTHALL SOUTHALL BIG PLAN The Southall Big Plan evolved out of the ‘Southall Big Conversation’ in 2012, when more than 1,400 people had their say on what they would like to see happen. This research was then used to write the Southall Charter, which sets out priorities for improving the town, for the Southall Partnership to follow. The partnership is made up of local organisations including Ealing Council; Southall Community Alliance; Ealing Police; the NHS; Jobcentre Plus; Ealing, Hammersmith and West London College; Catalyst Housing; and University of West London the Broadway, is pleased with the changes. He said: “The front of any business is so important and the new paving has made a big difference. It’s easier on the eye and wider, which provides ease of access and browsing space for our customers; and plenty of room for other pedestrians, too. “The changes to the road also seem to be working and it looks more attractive. It can only be good news for both businesses and residents in Southall.” ‘DRAWING PEOPLE IN’ Councillor Bassam Mahfouz, the council’s cabinet member for environment and transport, said: “We are really pleased with how the Broadway is now looking and feel sure local businesses and residents are already benefiting from the changes. The aim was to improve the way the town centre worked for local people, while also helping to make it more attractive to passing trade and draw in people from outside the town. It is part of a wider, ongoing programme that will enhance Southall, both as a destination and as a place to live and work.” WHAT COMES NEXT? The new-look Broadway is being officially opened on 7 June. Improvements to South Road, South Road Bridge and King Street will then take place between 2015-2018. Meanwhile, a new Crossrail station will be built by 2018. MORE GOING ON IN SOUTHALL Meanwhile, other Southall Big Plan projects are running alongside the street improvements to help boost job opportunities and education in the town – such as a Dine in Southall catering and hospitality training centre and restaurant due to open in Southall Manor House; and the improved and expanded Dominion Centre, which now includes a modern new library to replace the Southall’s old one. The historic Southall Market has got new iron gates and a large wall mural to make it more visible to passing traffic, while a new car park with 77 spaces was built next to the market, opposite Southall Police Station. Improvements to Spikes Bridge Park have also been undertaken, including a new pavilion, cricket training nets, an artificial turf pitch and improvements to the football fields and cricket pitch. Council leader Julian Bell said: “The Southall Big Plan consists of lots of different projects in partnership with local groups and businesses to offer education, training and job opportunities; enhance the attractiveness of the shopping area to boost trade and attract investment; help improve safety; promote healthy living; and generally encourage the community to get involved in making the town a better place.” MORE INFO ■ www.southallbigplan.com ■ Twitter @SouthallBigPlan ■ Register for Southall updates at www.ealing.gov.uk/register around ealing Summer 2015 41