Dickens Yard - Ealing's Renaissance?

New development to breathe new life into centre

The much anticipated Dickens Yard development in central Ealing has officially been launched this week.

Developers St George are building 698 new apartments and penthouses set around a 'European-style public piazza with landscaped gardens'. There will be 100,000 sqft of prime retail space, for shops, cafes and restaurants.

Launching from the listed old Fire Station building - refurbished as part of the project - Ian Dobie, Managing Director of St George West London commented:

''The Fire Station is one of three gems which provide symbolic markers to Dickens Yard, the Town Hall and Sir George Gilbert Scott’s magnificent Church of Christ Saviour in New Broadway.

''We are proud to be investing in Ealing’s long term future and have real belief in the Queen of the Suburbs.''

Council Leader Julian Bell welcomed the launch and said:

''We have long held an aspiration to see Dickens Yard get off the ground and start a renaissance which will deliver a legacy for the people of Ealing.”

Marketing information states:

''Dickens Yard is a unique development that blends heritage with sophistication to create an exciting new urban quarter. 698 luxury apartments and penthouses will provide stunning homes ideally located both for Ealing and for travel into Central London.

'' Each home will look out across private gardens, or landscaped pedestrian boulevards, which will link three public piazzas playing host to lively markets, street theatre and jazz events and lined with cafés and boutique shops, to create a bustling new focus.

''Dickens Yard will ensure that the already thriving cultural life in Ealing will get a welcome boost.''

Dickens Yard will be built in phases, the first phase will take up to two years.

What do you think? Will Dickens Yard breathe new life into Ealing?

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3rd February 2011