Television Centre Meeting on Thursday 12 January 2017 on Wood Lane

Helios Building - due for completion by end of 2017

The developers of Television Centre on Wood Lane are to hold a meeting for local residents to give the community an update on the progress of this massive development. 

At the meeting will be representatives from Mace (builders) and Stanhope (developers), including Mace community liaison representative Mike Russell. 

Shepherd's Bush in 2016 - The Year in Review

Walkabout - how it might look

2016 was a busy year in Shepherd's Bush. Below is a quick reminder of what's being going on this past twelve months.

In January, Dorsett Hospitality International, the group who renovated the old Shepherd's Bush Pavilion and turned it into a successful upscale hotel, opened their doors for the first of a number public consultation on their revised proposals for the old Walkabout pub, formerly the Shepherd's Bush Cinematograph theatre.

The proposed plans are still waiting for final planning permission from our Council, "pending consideration".

Lonely Shed Demolished

The old electricity sub-station on Shepherd's Bush Green is being demolished.

The site has been fenced off and various men in yellow high-viz jackets are now taking it apart, brick by brick.

It's a shame that some use couldn't have been found for this attractive Edwardian building.

Poor Shepherd's Bush Green - The Funfair is Back

Once again, spare a thought for poor Shepherd's Bush Green - the funfair is returning for two weeks, from 16 December until 3 January.

The big lorries that transport these funfairs cause a lot of damage to the Green, which even at the best of times feels badly treated.

And many local residents, especially those who live around the Green, hate the noise and disturbance. So what can be done to mitigate the problems?

Children's Nativity at St Stephen's on Sunday December 18th

On Sunday 18th December at 10am St Stephen's Church on the Uxbridge Road is hosting a traditional Nativity Service for children.

It's a very inclusive event; there is no charge, no need to book ahead and all are welcome.  Children are encouraged to arrive dressed as Shepherds, Wise Men - all the players in the traditional story. 

The event is part of the excellent community work done by St Stephen's; a church with a commendably broad and diverse congregation.

St Stephen's also has a carol service on Sunday 18 December at 5pm, to which all are welcome, and a Midnight Mass on Christmas Eve at 11.30pm.

Our Council Has No Money? Here's The Solution

Cupid Delivering Pysche (1867) by Burne-Jones.
Not on display.

Our local Council, The London Borough of Hammersmith & Fulham, continually tells us that they have no money, and they blame the Government's austerity policies for the lack of cash. So why not sell a few valuable assets to help protect vital services?

The Council owns the fifty-four works in the Cecil French Collection, donated to Fulham Borough Council in 1953, including pre-Raphaelite paintings by Sir Edward Burne-Jones, and Frederic Leighton. 

The art isn't on display, and there are no plans to show it. So what's the point of keeping it? Better surely to sell it, and release funds for local services.

Hammersmith Bridge Repairs Delayed until 2017

Hammersmith Bridge - repairs delayed until 2017

Plans to strengthen the Victorian Hammersmith Bridge have been put on hold until late 2017, according to the Hammersmith Society.

It seems that repairs will cost £27m and there is a £5.3m shortfall.

Hammersmith Bridge first opened in 1887 and needs reinforcement to cope with the weight of more than one bus or lorry crossing the bridge at a time. 

Hoxton Hotel - Asset or Liability?

Due for demolition

The Hammersmith Society, guardians of good architecture in our neighbourhood, have been shown an exhibition of the plans for the new proposed Hoxton Hotel on the west side of Shepherd's Bush Green.

The new hotel will displace the current Post Office, and the existing buildings shown on the left will likely be demolished.

Homelessness in Shepherd's Bush

sleeping rough in the Bush

Anyone living in our neighbourhood has probably noticed that the problem of homelessness seems to be getting worse recently.  Of course, homelessness is not new - it has been a problem for many years.

In the early 20th Century the MP for Hammersmith, Sir William Bull, was "appalled to see Shepherd's Bush Green become home to destitute unemployed sleeping rough".

Above is a photo taken recently outside Shepherd's Bush Tube Station.  Curiously, the begging bowl is a barrister's wig, which retail for about £300.

Save Shepherd's Bush Post Office?

The Worst Place on Earth?

Local MP Andy Slaughter is organising a public meeting to try to keep Shepherd's Bush Post Office (memorably described by Richard Herring as "the portal between earth and Hades") from moving to Westfield, "due to the high level of public opposition".

The meeting will be held on Friday, 9 December from 1:30-4:30pm at the Shepherds Bush Library, 6 Wood Lane W12 7BF.

All are welcome, and there is no need to RSVP. You can also make your views known by emailing comments@postoffice.co.uk, calling 03457 22 33 44 or texting 03457 22 33 55.

Tube Strike - Hammersmith & City Line Closed 6-7 December

Shepherd's Bush Market Tube - closed 6-7 December

Drivers on the Piccadilly and Hammersmith & City Lines are planning to strike for 24 hours on the 6 and 7 December.

The action by the RMT will run from between 9.30pm on Tuesday 6 December and 9.29pm on Wednesday 7 December.

The reasons given are the usual blend of jobs and safety.

Hopes that a Labour mayor might be able to soothe relations with union bosses have proved unfounded.

Christmas Art & Design Fair Friday 2 December (7-10pm) & Saturday 3rd December (11-3pm) at Kite Studios

Kite Studios, just off Askew Road, is inviting local residents to join them on Friday 2 December (7-10pm) & Saturday 3rd December (11-3pm) for the 10th Annual Christmas Art & Design Fair.

So come along on December 2nd and 3rd, stock up on Christmas gifts, and get involved with your local community - all in a good cause.

What's this all about?
It's the 10th annual Unique Christmas Art & Design Fair.

Bush Theatre "To Fight Right Wing" When It Re-Opens

The Bush Theatre - closed until 2017

Here at The Shepherd's Bush Blog we've long been big fans of the Bush Theatre on the Uxbridge road, currently undergoing a major renovation.

Lately though we've noticed a bit of a detour into some less entertaining and more obviously political programming. Think the potty-mouthed "F*ck the Polar Bears", "Islands", a sweary rant about tax avoiders, or "Boys Will Be Boys", a cliche-ridden polemic about sexism in the City.

And now, it's official. The Bush Theatre artistic director Madani Younis has vowed - not to put on great theatre entertainment - but to "fight the right wing" when the building re-opens.

Trouble is - Is this what audiences want? And should public money be spent on such an overtly political goal?

Westfield Sparkles For Christmas, But No Lights For Our Streets

Christmas Lights at Westfield

Every year, the Westfield shopping centre puts on a fine light show at Christmas. Their decorations are impressive, their Kung Fu Panda-themed grotto will surely pull in thousands of children, and they even host an ice rink.  But the sparkle at Westfield just underscores how dowdy the shopping streets in Shepherd's Bush are by comparison.  Where are the lights and decorations on the streets of Shepherd's Bush, and why can't our Council put up a few lights and some tinsel?

Why Won't Our Council Repair Hammersmith Park?

Repaired slide at Hammersmith Park

Earlier this year, some long-overdue repairs were carried out by our local Council, The London Borough of Hammersmith & Fulham, to the Children's Playground in Hammersmith Park, which had been in a state of disrepair for some time.

A company called Valley Landscape Management put up fences around the damaged climbing mounds and repaired much of the torn material.

But, more than six months on, the job still isn't complete. So why won't our Council fix the playground at Hammersmith Park?

Inclusive Carol Concert at St Stephen's Church On Sunday 11th December

On Sunday 11th December St Stephen's Church on the Uxbridge Road is hosting an "inclusive carol concert" welcoming all families - including those who have children with special needs.  It's a very informal event; there is no need to book ahead and all are welcome. 

The event is part of the excellent community work done by St Stephen's; a church with a commendably broad and diverse congregation, welcoming people for all parts of our neighbourhood.

The service starts at 4pm. After the service there will be mulled wine and mince pies.

Stanhope to Build Three New Buildings at White City Place

White City Place - as proposed

Stanhope Plc, Mitsui Fudosan UK and AIMCo have submitted planning applications to build three new buildings on the 17-acre Gateway Site at White City Place (formerly BBC White City).

The new buildings will be called Gateway West, Gateway Central and Gateway East.

According to Stanhope, the new Gateway buildings "will provide 100,043 sq m (1,075,000 sq ft) of space and create 8,000 new jobs".

So, no slowdown in the pace of growth and new development in our neighbourhood then.

Shepherd's Bush House Prices Keep Getting Sillier

Never mind Brexit, the fall in the value of Sterling, punishing increases in Stamp Duty, slowing economic growth and a Trump presidency.  Despite all the headwinds, Shepherd's Bush House Prices just keep on getting sillier. Recently a house was listed for a breathtaking £3million in Macfarlane Rd, a fairly average street of Edwardian terraced housing which sits just west of Westfield and south of the new TV Centre development. It's hard to imagine prices like these in our neighbourhood. Will Barnard Marcus get £3million - or even close - for a relatively modest Edwardian three story house?

TV Centre News

Helios Building - due for completion by end of 2017

Last week the developers of Television Centre on Wood Lane held a meeting for local residents - to give the community an update on the progress of this massive development. 

At the meeting were representatives from Mace (builders) and Stanhope (developers), including Mace community liaison representative Mike Russell. 

At the meeting, residents were told that the development is currently on track to complete Phase One by the end of next year, though at present Phase Two now has no fixed timetable for completion.  So, what's going on at TV Centre?

Shepherd’s Bush Post Office to Close?

The Worst Place on Earth?

Shepherd’s Bush Post Office, famously described by Richard Herring as "the portal between Earth and Hades" looks set to close, and re-open somewhere else in our neighbourhood.

The Hoxton Hotel Group has purchased the site, with plans to develop it into an upscale hotel, no doubt building on the success of the Dorsett Hotel Group next door.

The Post Office are now consulting with the public on a new proposed site. The two options appear to be W H Smith in Westfield or the W12 Shopping Centre.

TFL Open Day on 14 and 15 November at TVC Pavilion

TFL are inviting Shepherd's Bush residents to a public exhibition of plans to transform the disused railway arches below and adjacent to Wood Lane Tube station, which will be turned into retail and commercial units. 

The newly restored arches "will provide new jobs and opportunities for businesses and deliver revenue to be reinvested into the transport network." 

Heathrow Gets the Green Light - Bad News for Shepherd's Bush?

The new face of Shepherd's Bush? Wikimedia

Heathrow's new runway has been given the green light by the Government, despite strong opposition, including from Hammersmith MP Andy Slaughter.

The new runway's flight path will likely lie directly above Shepherd's Bush and Hammersmith. That's very bad news for pretty much everyone in our neighbourhood.

Halloween Comes to Shepherd's Bush Today at 11am

Shepherd's Bush Market is hosting a Halloween Party for families today, organised by the Shepherd’s Bush Family Project.

Arch 186 (close to the Goldhawk Rd entrance) "will be transformed into a Halloween haven for an afternoon of spooky activities and prizes" from 11am until 3pm.  Entry is free.

Visitors can expect face painting, children’s tattoos and plenty of costumes. There will be a children’s fancy dress competition and the winner will receive up to £15 in market vouchers. Find out more at their Facebook page here.

Dorsett Open House on Walkabout Plans - 19th October

Walkabout

Dorsett Hospitality International, the group who renovated the old Shepherd's Bush Pavilion and have turned it into a successful upscale hotel, are opening their doors for an Open Evening on Wednesday 19th October.

Local residents will be able to see the revised plans for the Walkabout pub - plans which have now been submitted for formal approval.

The Open Evening will take place at Dorsett Shepherds Bush, 58 Shepherds Bush Green on Wednesday 19th October from 6.00pm to 8.00pm. All are welcome.

Are You an Idler?

Anyone in our neighbourhood being driven crazy by parked up lorries running their engines in your street - help may be at hand.

Our Council are looking for volunteers who want to be part of a new campaign to reduce air pollution - by stopping drivers from running their engines while they are parked. The campaign is called "I'm no Idler", and subtitled "Vehicle Idling Action".

The idea is to try and stop drivers from running their engines while they are stationary, and raise awareness of the dangers of air pollution.

Letter from Calais

The Jungle, Calais

Toni Sharpe is a teacher who lives in Shepherd's Bush. She recently took a career sabbatical and travelled to to the refugee camp in Calais - known as "The Jungle" - to teach English classes to some of the people living there.

Here, Toni shares some of her thoughts about her experience, in the form of a camp diary.

Walkabout Seeks Planning Permission

New building viewed from the north side of Shepherd's Bush Green

Dorsett Hospitality International, the group who renovated the old Shepherd's Bush Pavilion and have turned it into a successful hotel, have now made a formal planning application to redevelop the old Walkabout pub, formerly the Shepherd's Bush Cinematograph theatre. 

The proposed building, which includes a new tower built into the old facade, has taken into account extensive community feedback, and aims to make the new building fit better into the context of the existing Dorsett facade. 

Boundary Review To Bring Electoral Change to Shepherd's Bush

Hammersmith Constituency

Boundary changes are coming to Shepherd's Bush.  Today, the constituency of Hammersmith is a moderately solid Labour seat; our local MP Andy Slaughter managed to buck the national trend at the last election  and increase his majority to a very respectable 6,518 votes.

However, under the new proposed Boundary Changes, everything is up for grabs.  Three wards: Askew, Wormholt & White City, and Shepherd’s Bush Green – are to be broken away from Hammersmith and will make up a new constituency - to be named Ealing Central and Shepherd’s Bush - along with six wards from Ealing.

Watch Out For Moped Muggers in Shepherd's Bush

Beware of thieves on bikes

Street crime seems to be on the increase in the Bush. A local Mum was recently mugged in our neighbourhood by two men on a motorbike who drove past her, snatched her bag, and made a swift getaway.

She rang 999 and was told by the police that there is an "absolute epidemic of this in London at the moment".

Michaelmas Fair on Saturday 24th September 11am to 3pm

St Stephen’s Church on the Uxbridge Road is hosting a Michaelmas Fair this coming Saturday 24th September - from 11am until 3pm.

The fair will be held in St Stephen’s Church and the neighbouring hall, selling all sorts of gifts and goodies.

The fair is being held in aid of the St Stephen's Roof Fund, which is seeking to raise £200,000 to fix the Victorian roof, now leaking and badly in need of restoration. It's a family-friendly event that will include all sorts of things for sale, plus entertainment for children.

Morrisons Shepherd's Bush to Close

Morrisons in Shepherds Bush is to close. The big supermarket in the West 12 Centre is to be shut down with the loss of around 170 jobs. 

Local MP Andy Slaughter described it as "terrible news for the W12 area and to the 170 staff who work in the store".

It seems like an odd decision. Morrisons always seems to be a busy store, with plenty of footfall. What a shame for both local residents and - of course - all the employees who will lose their jobs.

Lonely Shed to Be Demolished

Disused Electrical Sub-station - to be demolished

The old electricity sub-station on Shepherd's Bush Green is to be demolished.

According to Parks chief Ian Ross, the "necessary consents have been obtained, including a Certificate of Lawful Development".

Our Council now "awaits a date for works to be carried out to demolish the building."

Hammersmith Magistrates Court to Close

Hammersmith Magistrates Court

The Ministry of Justice announced yesterday that Hammersmith Magistrates Court is to be closed.

This latest closure follows on from last year's closure of Hammersmith County Court.

Anyone who needs access to the Law Courts will now have to travel outside our Borough.

Shepherd's Bush Market - Back to the Drawing Board

Shepherd's Bush Market

Plans to develop of Shepherd's Bush Market are now being started afresh, after five fruitless years locked in litigation, in an ultimately unsuccessful attempt to secure planning permission for the scheme.

Opposed by the majority of market traders, and thrown out by the Supreme court last month on the basis of a technical violation of planning law by the former Secretary of State Eric Pickles, Orion's former plans to redevelop the market are now officially being abandoned. So the whole byzantine process must now begin again.

Re-Re-Revised Walkabout Plans

New building viewed from the north side of Shepherd's Bush Green

Dorsett Hospitality International, the group who renovated the old Shepherd's Bush Pavilion and have turned it into a successful upscale hotel, have unveiled re-re-revised proposals for the old Walkabout pub, formerly the Shepherd's Bush Cinematograph theatre. 

The fresh drawings have taken into account community feedback and aim to make the new building fit better into the context of the existing Dorsett hotel. 

Shepherd's Bush Flats in Flames

One of the big multi-storey blocks of flats to the south of the Shepherd's Bush roundabout was today in flames, as fire caused the evacuation of over 50 people. You can see the full story at the BBC here and also at ShepherdsBushW12. Shepherd's Bush Green has been closed for much of the day, leading to huge traffic jams and congestion. By tonight, fire chiefs were reporting that the blaze was under control. The London Fire Brigade was called at 15:44, with 999 control officers taking over 40 emergency calls to the incident. The cause of the fire is unknown.

Children's Funfair in Ravenscourt Park until 21st of August

Stuck for things to do with the kids this summer? The John Parnham children's funfair is in Ravenscourt Park until the 21st of August.

Entry to the funfair is free, but the rides are not. All rides and inflatables are token-operated.
Tokens are bought at the token box on site
£1 a token - 12 tokens for £10.

The fair is open every day from 3rd August - 21st August 2016 from 11-6pm

Pergola on the Roof Seeks Extension until December 23

Pergola on the Roof - now at TV Centre

Pergola on the Roof, the rooftop restaurant that has brought outdoor dining to the top of the old soon-to-be-demolished carpark on Wood Lane, has applied for planning permission to extend its rooftop run beyond the summer until the end of December.

Good news then for outdoor diners, but perhaps less welcome for the residents of Macfarlane Road who haven't necessarily been thrilled by the noise and general disturbance. 

St Stephen’s Michaelmas Fair on Saturday 24th September

St Stephen's

St Stephen’s Church on Uxbridge Road are hosting a Michaelmas Fair on Saturday 24th September. The fair will be held in St Stephen’s Church and the neighbouring hall, selling all sorts of gifts and goodies.

The fair is being held in aid of the St Stephen's Roof Fund, which is seeking to raise £200,000 to fix the Victorian roof, now leaking and badly in need of restoration.

The fair will include all sorts of things for sale, plus entertainment for children. And it's not too late to get involved yourself. Why not take a stall and sell some stuff?

Final Victory for Shepherd's Bush Market Traders?

Shepherd's Bush Market

Market traders at Shepherds Bush Market are celebrating a new legal victory, finally (it appears) seeing off the redevelopment project by Orion, which has been the subject of conflict and litigation for the past six years.

According to Leigh Day, solicitors for the market traders, Orion have abandoned their efforts to appeal the latest ruling in the ongoing legal battle over the future of the market.

"5 Star" Car Wash To Be Demolished

The "Five Star Car Wash" at 10B Shepherd`s Bush Road, just to the south of Shepherd's Bush Green, is to be demolished and replaced by - yes, you guessed it - a block of flats. Another piece of Old Shepherd's Bush will soon be history.

Arguably though, what is surprising is that relatively low-value businesses like this one have survived for so long as land values has risen. The car wash sits on prime development land and the planning application submitted will involved squeezing 28 residential units (10 x 1 bed, 15 x 2 bed, 2 x 3 bed and 1 x 4 bed) out of the site. Well, no-one can say we don't need more housing in our neighbourhood. To see the planning application, follow this link.

Why Is Our Council Failing Shepherd's Bush Green?

Recently we reported on the sea of litter that greets anyone crossing Shepherd's Bush Green in the morning.

The story got a good deal of traffic, and we received many comments and emails from local residents, suggesting that the state of Shepherd's Bush Green is something that people in our neighbourhood care about.

So we contacted our local Councillors, Mercy Umeh, Natalia Perez, and Andrew Jones to ask them if they could help us out in the fight to clean up Shepherd's Bush Green. What was the result?

Who Are Your Local Councillors?

Most of us have no idea who our local Councillors are, but we ought to. Why? Because Councillors are the link between the voters and the Council - it's the way in which local government is held to account by the electorate.

If you've got a problem in your local neighbourhood, the chances are your local MP won't be able to help much, because local issues are mostly decided at a local level.

But your local Councillors should know where the levers of power are located  - and also how to press them.  So, in Shepherd's Bush, who are our local councillors, and how can you reach them?

Review - Boys Will Be Boys

Here at The Bush Telegraph we're big fans of the Bush Theatre, our temple of culture on the Uxbridge road, currently undergoing a major renovation.

Overall, the standard of theatre is very high, comparable with the best of the West End, but lately we've noticed a bit of a detour into some less thoughtful programming. Think the naughtily-titled "F*ck the Polar Bears", or "Islands", a potty-mouthed rant against tax avoiders. It's not that these plays don't have something to say, it's just that what they do say isn't necessarily very well said.

"Boys Will Be Boys" continues this recent trend. Here is what our reviewer thought of the play, which is currently playing at Bush Hall until 30 July.

Shepherd's Bush Green Is a Mess

Shepherd's Bush Green yesterday morning

Anyone who walks across Shepherd's Bush Green in the mornings will be familiar with the sea of litter that is deposited there every night.

Food, empty bottles, soda cans, McDonalds wrappers - all sorts of junk gets left there - often right next to the bins. It's a depressing sight, and there doesn't seem to be any attempt to enforce the laws against dropping litter.

O2 Shepherd's Bush Empire Re-Opens at Last

O2 Shepherd's Bush Empire

Not that you'd know it if you walked past the building, but the O2 Shepherd's Bush Empire has finally re-opened, after seven long months of emergency repairs. The extensive works apparently involved scaffolding the interior of the roof to make the building safe.

The Grade II listed Empire is one of Shepherd's Bush's historic landmarks - they even have their own Wikipedia page. It was originally built in 1903 for entrepreneur Oswald Stoll, starting life as a music hall.  To see what's on at the Empire, and admire their newly refurbished roof, follow the link to their official site here.

"Big Local" W12 Festival on Saturday 23rd July

W12 Festival 2016

The W12 Festival is coming to our streets this summer. The "Big Local" in White City is getting ready for this year's Summer Festival on Saturday 23rd July from 1pm until 7pm, in newly refurbished Wormholt Park.

It's a family-friendly day, full of activities, local performers, street food from local caterers and "an opportunity to celebrate all that’s good and inspiring about our little patch of London".

Best of all, entry is free.

Funfair Returns to Shepherd's Bush Green

Funfair

Pity poor Shepherd's Bush Green - the funfair is returning for two weeks, from 22 July until 7 August.

The trouble is, the big lorries that transport these funfairs cause huge damage to the Green, which even at the best of times often feels badly treated.

You can still see the trackmarks in the grass from the last fair, which left in early April.

Wood Lane Closed

Wood Lane (aka the A219) is closed in both directions today due to "emergency repairs" between South Africa Road and Shepherd's Bush Green.  According to the TFL website, the closure has been caused by a burst water main.

If you're driving, it's probably best to avoid the whole Shepherd's Bush area until the works are completed. 

As to when that will be, there is no information as yet. The closure has been in place since wednesday, with no end in sight. Meanwhile, gridlock on the streets of Shepherd's Bush.

LBHF "Unity" Day on July 17th

Polish Centre, Hammersmith

The London Borough of Hammersmith and Fulham is hosting a "Unity Day" on July 17th, an event being organised by the council to "celebrate the diversity of our borough" and to show solidarity with those who experienced racial abuse in the aftermath of the Brexit vote.

The event will take place on July 17th with a march from Shepherd's Bush to the Polish Centre on King Street, and finishing in Ravenscourt Park with a community festival.

For details, see the Facebook page here.

Bush Theatre "Breaks Out" and Moves To Bush Hall

The Bush Theatre has "broken out" of its home on Uxbridge Road (where they have got the builders in all this year and early next) and taken up temporary residence at Bush Hall, a short walk west down the Uxbridge Road.

Bush Hall was originally a dance venue but today hosts all sorts of events including theatre, cabaret, comedy and live music.

The Bush Hall dining rooms are located conveniently next door, now serving pizza from their wood-burning pizza oven.