Hounslow Council has released a detailed statement expressing "deep concern" about the operation of one of the borough's most popular shopping centres.

The council unleashed a withering critique of the Treaty Centre's operator calling it unsafe, dirty and poorly maintained.

With 10 million visitors a year, the Treaty Centre has been an important retail hotspot in the borough since it first opened in 1986. It was subject to major refurbishments in both 2014 and 2017.

The shopping centre, which comprises 51 retail units and three office units, houses big brands like Poundland, JD Sports as well as offices for the Department for Work and Pensions.

It was acquired by capital investment firm BYM in 2021 from Columbia Threadneedle. Since the acquisition concerns have been raised by both the council and residents about the future of the centre.

Worries about planning, declining levels of service and businesses looking for alternative retail locations have had the alarm bells ringing since early last year.

Complaints have followed according to Councillor Tom Bruce, Cabinet Member for Regeneration and Development.

Treaty Centre in Hounslow (credit: LDRS).

In a scathing statement, he addressed issues the council is having with the shopping centre and its owner. He said: "We have expressed significant concern with BYM Hounslow Limited, the new owners and operators of the Treaty Centre, over the future of the shopping centre and their redevelopment plans.

"Despite meeting with representatives of BYM on several occasions throughout the summer and autumn this year, little has been done to reassure the council that the current operation and planned redevelopment of the Treaty Centre supports the businesses and community of Hounslow."

Cllr Bruce continued, adding that the standards of service, maintenance and safety appear to have declined in recent months leading to issues for both customers and retailers.

He said: "It is deeply concerning that a halt in meaningful pre-application engagement with the council has coincided with an apparent decline in the operation of the centre with increased complaints about a lack of security, maintenance and cleanliness and retailers beginning to leave and seek alternative premises.

"The community is quite rightly concerned about the future of the Treaty Centre. It should be an integral part of a thriving high street and local economy with businesses and community organisations providing goods, services and employment for local people."

Hounslow Council and the owners of Treaty Centre have been in discussion over potential redevelopment plans (credit: LDRS).

He added: "Moves to secure vacant possession of the centre by the new owners and operators seem premature and risks harm to the town centre economy. I urge them to speed up their plans to regenerate the Treaty Centre.

"While regeneration of the centre poses a fantastic opportunity for the town centre and could realise a host of benefits including providing vital new homes for local people;

"I have always been clear that development in this borough does not happen for the sake of development.

"It must always be right for the community and unlock the full potential of the area, creating thriving and sustainable neighbourhoods. We are keen to actively work with any developer that shows this commitment.

"The Council has expressed these specific concerns directly with Directors of BYM Hounslow Limited and urged them to swiftly re-engage in pre-application discussions to deliver a realistic timetable for development."

BYM has been contacted for comment.

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