A new art centre in west London is being planned as part of a £10 million investment in the area, as a central hub. The proposals by Westway Trust will see film screenings, live music and theatre staged at the 1,000 capacity venue, which will also play a large role in the performance preparations for Notting Hill Carnival. The developments are expected to breathe new life into the area through the charity Westway Trust, which owns and manages the land.
The new facilities are expected to create 150 new jobs as well as apprenticeships, in a significant boost to the economy. Specifically, the arts and culture centre will have an all-day programme of events including film screenings, live music, theatre, arts workshops and exhibitions, year round. This will be sound-proofed and could therefore include backstage space for preparations for Notting Hill Carnival, as well as working to maintain the local arts festival Portobello Live!. Amongst many other social benefits of the development, the arts and culture side looks particularly promising.
Close by, a new stage and grassed performance area and children’s play area will also be created, aiming to encourage visitors to spend longer in the neighbourhood. To date the plans and proposals have been welcomed positively, building on the unique appeal of the area. The plans will provide improved spaces to enhance the area’s cultural life and benefit the community, in additional to making it more sustainable long-term.
Perhaps most important is the variety of opportunities for young people to begin their careers which will be available. Here the future looks particularly exciting, and will work to enhance the heritage of the much loved west London area. Following plans, exhibitions and consultations, the planning application for this development is thought to be submitted in 2017.