Westminster calls for feedback on options to revamp the Tollgate Gardens estate

PLANS to transform a Maida Vale estate blighted by overcrowding, anti-social behaviour and poor security have been unveiled by Westminster Council.

After almost a year of meetings and consultations, four proposals have been developed for the Tollgate Gardens estate, on Oxford Road, with residents now being given the opportunity to give feedback on the design options.

Maida Vale councillor Lee Rowley says the plans represent a number of different options from significant changes over a long period of time, to proposals that have less impact.

“Having been a local councillor for five years, I have seen many problems with anti-social behaviour, poor security and damp in some of the blocks,” he said.

“It’s now up to residents to look at the options and come back with feedback.

“I know there are a number of residents who will not support the proposals because they have already made their views clear, but it’s a balancing act to work out short term pain with long term gain.

“If the proposals don’t command support within the blocks then they would not go ahead.

“I’m hopeful that we will be able to address some of the residents’ long standing concerns about the problems on the estate, but it’s a partnership and they need to use this opportunity to give their views.”

The first of the four proposals is to leave the estate as it is with no additional investment, while the second option would see most of the estate’s buildings retained with an additional four-storey block built next to Tollgate House.

Under the third option there are proposals for a new corner block at Kilburn High Road and Oxford Road, with the fourth option also involving a new community garden, play space and community hall built on the estate.

It is estimated the estate requires investment of �3.8million over the next 30 years.

Cllr Philippa Roe said: “We know that this estate needs investment and that residents want new community facilities, open spaces and better security – all issues that these proposals could address.

“We want residents to tell us what they think about the options for their estate as the final plan for the area needs to reflect the wishes of local people.”

Housing officers have been visiting residents on the estate for the past week to go through the different options.

Their feedback will be used to form a final vision for the estate to be completed by the end of the year with future timescales of any development.

Residents who have been unable to view the proposals are asked to give their feedback to Vince Waddams on 020-7641 6980 or vwaddams@westminster.gov.uk.