What's missing is the connection between the need for housing and the need for regenerating the High Road. Urban renewal initiatives or the new swanky version of suburban retrofit would identify key sites along main corridors. Premises would be assessed any number of ways be it aesthetic, use classification, potential, density, zoning, past its use-by, etc. and then targeted for development and/or re-purposing. The vicinity would be curated overall.Next would be government initiatives to generate change. Tax advantages for selling/buying designated properties and approval of plans that meet targets. For example, look along the High Road at any out-of-place building, i.e., if there is a one story building among four-storey buildings. That one story number is underdeveloped within the existing built context. By replacing it with mixed-use (commercial space on the ground with flats above) the community would get new commercial space (something sorely lacking and beneficial) and increased housing stock. Or on Turnham Green Terrace the west side is woefully underdeveloped relative to all of Chiswick but especially given what is across the street. There is nothing of architectural or historic merit on the west side of the street so why not match what's going on across the street. New commercial, all new residential above. Lock in existing business tenants. In that example the length of TGT should be considered inside and out. There are examples of this creeping in. The Carluccio's site is one and above the shops by us the old office and medical space is being converted into flats as it once was.
David Lesniak ● 2044d