Shepherd's Bush is changing. A huge tract of land starting from the back of Shepherd's Bush tube station and stretching all the way to White City, is under construction.
Shepherd's Bush Green (left) to White City (top right)
Generally called the 'White City development', it's a massive project due to complete in 2008 (to 2010), which can't come soon enough. The locals have been inconvenienced for years with cranes, grime and endless road works.
Wood Lane
But the ends should justify the means. A new tube station will open on Wood Lane. It's a Hammersmith & City line extension, and it will go hand-in-hand with a new bus station and multi-storey carpark. There's also a fat new shopping and leisure centre in the offing called the Westfield. (vision of) The Westfield
Debenhams, M&S, Next, Primark, H&M and TopShop have already snapped up lots, and more high street favourites are due to be announced. The new center is billed as London's biggest indoor shopping arena, set to out trump Brent Cross and Blue Water. And with new low-cost housing, a cinema complex, library and nursery, the Westfield is also meant as a new community hub. According to Transport for London, some 4,000 new jobs will be created, a much needed investment for Shepherd's Bush.At the moment, the largest employer in the area is the BBC with its massive HQ at White City. But 90% of the employees travel in from elsewhere, so the locals are largely excluded.
The Westfield will be hungry for new recruits especially part-time staff who live nearby, and there are plenty of suitable candidates.(part of) White City Estate
Shepherd's Bush is a major residential area with big and often hard-pressed estates in Becklow Gardens, Wormholt Park and White City. And there are neighbouring estates in Latimer and Ladbroke Grove. It would great if employers had a points system biased toward applicants from local postcodes - W6, W10, W11, W12 and W14. Most are within easy walking distance to the new centre or just a quick bus ride away. I was born and brought up in Shepherd's Bush (Cobbold Road) and mum lives just off the Goldhawk Road, so I know how much the new development will mean to the local economy especially if employers draw on the home-grown talent.
Locals be warned. Get your applications in early.- Development Info
- Photo collection Shepherd's Bush
Image credits:
Rob McMorran, Gis Sibella, Normko, Rare Surname, Christophe Bernard
29.09.07
