Proposals also include space for boutique cinema

Plans for a major new music venue on the site of the historic Ealing Club have been submitted as part of the redevelopment of the town centre.

Benson Elliot own a large part of the area opposite Ealing Broadway Station, which was formerly the highly controversial Glenkerrin 'Arcadia' scheme.

It's now known as 9-42 The Broadway, and the company has been consulting with the public for more than a year to seek local views about the redevelopment.

There was concern over various initial proposals, one of which included demolishing the famous Ealing Club, but now Benson Elliot say a number of amendments have been made.

These include:

Working with local music heritage experts to design a new 5,000 sq ft sound-proofed and fully-accessible music venue on the plot of the 1960’s Ealing Club, to host live music plus other attractions such as performing arts, comedy and screenings. The venue will be linked to a bar/restaurant above, affording a much more prominent entrance close to the station and space to deliver a contemporary food and visitor experience.

2. Introducing an additional 6,000 sq ft flexible space on Haven Place that could be used to house a boutique cinema.

3. Amending the design of the prominent building on the corner of Station Broadway and The Broadway, including the introduction of a curved corner, as well as changes to the treatment of the adjacent 9-storey building in response to feedback from the public.

The plans for a music venue have been welcomed. Robert Salmons, Artistic Director of the Ealing Blues Festival and a Director of the Ealing Club Community Interest Company, said:

''Being Ealing born and bred, I can remember a time when it was one of the 'hippest' places around. Over recent years there has been a resurgence of awareness of the Borough's cultural importance and having a purpose built music venue on the site of the former Ealing Club is a significant step in re-affirming Ealing's unique heritage.''

Peter Cornforth, Director of Retail at Benson Elliot, said:

“We’re really excited to have submitted plans that we firmly believe will create a fantastic new destination at the heart of Ealing Broadway. A great blend of large and small shops, with apartments and green space above, all benefiting from a new pedestrian street connecting the Broadway with the future Crossrail station. And as a result of public consultation, we’ve introduced some leisure elements to widen the mix and add variety and interest.

“As a passionate supporter of live music over many years, it’s not hard to appreciate the very real challenges currently facing music venues in the capital. Hopefully our project in Ealing can lead the way in showing a sensible, sustainable and dynamic approach to developing a contemporary live music opportunity, seamlessly integrated into its surroundings and with its neighbours.”

The 26 storey tower which had been originally proposed and was dubbed 'the leaf' under Glenkerrin's Arcadia scheme has now been scaled down to 18 storeys.

There will be a new pedestrian route, to be known as Haven Place, between Ealing Broadway station and The Broadway,around 20 new shops, with room for independents, and 191 home swith a shared set of gardens at the upper level, linked by bridges.

Ealing Council will start its own consultation on the proposals and is expected to make a decision on the plans later this year.

For further information visit www.9-42TheBroadway.com

16th July 2015