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Makeover for Notting Hill Gate
Ruth Bloomfield03.04.09
Plans to reinvent Notting Hill Gate as a bohemian haven for small shops and artists' studios have been unveiled.
A report commissioned by Kensington and Chelsea council suggests widening pavements, squeezing space for traffic and creating a public square. It also calls for more support for quirky independent shops, suggesting Marylebone High Street as a model.
The council hopes the facelift could turn the area into a cyclist-friendly gateway to Portobello Road Market and the cafés and shops made famous by the movie Notting Hill - rather than a drab, traffic-logged junction.
The report by designers urbaninitiatives says: "It is important to build on the cultural 'bohemian legacy' of the centre and expand its arts and culture uses through the provision of studio space, small workshop areas, exhibition space and galleries." It suggests reducing traffic along Notting Hill Gate from four lanes to two between Campden Hill Road and Linden Gardens, and the north end of Kensington Church Street from three lanes to two.
Sixties street furniture would be replaced by modern designs, and there would be less pay-and-display parking and more cycle racks. There would also be more pedestrian crossings, and the Tube station entrances would be moved so they no longer block the pavements.
The new square would be at the junction of Pembridge Road in front of WH Smith, which would be refurbished. The post office site in Kensington Church Street would also be redeveloped.
The report suggests encouraging independent traders by insisting all developments include "affordable" units. It also recommends that two ugly Sixties tower blocks - the 18-storey Campden Hill Tower and Newcombe House - should be reclad and have storeys added. The report says: "Notting Hill Gate lacks quality public space. Footways are congested and cluttered and there is a lack of safe crossing points the town centre is blighted by large traffic volumes.
"The lack of an attractive retail offer makes Notting Hill Gate a transient place, where people move through rather than being encouraged to stay." A spokeswoman for the council said its vision was "to significantly enhance the area as a shopping centre. Boutiques and small independent retailers will be protected." Shopkeepers will be consulted from Tuesday. The scheme echoes the £30million renewal of Exhibition Road. Kerbs, barriers, signs and traffic lights are being removed and a 20mph limit introduced. Kensington and Chelsea hopes motorists and pedestrians can share the space and access will be improved to the museums and the Royal Albert Hall.
Reader views (4)
All this is just to amuse american tourists who think think Nottinhg Hill should be more like the film. London is a patchwork not a film set! Leave it as it is!
- Jon, London
When you've finished shopping in the amazing Portobello Road and find yourself in the Notting Hill Gate junction, you just become disoriented. Voila! Two ugly towers and one ugly big gray building (my friend told me it's the Czech Embassy)! Why did K & C allow this? Kensington is beautiful and they should keep it that way - and not look like it's a frustrated big time business district with all these repulsive buildings. Seriously.
- Sylvia, London
Change for change sake. There's nothing wrong with the present Notting Hill Gate. Nothing to 'fix'.
- Phil Jones, London UK
Where would you rehouse the muggers and drug dealers ?
- Chris M, morbihan,FRANCE
