In these times of worldwide recession and rising
unemployment it’s good to know that new jobs are coming to the local area. At the end of April Hounslow gave Sky
planning permission to create a media campus on their site at Osterley. Over a 10 year development period the jobs
based there will grow from the current 8350 to around 12,000, and the build
work will add 2300. When all 4 phases
are complete there will be 175,000 sq m of offices, studios, production and
R&D facilities. This will add to the
studios, the wind turbine and the biomass heat and power plant which are
currently in various stages of building.
I proposed that Hounslow grant
planning permission at Hounslow’s Planning meeting in April. The opportunity to provide sustainable jobs
locally is a godsend in these difficult times and 3500 more permanent jobs, and 2300
construction jobs over the next ten years, will bring a real boost to the local
economy. We have also agreed with Sky
that they will encourage local job applications, and provide an on-site
training centre, apprenticeships, and links with local schools.
Another local benefit is the restaurants and shops on the
site which will be open to the public.
There is no doubt that transport to and from the site will
present a challenge, but we have agreed a number of measures with Sky where
they will limit on-site parking and fund local Controlled Parking Zones if
needed. They are also funding improvements
to Syon Lane station, to local bus services and to the pedestrian and road
infrastructure. Sky are required to sign
up to a robust travel plan to ensure as many staff as possible use public
transport, walk or cycle to work. There
will be a new road link between Grant Way and Harlequin way which will reduce
pressure on Gillette Corner and Syon Lane and allow for a new bus route through
to the campus directly from the A4.
