Plans to revitalise Shepherds Bush Market and the surrounding area have been approved by Hammersmith & Fulham (H&F) Council's planning applications committee.

The market has been in existence for 100 years but many traders feel that it has been in decline for some time. Now, developer Orion Shepherds Bush Ltd (OSBL) will give the market a complete facelift and ensure that it thrives for another 100 years.

At the planning applications committee meeting, OSBL was granted outline approval to regenerate and widen the market to create more space for larger pitches. There will also be an increased number of market stalls to create an even more diverse mix and lighting and security will be improved.

At the Uxbridge Road end of the market, a new public square will provide the setting for the refurbished Bush Theatre which has moved into the Old Shepherds Bush Library building.

OSBL has promised to maintain the independent character of the market by building on the individuality of businesses that have traditionally traded at Shepherds Bush. Their strong, local character is a vital ingredient of the market's appeal.

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The developer believes that the improvement plans will bring about approximately £3.2m a year in increased retail expenditure.

Several market squares will be created and new homes will be built. The Market Square will feature different types of national cuisines. This new square will accommodate pop-up shops and temporary trading space for start up or small businesses. There will also be spaces for open air events, seated areas and toilets.

New shops will be built on the east side of the market for traders whose premises have become dilapidated and crowded.

OSBL is committed to protecting and maintaining market trading during the construction period.

In addition, the entrance to the market from Goldhawk Road will be extended.

All businesses based at 30 to 52 Goldhawk Road have been offered the opportunity to return to the new Goldhawk Road shop units that will be delivered through a phased construction programme. The new shops will be set back from the road to make the market entrance more visible.

OSBL investigated refurbishing the existing Goldhawk Road premises but concluded this would not meet the wider regeneration targets as the properties fall far short of modern standards.

Each Goldhawk Road business has been contacted by OSBL on a number of occasions to ascertain their preferred arrangements for moves that will accommodate their business requirements.

H&F Council Leader, Cllr Stephen Greenhalgh, said: "There is very little doubt that Shepherds Bush Market needs significant improvement if it is to survive. People have been telling the council for many years that it needs to be protected and enhanced and these plans will ensure that it will flourish, with more people visiting and market traders enjoying a more secure and prosperous future. We fully recognise the market’s rich heritage and character and this scheme will build upon its diversity to reaffirm the market as one of London’s leading tourist destinations.

"Shepherds Bush really is on the up as a place to live, work and visit. The town was recently named as one of London’s most desirable places to live and that is partly due to the market regeneration and the Shepherds Bush Green revamp that is due to start imminently."

(CD/GK)