Victorian Community Centre in Kensal Green to Be Demolished for New Office Block
A much-loved Victorian building and community hall in North London is set to be demolished after Brent Council's planning committee approved plans to construct a replacement four-storey office block. The decision, made earlier this week, has sparked significant controversy, with over 100 objections lodged against the proposal.
Heritage Concerns and Local Opposition
The building, located at 26 and 28 Hazel Road in Kensal Green, was originally constructed in the 1890s as a Victorian 'mission room' for religious services. Campaigners argued vehemently for its preservation on heritage grounds, but council officials determined that it did not meet the threshold for local listing. The Kensal Green Residents Association and local councillors were among those who objected, citing concerns about the loss of a heritage asset, the new building's size, and its potential to be out of character with the surrounding area.
Phil O'Shea, a member of the Kensal Green Residents Association, addressed the committee, stating that the proposal "falls short of the required standards" and is not the right development for the site. He emphasized that once heritage buildings like Harriet Tubman House are demolished, their value to the community is lost forever. Additionally, Philip Grant, a resident and member of the Wembley History Society, described the building as "of high significance" and argued that the public benefits of the new development are insufficient to justify its demolition.
Charity's Vision for a Modern Training Centre
The building has been owned by the social mobility charity Making The Leap since 2000. Its founder, Tunde Banjoko, told the committee that the current structure is "no longer fit for purpose" and that the charity aims to build a state-of-the-art training centre to better serve young people from less advantaged backgrounds. The new facility will include a training room, workspace, job search and IT rooms, a social hub, and a roof terrace.
Mr. Banjoko highlighted that the charity's growth necessitates improved facilities, but they are constrained by the building's location on top of Network Rail tunnels, which limits weight increases. The only viable solution, he explained, was to demolish the existing structure and erect a new, lighter timber-framed building. He assured that the architects were mindful of neighboring properties, with the new design only marginally higher than the current building on Hazel Road.
Planning Committee's Decision and Future Steps
The planning committee's decision came after a request to defer the proposal due to allegations of bias and pre-determination by council officers. However, the committee's lawyer found no legal reason to delay, and the application proceeded. Despite the objections, the plan was approved via a split decision, with two councillors abstaining.
The planning agent for Making The Leap noted that while there is an overall reduction in space for community facilities, the new building will offer a larger single space compared to the current split-level layout. They also promised that the facilities would be made available for community use. Moving forward, Making The Leap must now begin fundraising efforts to secure the necessary finances to deliver the project, marking a significant step in the redevelopment of this North London site.
