I will comment on each point in turn...People tend to prefer to shop and relax locally - not get in cars, buses or tubes unless they have to - and if there are no local options, they'll set about creating or demanding it.I agree people tend to prefer to shop and relax locally - not get in cars, buses or tubes unless they have to. This where my agreement ends… how is anyone going to create or demand anything if the desire for local investment isn't there? The prevalence of pawn shops, bookies and fried chicken takeaways on Acton High St is a reflection of the existing demographic demand.The prevalence of pawn shops, bookies and fried chicken takeaways on Acton High St is NOT a reflection of the existing demographic demand, it's a reflection of retail placement neglect, physical shopfront anarchy and ethic economic opportunism.The provision of additional private sector residential property is likely, in my view, to change this demographic over time. It could create the critical mass of local demand that would enable the sort of independent retailers and other activities that we would love to see on the High St to have a sustainable business proposition.This is also a fallacy, the only way that, nowadays, independent retailers are to have a sustainable business proposition is to hang on the coat-tails of national brands who are increasingly indulging in what is known as 'flexible retailing'. 'Click and Collect' is another phenomenon that has taking root and will aid recovery in the High Street. The arcadia you speak of is not likely to come back, but occupancy will. No; private sector residential property is not the answer.The horse is the right sort of mixed-tenure residential provision that attracts a diverse and culturally demanding community with reasonable disposable incomes - the commercial/cultural cart will follow. Leaving aside the metaphors, this development will not attract a diverse community, it will attract a very narrow demographic profile, young, middle class singles and partnerships who, if Acton doesn't get its act together will go elsewhere to have a life (see my charts). These properties will sell at between £250,000 and £600,000 and the buyers won't want to stroll around the Streets of Acton looking for fun and baubles.I speak as a former resident of Notting Hill (70s), Camden (80s), and Hackney (90s). Acton just seems to be taking a bit longer than I predicted when we moved here in 2000.Last but not least, Notting Hill, Camden and Hackney regenerations were all driven by the creative community, this will not be the case with Acton which does not have the same indefinable cachet.
Adrian Morrish ● 5051d