'Overwhelming Response' to Hammersmith Highline Competition
200 entries offer ideas for transforming disused rail viaduct next to King Street
Hammersmith BID and architect group West London Link, the organisations behind a competition to design a new Hammersmith Highline on a disused railway viaduct say it has received an overwhelming response.
Around 200 expressions of interest have already been received and the competition is still open for entries till the end of May.
The organisers say no idea is off the table with the judges looking for schemes that are practical and could be delivered on the 300 metre long site, which sits between existing railway lines that run adjacent to King Street.
It runs on a brick viaduct high above the bustle of Hammersmith’s streets, but it has become overgrown and fallen into disrepair.
The organisers hope the completed project could rival the renowned New York High Line, a former railway track in the Big Apple which is now a popular leisure destination.
They say: "We have been overwhelmed at the response and are delighted that the competition has captured the imagination of the public, particularly with a number of local community groups getting involved.
"This is an opportunity to suggest ideas for a community space in the heart of the town centre as well as an attraction which would draw people to Hammersmith. It is exciting that so many people have grasped the concept and we are looking forward to seeing what ideas emerge."
There are two prizes of £5,000 up for grabs to encourage a variety of ideas that could be considered, from the fanciful to the deliverable.
Launching the competition, Livia Caruso from Hammersmith BID said the contest was designed to come up with ideas, but as yet there is no budget to transform the disused stretch of railway.
She said the brief had remained vague so people’s imagination could run riot but they might look at ideas to connect the line to the river and make it a must-visit destination.
If the ideas eventually become reality they could help give Hammersmith town centre "something special and unique, over and above what other town centres can offer", which is crucial in these times of changing high street usage.
"It is vital that we have a distinct offer and experience to lift us above other areas," she said.
Judges are looking for original ideas "without limits" and "interesting" but they also must be practical schemes.
They hope any ideas will complement the multi-million pound redevelopment of Hammersmith town hall and the surrounding area.
The Hammersmith Highline Competition is open to all members of the public. A background in design or built environment professions is not essential. There is a separate contest for Hammersmith and Fulham primary school pupils.
All designs will be put on display in Kings Mall shopping centre in June.
The competition will close on Friday 31 May.
Contact L.Caruso@hammersmithbid.co.uk for competition pack details.
Julia Gregory - Local Democracy Reporter
May 10, 2019