North Acton Residents Accepting of 'Mini-Manhattan'
Some acknowledge tower blocks deliver much needed housing
Towers looming over North Acton residential areas
Residents in North Acton aren’t all bothered by the massive tower blocks springing up after previous claims the area was becoming a “mini-Manhattan”.
Some locals believe the ongoing redevelopment of the area was to be expected in London and would hopefully provide a solution to the capital’s colossal housing shortage.
Speaking to the Local Democracy Reporting Service (LDRS), residents said they didn’t see the building works as something negative. Katie Lee, 28, said: “I’m okay with [the tower blocks], it doesn’t really bother me. As long as I’ve lived here, the towers have been there and it’s a good way to house lots of people so I’m used to it.”
Miama, 73, who didn’t want to give his last name, said, “I don’t really care too much. The buildings are tall but London is not the only city in this situation, it’s happening all over the world.”
Acton local Paul Davis also said he thought the tower blocks were a good solution to London’s housing crisis. He said, “[The tower blocks] are alright. The population in London is rising and it’s a good way create more housing. I think they’re fine.”
George, 30, said the redevelopment was to be expected in such a big city, “I don’t have a strong opinion on them. They do seem a bit out of place, but hey it’s London.”
However, others voiced their disappointment at the plans to build several big tower blocks in the area and said they clashed with the low-rising housing already there. Resident Bryn, 25 said: “It’s dystopian. As you’re walking to the Tube you can see the skyscrapers and it’s so weird. I don’t mind it too much, it’s just weird. The massive glass skyscrapers don’t fit with the area.”
Another resident, who wished to remain anonymous said, “They’re a bit of an eyesore. I don’t think much of them. They’re going to put a strain on the amenities of the people who already live around here.”
Lisa Haseldine – Local Democracy Reporter
Like Reading Articles Like This? Help Us Produce More This site remains committed to providing local community news and public interest journalism. Articles such as the one above are integral to what we do. We aim to feature as much as possible on local societies, charities based in the area, fundraising efforts by residents, community-based initiatives and even helping people find missing pets. We've always done that and won't be changing, in fact we'd like to do more. However, the readership that these stories generates is often below that needed to cover the cost of producing them. Our financial resources are limited and the local media environment is intensely competitive so there is a constraint on what we can do. We are therefore asking our readers to consider offering financial support to these efforts. Any money given will help support community and public interest news and the expansion of our coverage in this area. A suggested monthly payment is £8 but we would be grateful for any amount for instance if you think this site offers the equivalent value of a subscription to a daily printed newspaper you may wish to consider £20 per month. If neither of these amounts is suitable for you then contact info@neighbournet.com and we can set up an alternative. All payments are made through a secure web site. One-off donations are also appreciated. Choose The Amount You Wish To Contribute. If you do support us in this way we'd be interested to hear what kind of articles you would like to see more of on the site – send your suggestions to the editor. For businesses we offer the chance to be a corporate sponsor of community content on the site. For £30 plus VAT per month you will be the designated sponsor of at least one article a month with your logo appearing if supplied. If there is a specific community group or initiative you'd like to support we can make sure your sponsorship is featured on related content for a one off payment of £50 plus VAT. All payments are made through a secure web site. |
April 29, 2022