Ealing Heritage Strategy

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Appendix 1

Ealing Heritage Strategy Draft

2010 - 2015

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Contents 1. Introduction 2. Ealing’s Heritage 3. National and local context 4. Ealing’s Heritage: issues and opportunities 5. A new vision for Ealing’s Heritage, Objectives & Delivery Plan

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1. Introduction 1.1 Ealing has a rich and deep built, natural and material heritage highly valued by

residents. As with most councils responsibility for managing and promoting the borough’s heritage is divided amongst council departments. The Executive Director for Environment and Customer Services is responsible for the strategic lead for heritage development and is responsible for the management of important built, natural and material heritage assets. There are further responsibilities including planning, conservation, regeneration and ownership of some heritage assets which sit across the council.

1.2 The development of a sustainable future for key heritage assets has become a higher

priority for the council over recent years and it is now necessary to adopt a strategic approach to this area of activity.

The heritage strategy is intended to have the following benefits:

a framework for maximising investment in Ealing’s heritage

set a direction and define priorities within and between heritage initiatives and reconcile competing demands

inform the management of the Council’s assets, detailed service plans and the work of individual officers, departments and other agencies

encourage innovation and improved partnership working

act as a lever and rationale for gaining funding from external agencies and partners

demonstrate links with the long term vision for Ealing, central government agendas and with strategies of national and regional agencies

1.3 There are many definitions of heritage in the public domain including built, natural and

material elements. Heritage is widely understood by DCMS to be included in a broader set of activities including arts, libraries, architecture, creative industries, media, sport and tourism.

1.4 The history and identity of a place is informed by its culture – how it is communicated

through buildings, streetscape and green space and how the lives, ideas and identities of the people are communicated. In recent years, the definition of heritage has moved from the view of consisting of ‘historic’ tangible artefacts (buildings, places and objects) to a more holistic definition which takes account of the way we live and the stories of communities.

1.5 It is proposed for the purposes of this strategy that Ealing adopts the ICOMOS

(International Council on Monument and Sites) definition of heritage.

Heritage is “ways of living developed by a community and passed on from generation to generation, including customs, practices, places, objects, artistic expressions and

values”

1.6 In May 2008, English Heritage (EH) in a presentation to the Local Strategic

Partnership, Arts Culture and Sports Board identified a number of key components of a heritage strategy. These are:

management plans for key assets

community engagement

buildings at risk

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LAA targets to which heritage contributes

LDF influence on management and development of heritage asets

This document broadly follows this model and takes account of priorities and policy drivers from a range of regional and national bodies concerned with management and investment in heritage as defined by ICOMS.

2. Ealing’s Heritage 2.1 The borough is home to a significant number of statutory listed, religious, residential,

commercial and transport buildings from the 13th to mid 20th century. Ten of these are on the Heritage at Risk Register (HARR). These buildings are very different in nature and size, ranging from large public buildings having a strategic role for the community, to small private dwelling houses and are both in public and private ownership. A map of heritage assets in Ealing is attached as Appendix 1.

2.2 There are listed ancient monuments at Horsenden Hill and Northolt Manor, Walpole

Park is a listed heritage garden and Acton Park is a classic Victorian Park. Other parks, like Brent Lodge Park, Conolly Dell, Cuckoo Park, Ealing Common, The Woodlands, Churchfields, Brent River, Pitshanger Park and Acton Green reflect elements of local history and the borough’s heritage. In addition the borough has 29 conservation areas all of which have Conservation Area Appraisals and Conservation Management Plans in place (Appendix 2)

2.3 The borough’s housing is of heritage interest with two garden suburbs, Bedford Park

and Brentham Garden Suburb. Bedford Park was England’s first ‘Garden City’, built essentially to attract upper middle class residents. The development had a reputation for attracting those of an artistic and literary bent. Camille Pissaro and WB Yeats are former residents. As well as houses the development included a new church, St Michael’s and The Tabard, a pub. Norman Shaw designed some of the first buildings there in the 1870s. Brentham Garden Suburb is also a significant estate, built just before the First World War on the principle of co-partnership, with people owning shares in their houses and the communal facilities such as the club house and the sports ground (used by Fred Perry). Henry Vivian, a Liberal MP, assisted in its being founded and it tended to attract professional people such as teachers and civil servants.

2.4 The history of the borough is intimately entwined with the development of transport

with the rural nature of the borough progressively altered from the 19th century as a result of transport developments. The Great Western Railway (GWR) was built between London and Bristol from 1836 – 41. The problem of running trains across the River Brent was solved by Isambard Kingdom Brunel with a massive viaduct at Hanwell. The first GWR station in the area opened as Ealing Haven in 1838. At the beginning of the 20th century, Ealing considered itself a select suburb, where many residents had their own carriages. The introduction of electric trams providing cheap transport for the masses was strongly opposed by the council, championed by district surveyor Charles Jones.

2.5 The Grand Union Canal played a significant role in the growth of London and has

continued to define the character of large areas of Ealing and surrounding boroughs. Formed from several major canals built during the late 18th and 19th centuries, the canal provided a reliable and safe inland waterway linking the growing city of London with the industrial manufacturing towns and mining districts of the Midlands and north west England. The unique features of the canal are document in the Conservation Area Appraisal which support the use of the canalside for quiet routes for walking,

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cycling and boating, whch are of considerable amenity value. The historic environment of the canal includes the waterway, its banks and towpath, as well as bridges crossing it and a number of adjoining spaces and buildings tht contribute to its special historic character and interest.

2.6 The council is the owner of a number of significantly important heritage and listed

buildings. These are Pitzhanger Manor House, Gunnersbury Park, Hanwell Community Centre, Southall Manor House, Ealing Town Hall and the Acton Town Hall complex. Issues and opportunities for the future of these buildings are addressed in section 4.

2.7 The major heritage attractionin the borough providing public access is Pitzhanger

Manor House and Gallery and Walpole Park. It is the former estate of Sir John Soane, the eminent architect. The house is Grade 1 listed with a number of listed features present in Walpole Park. The house and gallery are open to residents and visitors to explore the heritage of Sir John Soane and participate in high quality contemporary art exhibitions and activities in the gallery. In addition the council manage Gunnersbury Park Museum in partnership with the London Borough of Hounslow. Gunnersbury Park, the first country residence of the Rothschild family in 1835, is now a museum, which collects and displays the history of Ealing in a range of temporary exhibitions. Both provide formal and informal learning opportunities with Pitzhanger Manor House and Gallery having particular success in working with young offenders to achieve Arts Award accreditation.

2.8 The local history and archive service is delivered from Central Library. The local

history collection covers Acton, Ealing, Greenford, Hanwell, Northolt, Perivale, West Tywford, Southall-Norwood. The collection includes electoral registers, council minutes, maps, directories, newspapers, photographs and census returns in addition to a range of archival material deposited from various public and private sources. These include some vestry minutes and other civil parish records, diaries of local residents, papers of General Wetherall, Greenslade papers concerning the Martin Brothers and Martinware, some school log books and papers of some local clubs.

2.9 Ealing is home to the London Motorcycle Museum, the London Transport Museum

Depot and Greenford Heritage Centre. The London Motorcycle Museum is the only motorcycle museum in London, houses over 60 exhibits and is supported through donations, membership and volunteers. The London Transport Museum stores 370,000 items at ‘The Depot’ in Acton and operates as a working museum store, open to the public on selected dates in the year. The items on display range from old uniforms and posters to trains and buses. It is a not for profit, independent museum, registered by the Museum and Galleries Commission, owned and operated by the London Transport Museum.

2.7 Ealing Council owns the largest public collection of Martinware in the country. This

collection of studio pottery was produced by the Martin brothers in Southall and offered to the borough in the form of a bequest by John Hull Grundy who was born in Southall. At 260 items, the collection is a significant part of the borough’s cultural heritage. Due to security requirements, the majority of the collection is in temporary storage with a small set of items available to view by appointment at Southall Library.

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3. National and local context The national context

3.1 The Department for Culture Media and Sport (DCMS) is the lead government

department on the historic environment, museums and galleries, architecture and the built environment. The Department of Communities and Local Government (DCLG) also has responsibilities for the conservation and protection of the built heritage applied through planning laws and regulations.

3.2 In 2001 they jointly published The Historic Environment: A Force for Our Future. This

document sets out government’s vision of the future in which:

public interest in the historic environment is matched by firm leadership, effective partnerships, and the development of a sound knowledge base from which to develop policies;

the full potential of the historic environment as a learning resource is realised;

the historic environment is accessible to everybody and is seen as something with which the whole of society can identify and engage;

the historic environment is protected and sustained for the benefit of our own and future generations;

the historic environment’s importance as an economic asset is skilfully harnessed.

3.3 DCMS is also promoting changes to heritage protection through the 2007 White

Paper Heritage Protection for the 21st Century. The White Paper contained three core principles, which can be summarised as:

to develop a unified approach to heritage protection

maximise opportunities for inclusion and involvement in heritage

put heritage matters at the heart of the planning system 3.4 A number of Non Departmental Public Bodies (NDPB) have responsibility for

elements of our built, cultural and natural heritage. English Heritage (EH) has responsibility for the built environment, Natural England has responsibility for the natural environment and the Museums, Libraries and Archives Council (MLA) has responsibility for museums, local history and archives. In addition, agencies such as Commission for Architecture and the Built Environment (CABE) have influenced approaches to the built environment, including the historic aspects and the Heritage Lottery Fund (HLF) has transformed the landscape of heritage policy, planning and provision through significant funding programmes. A brief description of the key aims and desired outcomes of these agencies is set out below.

3.5 People and Places: Making the Past a Part of our Future (English Heritage, Strategic

Plan 2005 – 2010) has established the concept of a ‘virtuous heritage cycle’ to communicate its key aims of understanding, valuing, caring for and enjoying the heritage:

Aim 1: Help people to develop their understanding of the historic

environment Aim 2: Get the historic environment on other people’s agendas Aim 3: Enable and promote sustainable change to England’s historic

environment Aim 4: Help local communities to care for their historic environment

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Aim 5: Stimulate and harness enthusiasm for England’s historic environment

Aim 6: make the most effective use of the assets in (its) care

3.6 Newly formed in 2006, Natural England has adopted four key outcomes in its first Strategic Direction Report (2006 – 2009). The outcomes of ‘enjoyment of the natural environment’ and ‘increase everyone’s understanding of, and ability, to take care of, the natural environment’ place access as central.

3.7 Established in 1994, the HLF has funded a wide range of heritage projects across the

full spectrum of heritage activity. Our Heritage Our Future, the funds strategic plan for 2008 – 2013 has three core strategic aims:

conserve the UK’s diverse heritage for present and future generations to experience and enjoy

enable more people, and a wider range of people, to take an active part in and make decisions about their heritage

enable people to learn about their own and others’ heritage

The Regional Context 3.8 The Mayor’s Spatial Development Strategy for Greater London, The London Plan

(2008 onwards) sets out the Mayor’s objectives:

to accommodate London’s growth within its boundaries without encroaching on open spaces

to make London a healthier and better city for people to live in

to make London a more prosperous city with strong and diverse economic growth

to promote social inclusion and tackle deprivation and discrimination

to improve London’s accessibility

to make London an exemplary world city in mitigating and adapting to climate change, and a more attractive, well-designed and green city.

Within these overarching objectives, The London Plan includes policies on the protection and enhancement of London’s historic environment, waterways and natural heritage. 3.9 Sustaining Success, the Greater London Authority’s (GLA) Economic Development

Strategy (2006 – 2016) was developed with the London Development Agency (LDA) and focuses on four major investment areas, all of which are of relevance to heritage development.

Places and infrastructure

People

Enterprise

Marketing and promoting London

3.10 Within these over-arching themes for investment the following specific aims are particularly relevant to heritage development.

Deliver healthy, sustainable communities in high quality urban environments

Maintain and develop London as a top international destination and principal gateway for visitors, tourism and investment

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3.11 The GLA’s Cultural Strategy, Cultural Capital: Realising the Potential of a World City,

(2004) focuses on four key objectives : excellence, creativity, access and value and sets out key policies of particular relevance to heritage development.

London needs to ensure its cultural institutions and events are of a high quality, world-class status.

London needs to develop its brand and promote itself as a world cultural city and tourist destination.

Education and lifelong learning must play a central role in nurturing creativity and providing routes to employment.

There should be a spread of high-quality cultural provision across London at all levels – local, sub-regional and regional.

The cultural value and potential of London’s public realm should be fully realised.

3.12 In 2002 EH published Changing London. The report sets out a vision for London of

which some of the fundamental principles are:

The historic and natural environments are two sides of the same coin – they are both part of the green agenda. We need to help people understand that looking after the historic environment is intrinsically linked to making London a sustainable city.

Conservation is about managing not preventing change.

Conservation is about the entire historic environment, not just about listed buildings. We must value the streets and spaces in between and act to improve the quality of London’s streetscape.

We must not allow banality and uniformity to replace local distinctiveness.

Nurturing its historic environment will make London a better place in which to live, to do business, to relax and to play.

3.13 In 2007, MLA London published Museum Metropolis, its strategy for museums in the

capital (2006 – 2010). The following aims are of relevance to heritage development:

Broaden museums’ access and ensure that their work reflects the full diversity of cultural heritage in the capital

Develop, coordinate and promote the tourism offer in London’s museums

Improve the quality of the museum offer, particularly in outer London and in key regeneration areas

Develop strategies to ensure preservation and greater public engagement with museum collections in London.

The Ealing Context 3.14 Working together, the council and our local public, private and voluntary sector

partners have set out a vision of the borough in 2016.

Ealing will be a successful borough at the heart of West London, where everybody has the opportunity to prosper and live fulfilling lives in communities that are safe, cohesive and engaged.

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3.14 The council and its partners on the LSP have agreed a number of long term objectives of direct relevance to the heritage strategy. These are:

Improve the quality of cultural facilities and activities

Encourage a love of learning amongst Ealing’s children and young people and help them to achieve their full potential, increasing the number of young people achieving 5 A* to C grades at GCSE or equivalent

Confirm central Ealing’s position as a high-quality and distinctive metropolitan town centre

Ensure residents are happy with their neighbourhood as a place to live

Balancing community interests and promote a strong, cohesive and engaged community

3.15 Heritage facilities and opportunities contribute to the following National Indicators

included in Ealing’s Sustainable Community Strategy 2006 – 2016.

NI 5: Overall/general satisfaction with local area

NI 45: Young offenders engagement in suitable education, employment and training

Heritage facilities and opportunities also contribute to National Indicator 6: participation in regular volunteering, National Indicator 10: visits to museums and galleries (at 54.2% adult usage Ealing is slightly above the national average of 53.8%) and National Indicator 11: engagement in the arts.

3.16 The Cultural Strategy, adopted in 2007 as the over-arching plan for cultural activity

and development in Ealing and a shared vision for the local authority, cultural and other partners engaged in promoting the quality of life in Ealing sets out the council’s strategic objective for heritage matters.

The Cultural Strategy states that “We will: highlight the identity, history and sense of place of local areas to residents and visitors to the borough.”

3.17 The council’s 2026 Development Strategy 2026 – Initial Proposals published in

September 2009 sets out initial proposals for the Local Development Framework, which it is intended to adopt from 2011. The strategy will guide the management of all developments in the borough and is a key overarching strategy to which the heritage strategy needs to link.

3.18 The spatial vision for Ealing in 2026 is to maintain and enhance existing and create

new successful and sustainable places and communities with the required services and infrastructure to support them – this includes open space, community facilities etc. The spatial vision supports the overarching vision and goals for Ealing set out in Ealing’s sustainable Community Strategy.

To make Ealing a better place to live

To make Ealing one of the safest places in London Borough of Ealing

To reduce health inequalities and promote well-being and independence for adults and older people

To ensure that there are opportunities for all people and business to prosper

To create a great place for every child and young person to grow up

To develop an effective and high performing Local Strategic Partnership (Partnership for Ealing)

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3.19 A number of proposals set out are of direct relevance to this heritage strategy. These

proposals are both over-arching aims as in the Spatial Vision for Ealing 2026 or specific delivery aims further on in the document. The over-arching aims set out in the Spatial Vision for Ealing 2026 are set out below: Initial proposal 1.1 Spatial Vision for Ealing 2026

(e) Care for the borough’s historic character and ensure excellence in urban design

(f) Protect the pattern of green spaces and green corridors, while ensuring that developments improve and add to green space

(f) To ensure that the community facilities, transport infrastructure and services are provided in the borough where and when needed

Ealing Council’s statutory responsibilities 3.20 The Town and Country Planning Act sets out the statutory responsibility to protect our

‘heritage’. At present that refers to listed buildings, scheduled monuments and archaeological priority sites, as well as Conservation Areas. This is controlled through Listed Building Consents, Planning Permissions (including conservation area consents) and scheduled monument consents. The policy guidance covering this area is set out in Planning Policy Guidance (PPG) 15 – Planning and the Historic Environment and PPG 16 – Archaeology and Planning.

3.21 The main tools of heritage protection are:

Statutory listing – the power to list a building or monument lies with the Department of Culture, Media and Sport (DCMS) and is based on the recommendations of the government’s official advisors, EH. EH assess buildings and recommend listing at grade 1, 11* and 11, grade 1 being the rarest or finest. It is a legal requirement to seek permission to carry out works on a listed building. The case for neglecting a listed building is not so clear under the law. If a building is being wilfully neglected by the owner, the Local Authority has powers which should be called upon to force maintenance. However these are complicated and costly and usually require legal representation as well as specialist technical advice. Local list – the council has a local list contained in the Unitary Development Plan (UDP). The Local List can contain buildings, or groups of buildings, which do not meet the criteria required by Statutory Listing, but have local significance due to their local historic connections, or because of the positive contribution they make to the local character. Locally listed buildings do not have any additional protection and this makes their conservation reliant on negotiation and persuasion.

The Heritage at Risk Register (HARR) – is produced by English Heritage each year to highlight heritage assets at risk through neglect or misuse. Ealing has ten buildings and two scheduled ancient monuments on the HARR Four of the buildings are owned and managed by the council of (Stable Block at Brent Lodge Park, Hanwell Community Centre, Cuckoo Avenue; Southall Manor House, The Green, Southall; Gunnersbury Park, Popes Lane, Acton)

In order to get a building removed from the HARR it is essential to have the necessary suite of documents required for consents and funding, but as importantly to have a plan of action to achieve a sustainable future for the building.

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Conservation areas – are areas of special architectural or historic interest, the character or appearance of which it is desirable to preserve or enhance. Local authorities are required to review which parts of their area should be designated. Conservation area status gives broader protection than listing individual buildings: all the features, listed or otherwise, within the area, are recognised as part of its character and contribute to its appearance. Local authorities have a duty to ‘preserve and enhance’ conservation areas. In the future, English Heritage, as part of their annual Heritage at Risk report will include an assessment of conservation areas and will use this assessment on the state of conservation areas to target partnership funding and to identify threats to conservation areas that may need to be addressed through planning procedures. In 2009 EH also introduced a new category, Conservation Area at Risk and will be making a judgement on which of Ealing’s conservation areas are at risk in the future. Appendix 3 provides information the council’s heritage assets

4. Ealings heritage: issues and opportunities

Audit and assessment 4.1 As previously stated the council is the owner of a number of strategically important

built heritage sites in Ealing. These include:

Pitzhanger Manor House and Walpole Park

Gunnersbury Museum and Park (jointly owned with Hounslow)

Southall Manor House

Ealing Town Hall

Acton Town Hall

Hanwell Community Centre

Brent Lodge

Greenford Town Hall (not listed but 1960s building with architectural and cultural value)

4.2 The council has identified capital funding for each of these sites and is in the process

of agreeing long term development plans, all of which will require robust appraisals of long term sustainability (use and financial), partnership working to secure their future and match funding from the widest range sources to improve the buildings and support programmes of public access. It will be necessary for the council to agree priorities for development of these assets and ensure that the activities they support when developed do not conflict with each other and clearly contribute to education and learning, community cohesion, economic development and sense of place.

4.3 For the purposes of prioritising the council’s strategically important heritage buildings

for restoration and development officers have identified for measures of heritage value informed by those used in PPG15 and EH’s Conservation Principles as set out in Appendix 4. These are listed below:

Social values - importance to the local community as a focus for cultural activity, social

interaction - the public interest and attraction of the place

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- emotional links/memories eg war memorials

Cultural values - historical association with famous people, ways in which past people,

events and aspects of life can be connected through a place to the present

- links with film, literature, performing etc - potential link with other historic houses/parks in West London

Architectural values - type of architecture, planning and interiors - aesthetic qualities generated by the design of a building, structure or

landscape as a whole - restoration projects, the character and appearance of the building that it is

desirable to restore or enhance

Environmental values: - prominent landmark, position in urban environment/green space etc - does it have the potential to animate and give context to the surrounding

area re: activities and festivals - links with neighbouring areas

4.4 Each of the heritage assets listed in paragraph 4.1 have been assessed against

these measures of heritage value using Conservation Management Plans where they exist and other documentation. The detailed assessment for each of these assets is attached in appendices 5 – 10. In addition the “at risk” status for each of these sites has been used to ascribe priority for restoration. The heritage value and priority for each of those buildings in the scope of this strategy is as below.

Buildings Measure of heritage value

Social Cultural Architectural Environmental At risk

Pitzhanger Manor House & Walpole Park

√√√ √√√ √√√ √√√ No

Gunnersbury Park* √√√ √√ √√√ √√√ Yes

Southall Manor House √ √ √√ √√ Yes

Acton Town Hall/Library √√ √√ √ √√ No

Ealing Town Hall √√ √√ √ √√ No

Brent Lodge √ √ √√ √√√ Yes

*Gunnersbury Park is jointly owned with London Borough of Hounslow with different governance arrangement to the other assets listed above. Issues and opportunities: Investment 4.5 The council has increased investment in securing Ealing’s built heritage significantly

in the last four years. Conservation management plans have been commissioned for all of the listed buildings owned by the council, a “heritage quarter” public realm project has been funded in Ealing town centre, capital allocated to the refurbishment and development of PMG, Hanwell Community Centre, Southall Manor House, Gunnersbury Park and Museum and Acton Town Hall and associated listed buildings

4.6 In 2008, the HLF identified Ealing as a priority for increased partnership working as the level of HLF as no significant capital schemes have been funded and until the designation as a priority borough very few small grants had been made to Ealing organisations in the fifteen years of HLF funding.

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4.7 The first full year of the partnership, 2009, has resulted in a significant increase in funding of £144,300 under the small grant programmes (below £50K). In 2009, the secured Your Heritage grant of £37,500 (65% of total eligible costs of £58,125). “Polish Lives in Ealing” has been developed in partnership with the Polish community and will develop an oral history and visual memorabilia resource, web presence and on-line educational resource linked to the national curriculum.

4.8 A further nine pre-applications are under consideration by the HLF with a project for

Southall Manor House Park securing a Your Heritage Grant of £50,000 in January 2010.

4.9 HLF had not made a large capital award to an Ealing project until December 2009

when they awarded the council a “first-round pass” for Parks for People funding to secure a total of £1.98m (including £210,000) of a total project value of £4.5m. The council is currently working closely with the HLF towards submitting an application for Heritage Grant funding for Pitzhanger Manor House and Gallery.

4.10 The level of investment in built, natural and material heritage as a result of HLF

funding over the last thirteen years has changed the face of heritage development at all levels. In addition to English Heritage there are other sources of investment in heritage development including English Heritage, CABE, MLA, Natural England and a wide range of trusts and charities. Key to securing funding from the HLF, EH and trusts and charities is the need to increase access to the heritage, create opportunities for learning and understanding about the heritage and having a sustainable business case. As with other public policy areas the issue of community engagement, particularly with “hard to reach” groups is central to national and regional heritage policy.

4.11 The council will need to maximise funding from the widest range of possible sources

to conserve and make accessible the heritage assets in the borough. To do so it will be necessary to ensure that the potential “offer “ from each of the six heritage buildings across the borough is distinct to both funding partners and audiences.

Issues and opportunities: Development

4.12 The council has allocated capital funding to take forward the development of all of the

listed buildings in its ownership. A brief description of the status of each development is provided below:

Pitzhanger Manor House and Walpole Park Following receipt of the Conservation Management Plan in 2007 the council commissioned an options appraisal on the PMG. As a result of the appraisal the council have agreed to take forward an integrated development of both the manor house and park. The council has agreed £2.8m for this project with a multi-disciplinary design team commissioned to develop a masterplan for the site and to support officers to submit applications for HLF funding. Gunnersbury Museum and Park An option appraisal undertaken in 2009 set out the need for a funding requirement of £38m to fully restore the estate. The council has agreed funding of £5m towards this regionally significant project and are in the process of consulting with EH and Hounslow on the potential for match funding.

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Southall Manor House A Quinquennial Survey and Conservation Management Plan were commissioned in 2009. The council has allocated £0.57m towards a number of priority repairs have been identified in order to remove the Manor House from the ‘buildings at risk register’. Initial consultation with EH indicates that they will be willing to match the priority capital programme. Hanwell Community Centre The council have invested £3.5m in priority repairs for Hanwell Community Centre, carried out in 2009 and £0.35m in equipping a training facility. These works were informed by a report by Britton McGrath (November 2008), concluding that the centre needed to be re-presented to attract the type and volume of users to sustain the building. A Conservation Management Plan commissioned towards the end of 2009 identified that the priority repairs undertaken in 2009 have gone a long way towards addressing the dilapidated appearance of the building both internally and externally. A full option appraisal and business case for the long term development of the centre is under development. Acton Town Hall/Acton Library The council are currently investigating the options for provision of improved community, leisure and health facilities in Acton. Following consultation the preferred location for swimming pool, library and community facilities is Acton Town Hall. Detailed design principles are now being worked up with community groups with the aim of informing a brief for procuring developer partners and secure a long term future for the Grade 2 listed building. The council has agreed £12m as a contribution to this project.

Ealing Town Hall The Council is seeking to intensify the use of this building for community and arts use alongside the existing Council and civic uses.

Greenford Hall

The council is currently preparing plans for improving facilities at Greenford Hall to increase community use. A short report has been prepared to look at a list of uses and improvements to make Greenford more attractive and sustainable for community uses. The council has agreed £1m for these improvements.

Issues and opportunities: Promotion 4.11 In February 2008 the Heritage Quarter in Ealing town centre was adopted by the

council as an ambition for this part of central Ealing and will be submitted to EH for discussion. The area is described as follows:

“The Heritage Quarter covers the area from Pitzhanger Manor House and Gallery and

Ealing Studios to the roads around Northfields Avenue shopping area. It will also take in Walpole and Lammas Parks. The aim is to make the most of Ealing’s rich cultural heritage, improving the area for residents and encouraging new visitors into the town.”

4.12 The Heritage Quarter extends from the block formed by Bond Street and High Street

in the north west, through Ealing Green, Pitzhanger Manor and Walpole Park, Ealing Studios and Lammas Park and takes in a number of residential streets in the east of the Quarter as far as its boundary on Midhurst Road.

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4.13 As it publicised the Heritage Quarter, the council, in partnership with Transport for

London, produced a new self-guided Town Centre Historic Walk leaflet that explores, the quarter, describing the historic development of the town and taking in the following historic sites:

1. Ealing Broadway Station 13. St Mary’s Church 2. Haven Green 14. Former Lady Byron School/ 3. Parade Delicatessen Ealing College 4. The Town House 15. Red Lion Pub 5. Site of Lyric Theatre 16. Ealing Studios (now WH Smith) 17. Ealing Green Church 6. Christ the Saviour Church 18. Pitzhanger Manor 7. Ealing Town Hall 19. Ealing Common 8. Perceval House 20. St Matthew’s Church 9. Ealing Cinema 21. Former Wesleyan Methodist 10. Questor’s Theatre church (now Polish Church) 11. Walpole Park 22. Former Town Hall (now 12. Lammas Park NatWest bank)

4.14 The council has ambitions to promote a “cultural quarter” in Ealing Town Centre. This

concept is set out in the Ealing Metropolitan Town Centre Framework and is being worked up with partners including Questors Theatre, Ealing Arts and Leisure, education providers (Thames Valley University and Hammersmith and West London College), Ealing Studios and retail partners.

4.15 The development of proposals for Pitzhanger Manor House and Walpole Park offer

the opportunity to resolve the relationships between, the overlapping heritage, historic and cultural areas for development, clarify their brands and ensure that the management of the town centre development portfolio drives regeneration outcomes through improved visitor/destination marketing, town branding and support for retail performance.

4.16 Ealing’s Local History Service schedules talks throughout the year on local

history/heritage and holds a number of leaflets on the heritage of the borough produced either alone or in partnership with other organisations. For example a leaflet on the growth of London transport focusing on Ealing has been published by the London Transport Museum. The council participate in the pan-London event, Open House through which many of the borough’s heritage assets are promoted including Pitzhanger Manor House, Ealing Town Hall, Southall Manor House, the canal and housing developments with residents and visitors able to visit and to join in guided walks.

Issues and opportunities – place shaping

4.17 At the heart of Ealing’s regeneration strategy is the regeneration and improvement of the borough’s town centres. The Council has invested £15m in the improvement of the public realm and working with local businesses to improve shopfronts and the retail offer in the centres. Each of the major town centres has important Council-owned heritage assets that have the potential to make a major contribution to the regeneration of the centres.

Ealing Town centre – Pitshanger Manor, Walpole Park and Ealing Town Hall

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Southall – Southall Manor House

Hanwell – Hanwell Community Centre

Acton – Acton Town Hall complex

Greenford – Greenford Hall 4.18 Future uses of each of these buildings could include leisure, community space,

restaurants and café’s, library, retail and commercial. All of these uses would increase footfall and visitors to the town centres therefore making a contribution to the vitality of the town centres.

Issues and opportunities: Community engagement and learning

4.19 All the key policy frameworks that impact on council’s aspirations to improve our heritage assets stress the need for wide and inclusive community engagement and opportunities for learning and skills development. The councils ability to secure funding from the widest range of possible sources, maximise community benefit and increase the contribution of heritage to learning and skills development will be strengthened by the adoption of a Heritage Community Engagement and Heritage Learning and Skills Development policies. There is the opportunity to build on existing good practice and the current HLF bidding programme for PMG/Walpole Park to ensure that the community engagement and learning/skills development offer for each of our heritage assets is coherent and contributes effectively to community cohesion and raising achievement.

5. A new vision for Ealing’s heritage 5.1 The strategy proposes a new vision for Ealing’s heritage as below:

To understand, promote and protect Ealing’s diverse heritage for the enjoyment of residents and visitors and ensure that heritage contributes to our shared future.

The delivery plan for the Ealing Heritage Strategy 2010-2015 is based on 6 strategic objectives linked to national heritage strategies.

National Strategic Link DCMS/DCLG: The Historic Environment: A Force for Our Future (2001)

The historic environment is accessible to everybody and is seen as something with which the whole of society can identify and engage

EH: People and Places: Making the Past a Part of our Future (2005)

Help people to develop their understanding of the historic environment

HLF: Out Heritage Our Future (2008)

Enable more people, and a wider range of people to take an active part in and make decisions about their heritage

Ealing Heritage Objective

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1. To improve access and promote understanding and appreciation of Ealing’s rich heritage


The historic environment is protected and sustained for the benefit of our own and future generations


Enable and promote sustainable change to England’s historic environment

HLF: Our Heritage Our Future (2008)

Conserve the UK’s diverse heritage for present and future generations to experience and enjoy


2. To maximize investment to improve Ealing’s heritage

3. To support restoration and preservation of the borough’s heritage


Public interest in the historic environment is matched by firm leadership, effective partnerships, and the development of a sound knowledge base from which to develop policies


Make the most effective use of the assets in (its) care




4. To improve internal co-ordination and partnership working with a wide range of statutory, voluntary and private sector providers to maximize the contribution of Ealing’s heritage to improving the borough

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The full potential of the historic environment as a learning resource is realised

The historic environment’s importance as an economic asset is skilfully harnessed


Get the historic environment on other people’s agendas


Enable people to learn about their own and others’ heritage


5. To promote the potential of heritage to contribute to learning

6. To promote the potential of heritage to contribute to town centre regeneration

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11. Delivery Plan 2010-2013

National strategy link

DCMS/DCLG: The Historic Environment: A Force for Our Future (2001)

The historic environment is accessible to everybody and is seen as something with which the whole of society can identify and engage


Help people to develop their understanding of the historic environment

HLF: Out Heritage Our Future (2008)

Enable more people, and a wider range of people to take an active part in and make decisions about their heritage

Ealing Heritage

Objective 1.

To improve access and promote understanding and appreciation of Ealing’s rich heritage

Action Plan Lead Delivery Partners

Actions In Year1

2010

Actions Year 2

2011 onwards

1.1 Create a viable heritage attraction at Pitzhanger Manor House and Walpole Park

Arts, Heritage and Libraries

Leisure

Major Projects

Develop and consult on masterplan for house and park.

Agree governance and outline business plan for improved facility.

Submit Round 1 bid for the house under Heritage Grants programme to HLF.

Agree fund-raising strategy to secure match funding from EH, trusts and charities.

Continue to fund-raise for physical improvements.

Develop detailed 5 year business plan for improved facility.

Submit Round 2 bid for the park to Parks for People Heritage Grants programme to HLF.

Continued consultation and engagement with residents, users and key local, regional and national partners.

1.2 Create a viable heritage attraction at Gunnersbury Park

Parks and Open Spaces

Arts Heritage and Libraries

Major Projects

Agree an implementation plan for Phase 1 improvements.

Consult with HLF and EH on match funding opportunities.

Agree fund-raising strategy to secure match for council funding

Develop and agree vision and programme for the improved museum.

Submit Round 1 bid for Phase 1 improvement to HLF as a Major Project for Heritage Grant

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to deliver Phase 1 improvements.

funding.

1.3 Develop new library, swimming and community facilities in Acton

Regeneration Arts Heritage and Libraries

Leisure

Complete consultation and initiate procurement process for development partners

Confirm preferred development partner

Develop plans and continue consultation

1.4 Secure a permanent exhibition space for the Martinware collection


Gunnersbury Park

Museums, Libraries and Archives (MLA)

Research and cost permanent exhibition opportunities for Martinware collection.

Research opportunity to secure partnership support to achieve a permanent exhibition space for collection.

Establish a permanent exhibition of the Martinware collection in fit for purpose public access facility.

1.5 Encourage Ealing’s diverse communities to generate materials with the local history service


Voluntary sector

HLF

MLA

Complete the Polish Oral History Project.

Consult with Ealing’s diverse communities and identify gaps in local history collection.

Adopt a plan to secure local history materials that represent Ealing’s diverse communities.

1.6 Identify opportunities to publicise heritage assets in Ealing to residents and visitors


Marcomms

Ealing Civic Society

Participate in the pan-London Open House event

Research opportunity to secure partnership support for a series of heritage promotion leaflets

Continue to seek partnership opportunities to publicise heritage assets.

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National strategy link


The historic environment is protected and sustained for the benefit of our own and future generations


Enable and promote sustainable change to England’s historic environment



Ealing Heritage Objective 2.

To maximize investment to improve Ealing’s heritage


Actions In Year1

2010

Actions Year 2

2011 onwards

2.1 Research and establish a funding database for heritage developments


External Funding Officer

Research funding for heritage improvements, education and learning from the widest range of sources.

Establish database of funding opportunities and disseminate across council.

Submit applications for projects.

2.2 On an annual basis review heritage investment requirements and submit funding bids through council budget process.

All departments

Identify and cost heritage projects and submit bids in budget round.

Identify and cost heritage projects and submit bids in budget round.

2.3 Support external organisations to access heritage funding.


External Funding Officer

Quarterly meetings with the HLF and voluntary organisations.

2 x workshops per year on how to secure funding for partner agencies and voluntary organisations.

Quarterly meetings with the HLF and voluntary organisations.

2 x workshops per year on how to secure funding for partner agencies and voluntary organisations.

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To support restoration and preservation of the borough’s heritage


Actions In Year1

2010

Actions Year 2

2011 onwards

3.1 Undertake priority repairs at Southall Manor House to remove it from the at risk register

Regeneration Business Services Group

Agree priority repairs with EH.

Secure EH funding as match for council contribution.

Undertake an option appraisal on long term future for building.

Consult with local community and key partners.

Agree long term future for building.

Identify partners to secure long term future for building.

3.2 Improve the heritage elements of Southall Manor

House Grounds

Leisure Major Projects Complete HLF funded project to

restore water feature and record community history.

Work in partnership with Friends of Southall Manor House Grounds and Groundwork London.

Improve links between the

house and grounds in the overall plan for improvement of the site.

3.3 Continue to repair, conserve and develop Hanwell Community Centre in keeping with the Conservation Management Plan

Business Support Group

Regeneration


Open learning centre in centre.

Develop a programme of heritage opportunities to

increase access and participation.

Secure funding and partners for the continued conservation of the building and for programmes

to increase access and participation.

3.4 Maintain and review Conservation Areas in keeping with the council’s statutory duties

Planning Regeneration Look at existing Conservation Areas with article 4 (2), (1) directions and make sure they are still protected.

Look at existing Conservation Areas without article 4 (2) directions to assess whether

they need further designation.

Implement a rolling programme of review of Conservation Areas.

3.5 Ensure Ealing’s at risk heritage assets are improved and removed from the register.

Planning

Service Departments

Identify funding to prepare Conservation Management Plans for Ealing’s at risk heritage

Agree priority repairs with EH for Ealing’s at risk heritage assets.

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assets.

Secure funding to undertake priority repairs from widest range of sources.

Undertake priority repairs on at risk assets.

National

Strategy

Link


Public interest in the historic environment is matched by firm leadership, effective partnerships, and the development of a sound knowledge base from which to develop policies


Make the most effective use of the assets in (its) care




To improve internal co-ordination and work with a wide range of statutory, voluntary and private sector partners to improve collaboration, innovation and partnership working


Actions In Year1

2010

Actions Year 2

2011 onwards

5.1 Ensure co-ordination of heritage projects to maximise funding, heritage and people benefits.


Business Services Group

Education

Regeneration

Establish cross-departmental officer group.

Agree detailed improvement plan for each of Ealing’s heritage assets.

Regularly review progress in securing funding and partners to improve Ealing’s heritage assets.

Take forward key heritage projects as and when funding becomes available.

5.2 Create a unified heritage environment record for all heritage assets in Ealing.

Planning Agree the scope and purpose of the unified historic

Create a cost effective mechanism for creating a unified

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environment record and ensure it meets our statutory duties.

historic environment record.

National Strategy Link


The full potential of the historic environment as a learning resource is realised

The historic environment’s importance as an economic asset is skilfully harnessed


Get the historic environment on other people’s agendas


Enable people to learn about their own and others’ heritage


To promote the potential of heritage to contribute to learning


Actions In Year1

2010

Actions Year 2

2011 onwards

6.1 Work with relevant agencies, including schools, PCT, early years, colleges to increase awareness of the contribution of heritage to raising achievement.


Service Departments

Consult on the learning and participation plans for all major heritage developments.

Deliver a workshop on heritage contribution to education

Identify funding to increase the level and quality of heritage education.

Continue to develop innovative approaches to using Ealing’s rich heritage to raising achievement

6.2 Develop apprenticeship and volunteering opportunities for local residents

All service departments

Ealing Council for Voluntary Services (ECVS)

Local training

Seek partners providing offering heritage/culture apprenticeships.

Identify council heritage projects that will benefit

Advertise and match local residents with heritage/culture apprenticeships.

Implement heritage volunteer

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providers from and support an apprentice.

Consult with ECVS to develop a heritage volunteer programme

programme.


To promote the potential of heritage to contribute to town centre regeneration


Actions In Year1

2010

Actions Year 2

2011 onwards

7.1 Promote heritage assets in Ealing Town Centre, Heritage Quarter, Acton Town Centre

Marcomms Arts, Heritage and Libraries

Local businesses

Consult with EH on Heritage Quarter in Ealing Town Centre

Identify opportunities to showcase heritage assets of

town centres at consultation meetings, ward fora and events.

Identify partners to create promotional material and opportunities

7.2 Ensure adequate protection of Ealing’s heritage through the development process

Regeneration

Planning


Ensure heritage is central to place shaping policies and guidance.

Ensure heritage strategy links effectively to new Local Development Framework

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Appendix 2 - Conservation Areas in Ealing Date of designation is shown in brackets Acton area (W3/W4)

Acton Green W4 (1982)

Acton Park W3 (1982)

Acton Town Centre W3 (1982)

Bedford Park W4 (1969)

Mill Hill Park (1993)

Ealing area (W5/W13)

Brentham Garden Estate W5 (1969)

Brunswick W5 (2004)

Ealing Cricket Ground W5 (2004)

Creffield (1993)

Ealing Common W5 (1982)

Ealing Green (W5/W13) (1969)

Ealing Town Centre (1994)

Grange and White Ledges W13 (1995)

Hanger Hill Garden Estate (1969)

Hanger Hill (Haymills) Estate (1995)

Haven Green W5 (1982)

Montpelier Park W5 (1982)

Mount Park W5 (1991)

St. Stephen's W13 (2004)

Hanwell area

Churchfields (1969)

Cuckoo Estate (1995)

Hanwell cemeteries (1989)

Hanwell Clock Tower (1982)

Hanwell Village Green (1974)

Part of St Mark's Church and Canal (including part of the St Bernard's/Ealing Hospital Site)

(1982) Northolt area

Northolt Village Green (1969)

Norwood Green (1969)

Southall area

Canalside (1993) NW10

Old Oak Lane (1990)

http://www.ealing.gov.uk/ealing3/opencms/services/environment/planning/planning_services/conservation/conservation_areas/consarea_ag.html

http://www.ealing.gov.uk/ealing3/opencms/services/environment/planning/planning_services/conservation/conservation_areas/consarea_ap.html

http://www.ealing.gov.uk/ealing3/opencms/services/environment/planning/planning_services/conservation/conservation_areas/consarea_ac.html

http://www.ealing.gov.uk/ealing3/opencms/services/environment/planning/planning_services/conservation/conservation_areas/consarea_bp.html

http://www.ealing.gov.uk/ealing3/opencms/services/environment/planning/planning_services/conservation/conservation_areas/consarea_mh.html

http://www.ealing.gov.uk/ealing3/opencms/services/environment/planning/planning_services/conservation/conservation_areas/consarea_bg.html

http://www.ealing.gov.uk/ealing3/opencms/services/environment/planning/planning_services/conservation/conservation_areas/consarea_bk.html

http://www.ealing.gov.uk/ealing3/opencms/services/environment/planning/planning_services/conservation/conservation_areas/consarea_ecg.html

http://www.ealing.gov.uk/ealing3/opencms/services/environment/planning/planning_services/conservation/conservation_areas/consarea_cd.html

http://www.ealing.gov.uk/ealing3/opencms/services/environment/planning/planning_services/conservation/conservation_areas/consarea_ec.html

http://www.ealing.gov.uk/ealing3/opencms/services/environment/planning/planning_services/conservation/conservation_areas/consarea_eg.html

http://www.ealing.gov.uk/ealing3/opencms/services/environment/planning/planning_services/conservation/conservation_areas/consarea_et.html

http://www.ealing.gov.uk/ealing3/opencms/services/environment/planning/planning_services/conservation/conservation_areas/consarea_gw.html

http://www.ealing.gov.uk/ealing3/opencms/services/environment/planning/planning_services/conservation/conservation_areas/consarea_he.html

http://www.ealing.gov.uk/ealing3/opencms/services/environment/planning/planning_services/conservation/conservation_areas/consarea_hh.html

http://www.ealing.gov.uk/ealing3/opencms/services/environment/planning/planning_services/conservation/conservation_areas/consarea_hg.html

http://www.ealing.gov.uk/ealing3/opencms/services/environment/planning/planning_services/conservation/conservation_areas/consarea_mp.html

http://www.ealing.gov.uk/ealing3/opencms/services/environment/planning/planning_services/conservation/conservation_areas/consarea_mt.html

http://www.ealing.gov.uk/ealing3/opencms/services/environment/planning/planning_services/conservation/conservation_areas/consarea_ss.html

http://www.ealing.gov.uk/ealing3/opencms/services/environment/planning/planning_services/conservation/conservation_areas/consarea_cf.html

http://www.ealing.gov.uk/ealing3/opencms/services/environment/planning/planning_services/conservation/conservation_areas/consarea_ce.html

http://www.ealing.gov.uk/ealing3/opencms/services/environment/planning/planning_services/conservation/conservation_areas/consarea_hm.html

http://www.ealing.gov.uk/ealing3/opencms/services/environment/planning/planning_services/conservation/conservation_areas/consarea_hc.html

http://www.ealing.gov.uk/ealing3/opencms/services/environment/planning/planning_services/conservation/conservation_areas/consarea_hv.html

http://www.ealing.gov.uk/ealing3/opencms/services/environment/planning/planning_services/conservation/conservation_areas/consarea_sm.html

http://www.ealing.gov.uk/ealing3/opencms/services/environment/planning/planning_services/conservation/conservation_areas/consarea_nv.html

http://www.ealing.gov.uk/ealing3/opencms/services/environment/planning/planning_services/conservation/conservation_areas/consarea_ng.html

http://www.ealing.gov.uk/ealing3/opencms/services/environment/planning/planning_services/conservation/conservation_areas/consarea_cc.html

http://www.ealing.gov.uk/ealing3/opencms/services/environment/planning/planning_services/conservation/conservation_areas/consarea_ol.html

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Appendix 3

Listed assets managed by Ealing Council Stable Block, Brent Lodge, Grade 11 listed, on the Heritage At Risk Register “HARR” Hanwell Community Centre, Grade 11 listed, on the HARR Southall Manor House, Grade 11 listed, on the HARR Gunnersbury Park,Grade 11 listed, on the HARR (jointly owned with London Borough of Hounslow) Acton Library, Grade 11 listed Pitzhanger Manor House and Walpole Park, house is Grade 1 listed Acton Town Hall, Grade 11 listed Ealing Town Hall, Grade 11 listed Ice House in Woodlands, Grade 11 Iron Age Settlement, Horsenden Hill, Grade 11

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Appendix 4 PPG15 and English Heritage’s Conservation Principles: Policies and Guidance for the Sustainable Management of the Historic Environment (2008) provide a set of criteria for assessing heritage significance. PPG15 criteria to decide on statutory listing status are set out below:

architectural interest – importance to the nation for the interest of their architectural design, decoration and craftsmanship; also important examples of particular buildings types and techniques (eg buildings displaying technological innovation or virtuosity) and significant plan forms;

historic interest – buildings which illustrate important aspects of the nation’s social, economic, cultural or military history;

close historical associations with nationally important people or events;

group value – especially where buildings comprise an important architectural or historic unity or a fine example of planning.

English Heritage’s Conservation Principles, below identifies a series of values that make up the significance of a heritage asset.

evidential value – that it yields primary evidence about the past. It can be natural or man-made and applies particularly to archaeological deposits, but also to other situations where there is no relevant written record;

historic value – that is illustrates some aspect of the past, and thus helps to interpret the past; or that it is associated with an important person, event or movement

aesthetic value – this may derive from conscious design, or from the work of the craftsman; alternatively it may be the fortuitous outcome fo the way a building or place has evolved;

communal value – regardless of their historical or aesthetic value, many buildings or places are valued for their symbolic role, or the local identify which they provide. This may encompass a spiritual or commemorative role.

Obviously the assessment of significance is an amalgam of these different values, and the balance between them will vary from once case to the next.

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Appendix 5 - Gunnersbury Park 1. Site Location and Description Gunnersbury Park is a 72 hectare English Heritage grade II* Registered historic public park. It has 22 English Heritage grade II* and II listed buildings with a cultural, historic and visual focus being provided by the large and small mansion located in the north-east corner. To the south of the houses there is what was once the nucleus of Gunnersbury’s gardens, an area with a significant number features including the Orangery, ’Princess Amelia’s Bath House, the Gothic Ruins and the Stables. To the west of the houses is a round pond with mid 18th century Temple and Italian garden. Continuing west are the former walled Kitchen Gardens and open playing fields. To the south is the West Lodge and the Potomac Lake with woodland walks and Gothic-style boathouse. Gunnersbury Park is a historic landscape that has continually evolved and expanded over the past 300 years. Its owners have included the 17th century lawyer Sir John Maynard, Henry Furnese, member of parliament in the 18th century, Princess Amelia daughter of King George II and members of the Rothschild family 1808 to 1942. Gunnersbury Park can claim to have had the hand of William Kent, William Chambers, JC Loudon and James Pulham in its making. The Park also has a strong military association as it was used as a heavy anti-aircraft artillery site during World War II. Current Use The Park has a great number of current users and stakeholders. There is a clear amenity and sporting value attributed to the Park with both informal and formal sport and play areas. There are a number of groups/individuals who regularly use the Park for formal sporting activities (e.g. football, rugby, cricket and bowls clubs) and others for informal dog walking, exercising and playing. The Museum also attracts a significant number of visitors. The principal collections within the Park are housed in Gunnersbury Park Museum. The main purpose of the Museum is to collect, record and interpret the history of the Boroughs of Ealing and Hounslow, and work with local people in educational and other community projects. Additionally, there is also historic horticultural interest in the collection of trees and plants within Gunnersbury Park. Individual specimens as well as layouts and designs extend our knowledge of historic gardens during the 18th and 19th centuries. Overall, the collections within Gunnersbury Park are of local or regional significance, however individual items may be of national or even international significance. Gunnersbury Park is also a Site of Borough Importance, Grade II for Nature Conservation with a number of significant trees and shrubs. The Park supports a diversity of woodland and garden bird species, including woodpeckers and nuthatch. Aquatic fauna and flora have yet to be surveyed. The current operations and aspirations of the organisations which operate in and from Gunnersbury Park are described below.

Capel Manor Horticultural College The Walled Garden is let to Capel Manor Horticultural College and the current lease runs to 2019. Capel Manor provides a range of horticultural training and has grown significantly over the last few years. It is one of the most popular and high profile centres of its type in the country. Students have access to the practical facilities within the College’s walled garden. The centre provides a library, computer suite, classrooms and student social area. Arboriculture courses use the facilities and surroundings of Horsenden Farm and the animal facilities at Brent Lodge Park Animal Centre.

Greenscene

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Greenscene lease part of the Walled Garden site. The business is part of Personnel Hygiene Services Ltd (PHS), the workplace service provider. Greenscene supply exterior landscaping, including hanging baskets, council street baskets and grounds maintenance, interior landscaping and Christmas Tree hire. Greenscene primarily use the Gunnersbury Park site as a distribution depot for West London. The main activity of Greenscene at Gunnersbury Park is vehicle movements in and out. Approximately 60 staff work from the site. The lease is due to expire in 2016.

London Mela is a major free festival celebrating Asian arts, culture and creativity with activities for all communities and all generations.

2. Values Social Values

The museum is an important resource for the schools and local community. During the financial year 2007-8, the museum had 28,568 general visitors, plus 10,688 children in official school groups. The main purpose of the Museum is to collect, record and interpret the history of the Boroughs of Ealing and Hounslow

The Friends of Gunnersbury Park and Museum was formed in 1980. The group’s aim is the preservation and restoration of Gunnersbury Park and Museum. A quarterly newsletter is published to keep members in touch with what's going on at Gunnersbury.

The park has a great number of users and stakeholders. The Park provides formal sporting activities and informal dog walking, exercising and playing.

Personal oral histories of Gunnersbury Park are significant. At its height, the Park employed over 50 grounds staff as well as additional museum and education staff. Many of these staff can provide personal histories of their lives in the Park, and some can even recall memories of the latter days of the Rothschild era. Additional many early visitors also have striking memories of the Park. Gunnersbury Park Museum has already started to recall some of these oral histories, but a project dedicated to this work should be implemented to supplement those already recorded.

Cultural Values

Museum collections and museum kitchens

Neville Chamberlain opened the park to the public in May 1926 once Ealing and Hounslow Council’s had purchased the land – commerative plaque in the arch on the terrace

Military association as it was used as a heavy anti-aircraft artillery site during World War II 1940-1943

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Eminent figures

Architectural Values As a consequence of the turbulent history of the estate between the mid-18th and early-20th centuries, involving the break up and reunification of the estate under different ownerships, there is a complex history of building construction and demolition and an equally complex patchwork of historic building fabric remaining. Despite the variety in ages and types of buildings, the fabric and materials of those remaining are constructed, nonetheless, fairly uniformly of mass brickwork or masonry with painted thick stucco, with slate or lead-covered timber roofs and timber windows and doors. This building fabric is generally in very poor condition, due principally to a history of poor maintenance and inappropriate repair or improvement’. The use of inappropriate landscaping materials, in particular tarmac, as a setting for the buildings detracts from their quality. Many of the buildings within the Park are designated as ‘at risk’, and English Heritage has named Gunnersbury Park as one of the top 12 ‘at risk’ properties in England, due to the significant investment needed urgently to stabilise and ultimately repair the buildings. The impending collapse of some buildings due to dereliction and deterioration, in particular the Grade II* listed stable complex and the gothic walls to the Bath House, for example, would be a significant loss. The remaining fabric, buildings and landscape features need to be protected to ensure their continued existence for education and academic research purposes. Where possible, every opportunity should be taken to undo recent intrusive changes and to reinstate features and qualities that are important to the historic character of the houses and landscapes.

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Key Historic Buildings

Environmental Values

Links with LB of Hounslow as it is in the borough of Hounslow, but owned jointly by both councils

Mela and Sports Jam

Views and vistas are largely intact and an essential element of landscape design

Gunnersbury Park House Grade II* 1802-28 Alexander Copland

Orangery Grade II* c.1836-37 possibly by Smirke Jnr

East Stables Grade II* 1830s by Smirke for Rothchilds

Temple Grade II* pre 1760 probably for Princess Amelia

Gunnersbury House Grade II c.1810 built for Major Morrisson

North Lodge Grade II early 19th century

East Lodge (Grade II) early 19th century by W.F. Pocock

West Lodge (Grade II) mid 19th century

Arch adjacent to East Lodge (Grade II) early 19th century

West Stables (Grade II) early 19th century remodelled 1836 by

Sidney Smirke for Nathan Rothschild

‘Princess Amelia’s’ Bath House

& Gothic Screen (Grade II) late 18th / early 19th century

Gothic Ruins (Grade II) early to mid 19th century for Farmer

Cast-iron Lamp Posts (Grade II) early 19th century

West Terrace Arch (Grade II) early 19th century

East terrace Arch (Grade II) mid 19th century

Potomac Tower (Boathouse) (Grade II) conversion by James Pulham

Entrance Gates from Pope’s Lane (Grade II) built for Princess Amelia

Kitchen Garden Walls and Gates (Grade II)

Boundary Wall, Gunnersbury Avenue (Grade II) 19th Century

Stone Fountain near café (in storage) (Grade II)

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The area surrounding the park is characterised by inter and post war housing and industry. There is a culturally and economically diverse local community.

Current Plans An options appraisal identified the following preferred option:

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Financial Information

30 November 2009 Ealing Council’s Pledge - no sale of parkland for housing development to fund the regeneration has led to a substantial amount of funding being made available. Discussions with LB of Hounslow to match fund are taking place.

Sources: (1) Conservation Management Plan – Chris Blandford Associates June 2008 (2) Options Appraisal – Jura Consultants May 2009

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Appendix 6 - Ealing Town Hall 1. Site location and description

The town hall is one of Ealing’s most significant heritage buildings and pivotal to any Cultural Quarter and heritage strategy for the town centre. It is designated a Grade II listed building by English Heritage. It is not on the Heritage At Risk Register.

Designed by Charles Jones, Ealing’s Borough Architect and opened in 1888. Overall the building is poorly composed but it remains significant as a heritage asset and as a focal point for local people because of its historic and continuing role as a centre for civic life and celebration.

Good spaces – Victoria Hall (capacity 500 theatre style/250 at tables) is a pleasant gothic revival hall and well proportioned. The Nelson room has a clear and enjoyable late Victorian identity. The Council chamber and other parts of the new east wing were added in 1930 in the style of mock baronial architecture.

Supporting these key spaces are a number of larger spaces of varying quality and utlility, a confusing mix of public spaces and corridors and the rear tails off into a series of poor additions that need stripping back and resolving.

Access into and throughout the building is poor. The building has been maintained but needs a thorough interior improvement to its public spaces and corridors. Signage is poor and interpretation sporadic or non existent.

Main spaces hired out for events, weddings, and business and community hire for a variety of activities.


The use of the Town hall for election counts and declarations is consistent with one of the key historic values of a building that is at the heart of the borough

A second key historic value of Ealing Town hall is its use as a focus for family and community celebration – often but not exclusively weddings. The presence of the Registrar of births, deaths and marriages and the popularity of the venue for wedding ceremonies means that very many people in Ealing have personal and family memories that revolve around the site.

Cultural Values

The town hall is regularly used by cultural groups of a variety of sorts including lectures by groups such as National Trust Assoc. and Decorative and Fine Arts Society, regular weekly classes in salsa, photography, flower arranging, and a variety of meetings.

The town hall is a central feature in the rebranding of the Cultural Quarter and interpretation of the town.

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Architectural Values

Designed by Ealing’s Borough Architect from 1863 to 1913, Charles Jones,. It was opened in 1888 and is typical of English municipal architecture of its period. Overall the building is poorly composed with the exception of several good spaces.

Council chamber and other parts of east wing added in 1930 – mock baronial architecture

The presence of the Council Chamber, the Mayor’s Parlour, Members’ rooms offices and electoral services make a direct link to the history of an identifiable Borough of Ealing

Restoration projects have seen a complete refurbishment of the Victoria Hall and the reinstatement of a more historically sensitive paint scheme and essential reorganisation of kitchens to allow better catering to events and more dual use of spaces particularly the Victoria and Princes Halls.


Essential links to the rebranding of the Cultural Quarter as part of the town centre regeneration.

Provides the Hospitality and Events team with 70% of their income from business hire and cultural activities.

Current Plans An options appraisal was undertaken by Alan Baxter Associates and this was further evaluated by Charles Rich Consultancy. Three main development options emerged:

1. creating an atrium through the building containing office and ground floor retail space and linking New Broadway with Dickens’ yard

2. Building an extension across rear of building to improve appearance and provide additional

office space

3. adapting rooms within existing building to create restaurant and leisure facilities to be rented out to commercial operators.

4. Finance No funding allocated for further interpretation or options appraisals, but the Town hall is considered a priority site in the Cultural Quarter development.

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Appendix 7 - Hanwell Community Centre 1. Site Location and Description The Hanwell Communtiy Centre is listed Grade II and lies within LB Ealing’s Cuckoo Estate Conservation Area. The handsome Italianate building that has been the home of the Hanwell Community Centre for more than seventy years is the surviving central range of the former Central London District Schools that were erected in 1856-58 to the designs of the architects Tress and Chambers. The school was built to educate pauper children from inner London. It opened in 1857 and pupils boarded there until 1935. What survives today as the community centre originally served as the central administration block of the school, with the water tower rising above, and the dining hall and inner wings behind. After the school closed in 1933, a housing estate (the Cuckoo Estate) was built by the London County Council in the extensive grounds and farmland that surrounded the school and the outer wings of the school, and many peripheral buildings (including the hutted Ophthalmic Institute of 1890) were demolished. The administration block was first used as a Community Centre in 1938 The centre began life through a spontaneous move by residents of the new estate, who asked the LCC to use the empty building for Scouts and Guides, a gardening club and a group wishing to explore chicken and rabbit rearing. In 1945, the building was adopted as the Hanwell Community Centre and leased to the Hanwell Community Association, and continues in that role today. Hanwell Community Centre is a rare surviving ‘district’ or ‘barrack’ school, built in the mid-19th century to house and educate the most disadvantaged children in society. A building survey of condition was carried out in May 2008 identifying a series of failures in the structure and fabric of the building including damage to roof finishes, rainwater goods and windows. Most of these issues have been addressed in the course of the 2009 works as follows: the exterior has been refurbished with new roofing finishes and repairs to damaged rainwater goods, the windows have been overhauled and brickwork cleaned and repointed. The entrance foyer and reception spaces have been refurbished and new teaching rooms designed which provide much improved accommodation to significant areas of the building. The insertion of new heating systems providing an acceptable environment only to those areas which are being put back into use for the short term. In the long term, measures should be taken to improve the thermal performance of the building through secondary glazing and the insertion of insulation to improve the fabric heat loss. Inadequate heating and general services provision will restrict the flexibility of use and attraction of the building to potential users. Current Use The building is used by Ealing Council and is run as Hanwell Community Centre by Hanwell Community Centre Ltd, a charitable trust limited by guarantee. The trusts charitable objectives are designed as a municipal Community Centre for all those living, working or visiting the London Borough of Ealing. Facilities for recreation and vocational education are provided in the Grade II listed building and activities include badminton, basketball, boxing, drama, five aside football, judo, pottery and upholstery. The centre is also used for meetings on a regular basis and the newly refurbished teaching rooms for learning and development. Hanwell Community centre is also used for location hire for films and included the film Billy Elliot

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Hundreds of clubs, societies and classes have used the Community Centre over the years, including the MPM Flying Club, five-a-side football, dog shows and yoga. The rock band Deep Purple started out at Hanwell Community Centre in 1969.

Current activities include badminton, basketball, boxing, drama, five aside football, judo, pottery and upholstery.

Cultural Values

The Hanwell Community Centre is important in terms of its social and architectural significance, as a rare survival of a Poor Law educational building and a district school. The building is important at a London-wide level in terms of its social history, but perhaps more importantly it is a dominant local landmark which has played an important role in the local neighbourhood since its transformation from a school to a community building in the 1930s.

A book ‘The history of Hanwell Community Centre’ by Lucy Brach provides a very comprehensive account of the Centre’s development covering the building as a community resource, the activities which the centre has hosted, the personalities who have helped develop the centre such as the late Roy Mills, and the relations with the London Borough of Ealing.

In 1896 Charlie Chaplin was transferred to the school at the age of 7yrs and stayed for 4 years.

The building is part of the Cuckoo Conservation area. The conservation area includes the Cuckoo Estate which was constructed between 1935 and 1939. It was one of the last cottage estates to be built by the London County Council and was thoughtfully designed respecting the significance of the remaining school building and incorporating numerous open spaces and pedestrian walkways which give a sense of individuality to the estate.


Although many of the original buildings have been demolished, what remains is the oldest surviving ‘district’ school in London.

Despite it being modified over the years in various ways to suit changing uses, much of its original form and detail remain and have the potential, for sensitive restoration and conservation. Like many buildings of this period the structure is robust and its simple planning arrangement lends itself to adaptation to changing needs.

Very few buildings relating to district schools dating from the 1850’s (and indeed later) survive in London so the Hanwell Community centre is a rare example

Good quality materials were specified and used in its construction and in many cases remain in good condition. In particular, the cast iron windows which are used in much of the building are generally in very good condition and have responded well to repair and redecoration in the 2009 works. Other detailed elements including panelled doors, original fireplaces and some floors and ceiling finishes survive.

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The architect of the school, William Tress was a competent and well known designer of railway stations and this is a rare survival of one of his other buildings.


It is a dominant local landmark which has played an important role in the local neighbourhood since its transformation from a school to a community building in the 1930s.

The building forms the architectural focal point of the area. When it was built it stood in isolation surrounded by fields in a rural setting. Some of that setting remains, particularly in relation to Chestnut Avenue which forms the axial approach to the building from the north. In addition, Cuckoo Park which partly surrounds the building allows the southern aspect of the building to be viewed in isolation. From this location the scale of the building and its presence in the landscape can be particularly well appreciated.

Currently the enclosure of the perimeter of the building with visually unsatisfactory fencing and gates to the northern part and impenetrable hedging to the south has created an air of blight. The building currently has no physical connection to its parkland setting and the approach to the building remains unsatisfactory. However as detailed in the draft CMP there is much opportunity for sensitively reintegrating the Centre into its surroundings thereby improving its accessibility, widening its local popularity and ultimately fulfilling the vision of Hanwell Community Centre to be integrated into the wider environment.

Current Plans A Conservation Management Plan was commissioned towards the end of 2009 and is currently being finalised. It demonstrates that Hanwell Community Centre is significant architecturally, historically and socially and in particular, while it has been modified in various ways to suit changing uses, much of its original form and detailing remain and have the potential for sensitive restoration and conservation. Like many buildings of this period the structure is robust and its simple planning arrangement lends itself to adaptation to changing needs. The Britton McGrath report completed in November 2008; ‘An Evaluation of the Income Earning Potential of Hanwell Community Centre’ concluded that the centre needed to be re-presented to attract the type and volume of users that would provide the level of income needed to sustain the building. It identified that a number of key issues needed to be addressed including the apparent inaccessibility of the site, the dated appearance of the interior of the building, its dilapidated exterior and lack of modern facilities. It suggested promotion through advertising and an improvement in wayfinding and connections with other locals resources and facilities. In summary the CMP identifies the 2009 works have gone a long way towards addressing the dilapidated appearance of the building both internally and externally. These works have demonstrated the compatibility between the uses proposed and the construction and fabric of the building and its appropriateness for conversion and adaptation. The CMS suggests further work to the interiors will enable the building to be used for a wider range of activities and be made more accessible to the public. For example it will be able to accommodate visiting school children who can use the building for a number of educational purposes, including participation in sessions to experience ‘life in a Victorian school’. As part of the project it would be possible to open parts of the building to local schools and to provide educational materials that will make a visit to this unique structure a worthwhile and popular event for both

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teachers and pupils. The building would also provide an ideal location for an archive and exhibition of Pauper Schools. Sources: Draft Conservation Management Plan by Dannatt, Johnson Architects (Nov 2009) Britton McGrath ‘An Evaluation of the Income Earning Potential of Hanwell Community Centre’ (Nov 2008)

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Appendix 8 – Southall Manor House 1. Site location and description Southall Manor House, originally listed at Grade 11 in 1949, and upgraded to Grade 11* very recently, is located approximately ¼ mile to the south of Southall Railway Station, in grounds – part of its garden and now a public park – immediately adjacent to The Green. The Manor House is the oldest building in Southall, and amongst the oldest in the London Borough of Ealing. The present house was home to the Lords of the Manor, Francis Awsiter (1557 – 1624), a wealthy city merchant and alderman, between 1602 and 1756. It is generally thought that a house known as ‘The Wrenns’, purchased by Awsiter in 1587 and what is now known as Southall Manor House are one and the same, although it is thought that he rebuilt it. It is thought that it became known as the Manor House until the late seventeenth century, when the previous manor house, Dorman’s wells was demolished. The Manor House lies within a locally designated Archeological Interest Area (A21: Southall Green, the Green, Southall – medieval settlement of Southall) and the grounds are local designated as Public Open Space. Southall Manor House is one of the few remaining 16th century timber framed houses in London. Current use In 1970, the Council agreed to lease the Manor House to Southall Chamber of Commerce at a nominal rent. A number of small local businesses rent office space in the Manor House. 2. Values Social values The Manor House was purchased in 1913 by Southall-Norwood Urban District Council and under the council’s ownership it accommodated the Borough Treasurer’s Department, and also served as a maternity and child welfare clinic. The current lease arrangements preclude any sort of public access, and, as a consequence the local community currently has very limited knowledge and understanding of the building’s historical significance. The Manor House is a prominent landmark in Southall and has the potential to provide a sense of identity, but whilst in such poor repair the house has the potential to be perceived as a drain on council resources, possibly diminishing its significance with some of the local community. Cultural values The Manor House is important in terms of the development of Southall and as an example of an Elizabethan timber framed house located in a modern and culturally diverse setting. The house has experienced a number of alterations throughout it’s history. Set into the eastern face of a two-story extension to the rear of the hall range chimneystack, are two lead sculptures of Indian deities. These were present by at least 1920, but the niches in which they sit appear to have been purpose-built, suggesting that they may have been there since at least 1865. A representative of the Victoria & Albert Museum inspected the figures in 1982, and reported them to be of the ‘Pala Period’, ie AD750 – AD1150, made probably in Eastern India (Bengal or Bihar). It has been suggested that someone associated with the Manor might have acquired them in India when serving as a missionary or a soldier. These features have communal value, particularly as

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they prefigure the cultural diversity for which Southall is now known and are valued by local people as evidenced by “friendship” bracelets placed on the figures. Architectural values As the oldest surviving building in Southall, and one of the oldest in the London Borough of Ealing, the Manor House is highly significant. The survival of a sixteenth century timber-framed manor house in London is remarkable, where the pace of change and the growth of the city has swept away most ‘vernacular’ buildings of this sort of age. The probable plan-form of the late sixteenth century house can be identified in the present layout, but it remains uncertain how much ‘original’ fabric actually survives and it is likely that much is hidden by later finishes, especially within the walls. Although a number of late-medieval and post-medieval kitchen-lodging ranges have been recorded in England, Southall Manor House may be unique in having both the original main house and the kitchen-lodging range still standing. This is of considerable historic interest, providing evidence, as it does of the evolution of the detached kitchen of the medieval period. The surviving late sixteenth century is highly significant, particularly the original roof timbers and what they tell us about construction methods at that time. The Manor House’s current architectural treatment has been present since at least c1850. On this basis, and despite probably representing a somewhat idealised recreation of an Elizabethan manor house rather than the real thing, the building’s external expression is highly significant, and of considerable aesthetic value. The extent of the lands associated with the Manor House diminished during the course of the seventeenth century. At this time the estate is thought to be predominantly agricultural. The house, presumably, had a garden but little is known about it until 1795, when Daniel Lysons noted: ‘In the garden are several yew trees, cut into the form of temples and other buildings.’ Some of these yew trees survive today. The OS map of 1865 shows grounds comprised of a formal garden, with geometric paths around a central, rectangular pond to the north-east of the Manor House. In 1912 when the Manor House was put up for rent, the ‘Old-world’ grounds were said to comprise between 3 and 4 acres the estate still had a semi-rural character, including stables, outbuildings, cow-sheds and piggeries, in addition to vineries, peach an cucumber-houses, tennis and croquet lawns, an orchard and a paddock. The purchase of the Manor House and its garden by the Southall-Norwood Urban District Council in 1912 changed the character of the site irrevocably, as it evolved from a private estate and garden into a public park (opened 1913). Road widening after the First World War resulted in further contraction of the grounds and established the present park’s boundaries. The Manor House site lies within a locally-designated Archaeological Interest Area. Current plans If all that is significant about Southall Manor House is to survive and appreciated by generations to come, there needs to be a ‘vision’ offering the building a future. The first step is to halt the building’s deterioration and the council has identified a number of priority repairs to remove the

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Manor House from the ‘buildings at risk register’. Beyond that, however, the vision must offer a viable future which is sustainable in the long term. The Manor House has the potential to be at the heart of the regeneration of this part of Southall. The house is a local landmark and its location – right on The Green, and within the public park – places it right at the heart of the lively Southall Green area. There is little relationship between the house and its former garden, the park and if the vision for the house were to include some form of visitor attraction this would need to be resolved and improved as would the relationship between the house, park and surrounding streets. If the Manor House is to play a part in the regeneration of Southall, there needs to be a greater sense of community ‘ownership’ of the building itself. Public funding to renovate and conserve heritage buildings requires a high degree of community ownership and access. Giving the Manor House to some form of community use has the potential to engender a sense of community ownership and encourage greater interest in, and understanding of, its history. Engaging the local Asian population with the history of a formerly rural Elizabethan manor house represents a major challenge, but the real goal must be to ensure that any community use is relevant to the needs and aspirations of the local population. Sources: Draft Conservation Management Plan, Alan Baxter & Mark Hines Architects (May 2009)

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Appendix 9 – Pitzhanger Manor House and Gallery & Walpole Park 1. Site location and description Pitzhanger Manor and Walpole Park adjoin Ealing Green, in the Ealing Green Conservation Area. When the manor was built, Ealing was a village a good walk from London and as London grew to absorb surrounding villages, Ealing became know as ‘The Queen of the Suburbs’. Pitzhanger Manor House is Grade 1 listed and Walpole Park is included in the English Heritage “Register of Parks and Gardens of Special Historic Interest”, Grade 1. Within the park are the Rustic Bridge (Grade 11* listed), Portland stone bench (Grade 11 listed), entrance archway (Grade 1 listed), Lodge (Grade 11 listed) and boundary wall to Mattock Lane, (listed Grade 11). Of the 500,000 listed buildings, approximately 1% are Grade 1 listed and some 4% Grade 11, indicating the exceptional significance of manor and structures within the park. Originally occupied by a London silk merchant in 1685, the house was enlarged by the architect George Dance. The eminent architect, Sir John Soane (one of his major works along with the Bank of England and Dulwich Picture Gallery) purchased the house and gardens in 1800 and used it as his country residence until 1811. Sir John Soane used the house to entertain, display his collection of fine arts and to experiment with his then radical architectural ideas. In 1843 the manor was purchased by Spencer Walpole and became home to four of his sister-in-laws, with Frederica Elizabeth Purcell lived until the end of her life at age 94. Ealing council purchased the estate in 1899 and recommended that the park be maintained ‘as a park and not a garden’ in 1990. In 1902 the Ealing Public Library opened in the house, with the Eating Room extension, porch and North Lending Library extension built, designed by Charles Jones, Borough Engineer. Current use In 1901, Walpole Park was opened as a public park, with the library moving to a new building in Ealing Broadway shopping centre in 1984. The council undertook restoration and repair work to the house and it opened to the public in 1987 with the library extension converted to PM Gallery in 1996. The house is open to the public from 1 – 5pm on Tuesdays to Fridays, 11 – 5pm on Saturdays and is closed on Sundays during the winter. The gallery promotes a programme of professional visual arts exhibitions in the main gallery and a programme of local artists and community exhibitions in the Studio gallery. A formal and informal education programme is offered linking themes from the house and the exhibitions to the national curriculum for schools, adult education classes, and a youth engagement programme. 2. Values Social The house and park have been important civic spaces in Ealing since the 1990s. Many local people have memories of using the library facility prior to the opening of Central Library in 1984 and for many the house and gallery are seen as the only focus for cultural activity in the borough. The grounds of the manor house and Walpole Park are a significant public open space, forming part of a larger network of green spaces together with Ealing Green and Lammas Park Gardens, offering essential respite from the pressures of urban living. Walpole Park is the focus of active recreation containing a small café and children’s play areas. It plays host to occasional large

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community events such as the Summer Festival. The gardens of the manor by contrast provide space for quiet contemplation and relaxation. A number of memorials within the park and gardens make reference to events that are of both national and local importance. The War Memorial, dedicated in November 1921 was designed by L. Shuffrey, a local architect and re-dedicated in 1957 when additional plaques commemorating the Second World War were added. The Empire Windrush Garden was created in 1998 to celebrate the 50th anniversary of the arrival at Tilbury of the SS Empire Windrush on 22nd June1948 bringing 492 Jamaican workers to England. Located to the north of the gallery, adjacent to the north boundary footpath that leads from the entrance arch to Walpole Park, it comprises a circular bed cut into the grass and planted out with displays of annual bedding. On the north boundary of the manor gardens is the Charles Jones Memorial Plaque in the form of a bas relief portrait by Frank Bowcher made originally for the Town Hall in1913. The memorial commemorates the life of Charles Jones, Borough Surveyor from 1863 – 1913. The park is home to the Diana Memorial tree and many of the trees have been given dedications which have more personal significance for local groups and individuals. Cultural As the country residence of Sir John Soane, the house and gardens have significant cultural value but there are a number of important historical people with whom the estate is associated. These include Jonathan and Thomas Gurnell (father and son), both of whom were leading local benefactors – giving money to help the rebuilding of the church and to local charities. Thomas Gurnell, commissioned George Dance, The Younger (1741 – 1825), the key figure in the architecture of the late eighteenth century notable in particular for his developments of neo-classicism in ways which foreshadowed Soane’s own particular interests. John Soane was a pupil and developed an admiration for and friendship with Dance which remained throughout life. Four of the Perceval sisters (1844 – 1900), daughters of the murdered right Honourable Spencer Perceval (1762 – 1812) lived in the manor house until the death of the last surviving sister, Frederica Elizabeth Perceval in 1900. PM Gallery and House is one of 46 local authority arts and heritage venues in London. In West London there are relatively few arts and heritage facilities on the scale of PM Gallery and House. The gallery is the largest gallery space in West London hosting professional contemporary art exhibitions (6 exhibitions per year) and showcasing work by local artists, schools and community groups. The exhibition programme is closely linked to successful outreach, education, adult and family activities, highly valued by local community and schools. The interpretation of the house is focused on the architecture and the rooms, which although mostly empty of furniture, are brought to life through an audio guide. The Manor House and Gallery are also important local venues for receptions, functions and meetings. Architectural The Manor existed by the 17th century and John Rocque’s 1746 Survey of Ealing shows a small house facing Ealing Green, formal gardens or parterres north, south and west of the Manor House, probably including the current kitchen garden, pasture fields and cultivated fields beyond them to the south and west, all divided by hedgerows.

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The architectural significance of the property is primarily because Sir John Soane rebuilt all but the south wing of the house and redesigned the grounds when he purchased the 28 acre estate in 1800. The house and gardens were designed as an architectural showcase for Soane who hoped to inspire his sons and others in the pursuit of architecture, not only by the house but also by artificial Roman ruins. The building exhibits all of the features which characterise Soane’s unique architecture.A love of simple geometry and form, shapes the overall design. This when allied with Soane’s highly developed sense of colour and use of domes or vaults to achieve a sequence of varying spaces and forms, each illuminated with different effects of light and shade, develops an almost theatrical effect of receding and contrasting stage sets. The main front by Soane proclaims it to be the house of a major architect – the architect for the Bank of England, and a vivid lesson in antiquity and classical composition for his two sons. The Dance wing is highly important as there are few domestic interiors intact by Dance, an architect more noted for public buildings. The wing was the first work on a country house by Dance following his return from Italy with the two interiors outstanding for their lavish, strongly geometric ceilings. The library extensions (the Eating Room and the 1940 library building), were designed by Charles Jones, Borough Surveyor.

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Appendix 10 – Acton Town Hall Complex

1. Site location and description

The group of buildings comprising the Acton Town Hall are the public library, the town hall, town hall extension, public baths and King’s rooms. This group of buildings once represented the progressive civic and community spirit of Acton when they were built.

The Town Hall complex is some way to the east of the core of what was the eighteenth century town and lies within the former grounds of ‘Berrymead’ a manor of the Dean of St Paul’s.

Following the building of the Library in 1898–9 the area bounded by Acton High Street, Acton Lane, Winchester Street and Salisbury Street, became the focus for a group of civic buildings – beginning with the Baths in 1903, followed by the Magistrates Court in Winchester Street of 1907 and the Town Hall of 1909. The King’s Rooms were built in 1926, providing for the first time a direct connection to the Baths from the High Street.

The ‘civic’ centre was completed by the building of the Town Hall extension in 1939, the crowning achievement of a gradually evolving impressive group of civic buildings.


The complex formed the ‘civic’ centre of Acton until it was amalgamated with Ealing in 1965 after which main civic functions were transferred to Ealing Town Hall, with the former council meeting room and clerk’s office suite converted into offices.

Cultural Values

All of the buildings have links with important local figures but Acton Library has significant links key individuals of the late nineteenth century. These include John Passmore Edwards, a notable philanthropist and Maurice B. Adams, a notable architect who designed a number of important cultural buildings,

The library and swimming baths have formed important cultural facilities in Acton as part of the borough wide library and leisure services.


The Town Hall was opened in 1910 to designs by Raffles & Gridley, a little known practice, working in collaboration with the Borough Engineer & Surveyor, D. J. Ebbetts.

Robert Atkinson, the architect commissioned by the council to work on the design for the Town Hall extension, is a key figure in early twentieth century architecture. His forte, as well as being a highly skilled perspectivist, was stylish interiors seen in the principle features of the extension.

Whilst not listed, the Town Hall extension is of high quality with a considered design and exhibiting many of the best features of inter-war London Town Hall buildings.

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Acton Public Baths were opened in 1904 to the design of D. J. Ebbetts, Surveyor to Acton Borough Council. The baths were refurbished in 1989-90 and celebrated their centenary in 2004.

Architecturally, the baths have one feature of particular note – the chimney which is listed.

The King’s Rooms was built in 1926 to provide additional facilities for use in conjunction with the baths and was designed by William Leicester, Chief Architectural Assistant to the borough of Acton under the direction of the Borough Engineer, W. G. Cross.

The public library, built in 1898-9 is a product of the great ear of public library expansion at the time and is Grade 11 listed.


The group of buildings are a prominent group in Acton, comprising an important example of planning town centre civic and cultural facilities

Current Plans

The council are currently consulting with a wide range of stakeholders on proposals to develop these buildings to new and improved leisure and community facilities in the town centre, including a swimming pool, learner pool, library and community centre.

4. Finance

The council have allocated £12million for the Acton Town Hall project

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Documents

Ealing Heritage Strategy