A NEW nightclub twice the size of The Red Room is part of a major regeneration proposed for The Broadway in Ealing.

Consultation began on Friday for a planning application that includes a new music venue on the site of the original Ealing Club, where members of the Rolling Stones got together.

The 3,767 sq ft club at basement level would be accessed from a ground level bar along the mews, while 8,438 sq ft of leisure space on the upper ground floor of Haven Place has been earmarked for a potential cinema, gym or crèche.

Robert Salmons, artistic director of the Ealing Blues Festival and a director of the Ealing Club Community Interest Company, said: “Being Ealing born and bred, I can remember a time when it was one of the hippest places around.

“Over recent years there has been a resurgence of awareness of the borough's cultural importance and having a purpose built music venue on the site of the former Ealing Club is a significant step in re-affirming Ealing's unique heritage.”

The application, by Benson Elliot and their development managers Londonewcastle,  include a new pedestrian route between Ealing Broadway station and The Broadway lined with a wealth of new shops and almost 200 homes above. 

It involves demolishing existing buildings at 9-42 The Broadway and constructing eight new buildings ranging from two storey to 18 storeys.

Plans include 21 new shops - a mix of smaller units suitable for independent boutiques and larger ones for high street brands, plus 191 homes, made up of nine studios, 72 one bed, 94 two bed and 15 three bed.

Basement parking would provide 50 car spaces, including 19 disabled spaces, and 301 cycle spaces.

A new pedestrian route, to be known as Haven Place, is proposed for between Ealing Broadway station and The Broadway.

Peter Cornforth, director of retail at Benson Elliot, said: “We’re really excited to have submitted plans that we firmly believe will create a fantastic new destination at the heart of Ealing Broadway.

“A great blend of large and small shops, with apartments and green space above, all benefiting from a new pedestrian street connecting the Broadway with the future Crossrail station.”

He said they had introduced the leisure elements as a result of a public exhibition opposite Ealing Broadway station at the end of January, attended by almost 400 people.

“As a passionate supporter of live music over many years, it’s not hard to appreciate the very real challenges currently facing music venues in the capital,” said Mr Cornforth.

“Hopefully our project in Ealing can lead the way in showing a sensible, sustainable and dynamic approach to developing a contemporary live music opportunity, seamlessly integrated into its surroundings and with its neighbours.”

James Shindler, director at Londonewcastle, development managers for 9-42 The Broadway, said: “It is a fantastic opportunity to be able to contribute to both Ealing’s significant musical and cinematic traditions, while also delivering a better range and quality of shops, a new public route as well as quality new homes.”

Comments need to be in to Ealing Council by September 11, reference P/2015/3479