The Grove Park 'Piazza' Project Is Making Progress

Crowdfunding set up to partly fund the creation of a social focal point for the area

Artists impression of the piazza by Tim Makower. Image from Grove Park Group

Grove Park residents could soon get their own 'piazza' to link the Station House pub with the parade of shops and create a social focal point for local residents.

The project which is being spearheaded by the Grove Park Group (GPG) is now a Mayor of London Community Project with a crowdfunding page on SpaceHive. The local group is now looking for community support to enable more progress to be made and build on the momentum of the £5,000 worth of pledges already received.

The GPG says; "This a unique opportunity to significantly improve the area where we live and work. The Piazza will transform a large, unappealing area of tarmac into an increased pedestrian zone with wider pavements for café, shop and pub visitors. Both the regular and disabled parking bays will be retained. Money pledged will pay for the design phase, 50% funded by the local community and 50% by Hounslow Council."

The group says that the area around the shops has been long overdue regeneration as the pavement is narrow, sloping and provides poor accessibility. Block paving the entire area and introducing traffic calming features will significantly improve pedestrian safety. The area outside the cafe would be widened and more tables could be added, creating a focal point.

The project has the support of Hounslow Traffic, local ward councillors, residents and businesses.

The first phase of the plan to upgrade the area was the planting of trees along the railway line fence to help provide a more enclosed and defined space. The idea was proposed by the GPG as part of a series of improvements to the roads and public realm in the area.

As part of the promotion of the project to local residents and businesses the GPG is staging an event outside the shops on Saturday 20 May. There will be a marquee erected and free refreshments, a band and free prize draw will be held well as display plans and drawings outlining the proposal.

Pledges can be made towards the cost of the project, and all donations are welcome, large and small -the site goes live shortly.

If pledged donations reach a sufficient number, there may be an additional donation from the Mayor - similar projects across London have been funded to date.

So far their crowdfunding page has received around £5,000 in donation pledges and they would like to build on that momentum.

Image from the Grove Park Group

May 10, 2017