Hamilton Electricity Works

Cathy Cooper had a stall at the FORCE Open Day on the Craneford playing fields. She was able to publicize and raise awareness about the history of the Hamilton Electricity Works and their proposed demise. The display attracted a constant stream of visitors from other parts of Twickenham. Many remarked on how lovely the buildings looked from the photographs and it was very convenient to be able to point them out from where the marquee stood. When it was explained that the buildings were under threat of demolition, the reaction against this was so positive that a petition was quickly put together for people to sign.

This was attended by over 40 people including Vincent Cable MP, Cllrs Clare Head and David Marlow; Mike Day from FORCE, two Lib Dems and residents. The plans were laid out on tables for all to examine. The developers and architects were on hand to answer questions and engage in healthy debate about aspects of the plans. There is still concern over the proposed demolition of Building 3, which is an important part of the Electricity Works and is also a landmark over the Crane Valley. The density of the proposed development is still far too high with 32 units and the design of new builds not sympathetic.

Contacted by researcher for ITV who saw website and was interested in filming the Electricity Works for a TV documentary about utilities.

Plans are submitted to the Design Panel at York House. Afterwards there is an informal meeting between six residents, the developers and architects, chaired by Cllr Clare Head. This is also to show the new plans.

Developer and architects meet Cllrs David Marlow and Clare Head at 11.30 in York House to present new drawings for the next proposal. No residents were present.

HANDS Fair, Twickenham Green
Cathy Cooper invited by Rob Gray of FORCE to display information about Hamilton Electricity Works on the Local Agenda 21 Network stand. Besides great interest from members of the public in all related environmental issues, we had visits from Cllr David Trigg, Twickenham Riverside, and Cllrs David Marlow and Clare Head, West Twickenham.

Cathy Cooper spoke to the local History Society and Twickenham Museum with the aim of having a display panel put up in the Museum on the history of the Electricity Works and surrounding area.