Forum Topic

Blot on the landscape

Is it just me or is that tower rising above Brentford and South Ealing becoming a rather dominant blot on the landscape?Does anyone know how many storeys it is going to be? It does not look anywhere near this tall in the developers illustrations.

Michael Brandt ● 4860d35 Comments

Other posters have highlighted the sheer size of this building and viewed from the top Gunnersbury Park it certainly dominates the views to the South-West.However what particularly struck me how lacking the building is of any architectural merit, and now complete (I think) it lacks the sparkle and finesse of many new (fine)buildings and looks like a child of the 70s. As for the "airport control" tower on the top...

Philip Coe ● 4242d

I call it the Eye of Sauron as its always watching over you no matter where you are...

Nathan Brown ● 4849d

Well at least theres\s no chance of J. Savile OBE moving into the penthouse!

Michael Brandt ● 4852d

Oh look at those people in South Ealing!

Jim Lawes ● 4852d

I think it's voyeurism and intrusion of privacy. The same one which prevents photographers shooting through windows of private property.

Michael Brandt ● 4852d

offence for inhabitants to use binocularsMichael, that is interesting. Which law - do you know?

George Knox ● 4852d

Thanks for that info Michael

Keith Iddon ● 4852d

Actually if the place does overlook directly into bedrooms and bathrooms and it looks like it will affect around 450 properties in Brentford and South Ealing, a class action can be brought to insist that those offending views are obscured.Ie fogged glass or opaque glass as this was not consulted or discussed openly to residents.If more than 50 objections are lodged then this can be retrospective.`it can also be made an offence for inhabitants to use binoculars or telescopes aimed at residences which unfortunately has become a rather popular pastime in many of the newer blocks .

Michael Brandt ● 4852d

I can see this eyesore from my back bedroom window and I suppose when it's finished there will be all colours of lights on the top.Shame,as we are not overlooked I sometimes kip in the back room and leave the blinds open.Those days are numbered methinks.

Keith Iddon ● 4853d

It dwarfs the massive GSK building!

Susan Kelly ● 4853d

Personally I think it will be hideous and way too imposing.Each to their own taste wise but it seems too big,too high and ugly with it.More greenhouses in the sky.I wonder how happy they will be nearer to all that aircraft engine noise.

Keith Iddon ● 4853d

As tower blocks go it's better than many or that's the premise.What was not expected is just how it looms over a low rise area of residential properties and brings issues of intrusion of privacy to a far wider area than was consulted.  Something the other tower blocks in the area do not do and this was a consideration when they were built.The Great West road sites should have been retained for blue chip business developments for which the mile was developed and intended. Despite a long period in the doldrums, this is the sort of site that now fits modern industries and companies perfectly and is likely to become more sought after. Most importantly local quality jobs. Not flipping burgers or pushing dusters around airports but decent salaried skilled occupations which with this huge hike in local population being inflicted upon the district will be in huge demand.No sites will exist for that to happen.

Michael Brandt ● 4854d

Yes, I agree with you Susan, NOSTALGIA ain't what it used to be.

Gerry Tan ● 4854d

Yes, the Firestone building is sadly missed. Now we have the giant that is GSK's global HQ. No one will remember that with nostalgia in 2112.

Susan Kelly ● 4854d

How exciting - lets hope that the Skylon will brighten this rather sad and non-descript area of Brentford. Time was, that area between Kew Bridge and Osterley Station was packed with some of the most iconic commercial buildings anywhere to be found in England - beautiful art deco achitecture of the very best. I miss that drive on the Great West Road from London to the airport beyond Hounslow. John Betjeman would moan in his grave.

Gerry Tan ● 4854d

The tower will be over 300 feet high and the plan was to call it the Skylon after the structure at the Festival of Britain in 1951. Remember that don't you!! ;0)The Skylon will have apartments and a Hotel, with,I gather, a top floor restaurant/ champagne bar for people and their partners!!  The views will be amazing take my word.Watch aircraft land at Heathrow, see the flag flying at Windsor Castle, see the Grandstands at Epsom Racecourse, the views of Osterley Park and Harrow on the Hill, the Thames at Kew, the Terrace of houses on Richmond Hill, and Richmond Park.The London skyline will just be an extra. It will be perhaps the tallest building in West London and I'm looking forward it's opening.. probably in 3 years time...so we can have a Forum Meetup to remember!!!

Jim Lawes ● 4854d

Don't men expect their 'mistresses' to be self-supporting these days?BTW, isn't the robot a hotel? I thought I read that somewhere but I may have dreamed it.

Susan Kelly ● 4857d

Brentford has another 1900 proposed flats to 'look forward' to in not too distant future.We can't wait, believe me...

Keith Iddon ● 4858d

It's quite hilarious really, There's a place called Ferry Quays in Brentford and it's becoming legend.When I first heard this , I thought it something out of a sitcom but having had to to business there quite a lot it's quite true.You regularly see suited men with a pretty woman always trailing behind them, never together outdoors.Although it's the butt of a few giggles and nudge nudge wink wink jokes, it's a bit of a shame really and also not good considering the true housing problem for proper family houses that are affordable is being shelved in preference for the big bucks that developers keep targeting.

Michael Brandt ● 4858d

I tried to work out the more up-to-date probably PC phrasing but stopped as it became too complicated!

Philippa Bond ● 4858d

'places where bankers, lawyers and Executives keep their mistresses.'Did I fall asleep and wake up in the 1950s?

Susan Kelly ● 4858d

It will probably be 'occupied' by the same as most of Brentford's other newer developments. Buy to Lets a plenty and places where bankers, lawyers and Executives keep their mistresses.Does nothing for the local people any sort of cohesive commnity and those native to the district who need a decent affordable home.And drives home why these big developers are not really good for a district like this

Michael Brandt ● 4858d

A lot have already been 'snapped up' and are for rent at, IMHO, astonomical prices.

Nigel Brooks ● 4858d

We may well find that,like with other expensive blocks of new flats that consortiums ,usually from abroad, will by up swathes of these flats for rent to the well to do or to companies wishing for a pied a terre or whatever they are called for visiting customers or foriegn workers.

Keith Iddon ● 4858d

Nothing at all Penny, save for marketing and the fact that sucessive governments have prevented the building of social housing. It is a nonsense that even the current 'initiatives' focus on the overcrowded south east.I am a Londoner born and bred but even I recognise the need to provide affordable housing on a nationwide basis.Back to GWQ, no way would I want anyting with 'wonderful' vistas (traffic congestion to N,S, E &W).

Nigel Brooks ● 4858d

Nearly half a million for a 2 bed flat?  Seems an awful lot. I suppose we need accommodation for our young newlyweds, but it does seem a lot for the young 'uns! Our first humble 2up2down in Ealing only cost £2500! That was in the early 60s.

Gerry Tan ● 4858d

Agreed Nigel but seriously, what is the difference in concept between this and the council estates of the 1950s and 60s? Yes Keith - I would LOVE to love next to the M4. Wonder who'll buy them !

Penny Crocker ● 4858d

'Opening the windows and breathing in petrol..'

Keith Iddon ● 4859d

Expensive 'slum' with 2-bed flats starting at £460,000!

Nigel Brooks ● 4859d

Looks like another slum in the making to me.  wouldn't want to walk round there at night

Penny Crocker ● 4859d

Fair point. I doubt if they ever consult for 'overlooking' though. EsElse all of the new buildings on the Uxbridge Road (especially the replacement for TVU/Westel House) would require a huge area to be covered in any consultation.

Nigel Brooks ● 4859d

But it overlooks such a huge area of residences far further than I think was ever consulted.I have to sat I never thought a 25 storey building would have such a huge footprint. It can be seen from all over From Kew to Ealing

Michael Brandt ● 4859d

They let you play with the Transformers toys again didn't they?:-)25 storeys does seem a bit high but if it's anything like the architect's representation then at least it's an interesting shape.

Nigel Brooks ● 4859d

It looks to me, walking in Gunnersbury Park, like a giant robot which might, at any moment, raise one sidearm and obliterate us.

Susan Kelly ● 4859d

According to the architect's site, it is 25 storeys high.http://www.assael.co.uk/content/great-west-quarter

Nigel Brooks ● 4859d