Transport for London’s plans to transform 31 railway arches near Wood Lane Tube station into retail units and commercial space moved a step closer to fruition last night after Hammersmith & Fulham council granted planning permission.
The scheme is part of the agency’s drive to boost the amount of money it raises from non-fares sources and, it says, will support a number of nearby developments, including the extension to Westfield London shopping centre.
Work will be carried out in two phases, the first of which will see the 19 arches closest to the Tube station open in early 2018 when the new John Lewis store at Westfield is set to open.
These will be followed by 12 arches closest to the A3320 West Cross Route which will be developed in line with adjacent residential developments due for completion in the early 2020s.
In addition to bringing the units back into use, TfL plans to create new pedestrian passageways to improve connectivity in the neighbourhood and introduce new cycle parking.
Speaking last year, Graeme Craig, TfL Commercial Development Director, said: “Opening the arches at Wood Lane will truly transform the area – supporting ongoing regeneration with new locations for small and independent businesses and improving pedestrian connectivity.
“These are the first of a number of arches that we are looking to develop to help us raise vital revenue to reinvest in the transport network.”
