Hong Kong Buyers Sought For Bollo Lane Homes

Gunnersbury Triangle 'open space' advertised as draw

The developers behind the controversial apartments which overlook the Gunnersbury Triangle are marketing the development in Asia, advertising the "unique opportunity to live overlooking a tranquil nature reserve."

Chiswick Point, the development on Bollo Lane which was opposed by HOOT (Hands Off Our Triangle) on the grounds it would affect the nature reserve, is advertised in Hong Kong papers. Campaigners who opposed development have said it is sad to see the nature reserve being used to market the area.

An article in the South China Morning Post property section refers to the "opportunity to live overlooking a tranquil nature reserve "in a new development just two minutes’ walk to Chiswick Park underground station and ideally placed for easy access to Knightsbridge, Chelsea and The West End.

"Chiswick Point sits in a residential area in Zone 3 in the leafy suburb of Chiswick overlooking Gunnersbury Triangle Nature Reserve."

An article in the Hong Kong Standard says : "The adjacent Gunnersbury Triangle Nature Reserve helps instill a sense of calm amid the city frenzy, while Chiswick Business Park has a parkland setting filled with cycle routes, cafes and restaurants as well as a 42,000-square- foot Virgin Active health and fitness club. Fun-loving shoppers and gourmands can find their second home on Chiswick High Road, a byword for chic dining and relaxing."

A survey by Bellway Homes of 504 people revealed that for 47% of people, open space was a priority when they looked for a new home. The company is now actively marketing the attractions of being beside the nature reserve.

Marie Rabouhans, who is chairwoman of West Chiswick and Gunnersbury Society, said it was "sad" to see the development using the Triangle nature reserve as part of its marketing campaign.

(HOOT) fought to stop developer Blackstone two years ago from building an eight-storey high block in Colonial Drive, Bollo Lane, but it was given the go-ahead by Ealing Council in May 2012. Their appeal to Mayor Boris Johnson was also rejected. Building on the site finished this summer and a number of units remain to be sold at the site now re-named Chiswick Point.

Bellway Homes describe it as a "unique opportunity to live overlooking a tranquil nature reserve but also have the buzz of city life on your doorstep. Being so close to nature, it is easy to forget that living at Chiswick Point you are just seven miles from the heart of London.”

However, Marie Rabouhans said she believes that Chiswick has lost a "special place", and there will be nowhere within the nature reserve which will be free from sight of the development.

October 17, 2014