Tired Uxbridge town centre has empty shops and offices - but 15-year vision could change its fortunes

Hillingdon Council’s Cabinet Member for Planning, Housing and Growth has told the Local Democracy Reporting Service (LDRS) the authority has a ‘blank canvas’ as it seeks people’s input on reviving the town centre.

Steve Tuckwell said the aim of the ‘Uxbridge Vision’ is to integrate development, transport and investment to tackle the growing number of empty shops and office blocks. Cllr Tuckwell told the LDRS: “We need to find ways that we can regenerate the town centre whilst keeping our heritage in mind.

“Businesses and offices, and people that work in those offices involved in this consultation, will provide the blueprint for this going forward.”

The vision has four key themes: public realm improvement; new activities; better links; and more town centre living. Town centre living is key to the ‘Uxbridge Vision’ with many currently vacant office or retail spaces being touted for conversion to homes. The consultation documents set out plans to diversify housing in the area, taking the focus off flats and instead onto small townhouses, and student and retirement homes too.

Cllr Tuckwell said: “We have a new government which is looking to shake up the planning system, which in some degrees is welcomed, so then we can actually look to achieve the right balance for Uxbridge which is about the right amount of residential dwellings, the right amount of commerce and the right amount of retail.”

As part of the public realm improvement the council intends to create a series of new public spaces to encourage new communities to visit the town and support local business. Central to this theme is the ‘revitalising’ of the former Regal Cinema, however at this stage there are no concrete plans and it’s understood to still be owned by a third party.

Last December an injunction was obtained by the council to stop building work taking place after it was discovered alterations were made without listed building consent. That is due to run out within days.

Cllr Tuckwell told the LDRS: “It’s a central part of our High Street, Hillingdon has done everything it can to protect it and we are now looking to see what that turns into as part of the vision for Uxbridge.”

He declined to say how the redevelopment of the cinema would be achieved when it’s understood to still be owned by Frough Limited. The bus interchange will also be redesigned in efforts to make it more ‘efficient and attractive’. Alongside remodelling the bus interchange, there are plans to reroute existing bus routes and potentially create additional routes to better connect the region with the Home Counties, Brunel University, and other services.

The consultation is open until Friday, February 28. The council is seeking feedback from residents, businesses, students, workers and visitors about ways to improve the area. More information is available on the council website.