Hounslow Council has approved a strategy to 'maximise' the use of its buildings to better suit resident and community needs, unlock development potential, and deliver greater value for taxpayers it says.

The council owns more than 500 properties across the borough and in recognition of growing demands and complex needs of local communities, Hounslow Council says 'the strategy focuses on having the right buildings, in the right places, and in the right condition.' 

Approved during the Cabinet meeting on 18 March, the plan will see some buildings being redeveloped and improved; others will have their usage changed, with others sold-off, potentially opening the way for private development of new housing, commercial or retails spaces.

Hounslow Council says the revenue raised will be reinvested in order to improve the services offer to residents and key decisions on the service offer will be made with the views of local communities taken into account.  

The strategy is aligned with the council's commitment to environmental sustainability, particularly in meeting 'net zero' targets, and is responsive to the current challenges of ensuring financial efficiency in public asset management.

The new plan supports the council's ambitions to provide the right support when and where it's needed through the new Community and Family Hubs network.

Additionally, it supports its broader objectives to combat inequality, as outlined in its Equality, Diversity, and Inclusion Strategy, and integrates with the development priorities identified in the Town Centre Masterplans for Brentford, Chiswick, Feltham, and Hounslow. 

The Year One Action Plan details the steps for implementing this comprehensive framework in 2024/25, focusing on asset review and community engagement for better service engagement. 

The first year plan will look at Feltham, Cranford, Ivybridge, Isleworth and more detail on the engagement plan for those areas will follow in the coming weeks. 

Councillor Tom Bruce, Cabinet Member for Regeneration and Development, said: "In an era where the needs of our communities are rapidly evolving, it's imperative that we not only adapt but also anticipate these changes to ensure the well-being and prosperity of our residents.  

"This strategy represents a bold step forward in how we utilise our assets for the maximum benefit of our community.

"By closely aligning our property assets with our ambitions for social inclusion, environmental sustainability, and economic resilience, we are laying down the groundwork for a future where our borough thrives.  

"Together, with the valuable insights and active participation of our residents, we will transform our spaces into vibrant hubs of activity, support, and innovation. Our commitment is to create not just spaces, but opportunities for every resident to flourish." 

To read the Asset Management Strategy report, click here.    

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