The proposals for the site, which includes the derelict Empire Cinema, include the construction of a new multiscreen cinema, cafés, bars, shops and restaurants as well as up to 161 flats to create a "high quality leisure destination".
The scheme will also have new pedestrianised routes between and a flexible, performance area with amphitheatre-style seating and an outdoor screen. Ealing Council said in a statement it expects the development to create around 350 new jobs.
Land Securities and the Council also signed an agreement this week under which the Council will acquire the sites for the scheme, "through compulsory purchase orders (CPO) if necessary". It will then transfer the land to Land Securities which will reimburse the Council.
“The people of Ealing have waited long enough to see this derelict site brought back to life," said Ealing Council leader Julian Bell. "We are firmly committed to Land Securities building Ealing’s new cinema quarter and won’t wait a day longer than needed to get this scheme back on track. We hope a negotiated agreement can be reached as quickly as possible but are prepared to use our CPO powers if necessary."
"We received an overwhelming level of support for the film quarter during our public consultation and are in discussions with various groups on how our flexible, performance area, outdoor screen and gallery can best be used by the local community," said Land Securities development director Nick Davis.
"We are 100% committed to delivering this scheme, bringing new jobs, footfall and investment to Ealing town centre and look forward to continuing to work with the council and other interested parties throughout the planning process,” Davis said.
Subject to planning consent, the cinema is planned to open in 2017 and the development to be completed in 2018.
