We all want better, for ourselves and for our families. Maybe a better house, better prospects, a better future. Through planning and hard work we may achieve the goals we set for ourselves and become happier and more prosperous. It’s a similar story when, like myself, you’re responsible for planning the future of towns and neighbourhoods.
In Harrow I’m heading up a £1.75 billion investment programme called Building a Better Harrow – it’s all about providing jobs, enhancing conditions for business and energising Harrow as a place. Most importantly of all, it’s about improving lives and that’s why I’m putting everyone who calls Harrow home at the heart of it. Improvements aren’t really improvements at all if they only work for some people and not others – that’s why the personal aspirations of our residents, the things they want for their families and businesses, from their work and leisure time, are central to Building a Better Harrow.
New housing is central to our vision, but so is a new state-of-the-art leisure centre. And as part of this development, we’re guaranteeing the future of Byron Hall as a 1,800 capacity venue.
Byron Hall is a great example of how we’re matching the aspirations of local people with the buildings we’re planning. It’s a venue that often serves as the focal point for cultural events, as it did again this Navratri, when thousands of people came together under its roof to celebrate this special time of year.
We’ve listened to what people have told us about how they use the hall and we’re responding to the problems identified. We’re going to solve issues like the current lack of changing facilities, air conditioning and integrated lighting and audio equipment, to deliver a venue that’s truly fit for purpose and will meet the needs of our community long into the future.
Other councils have disposed of similar amenities, because they’re expensive and because there’s no legal requirement to provide them. In Harrow, through prudent investment, we’re guaranteeing a brand new Byron Hall with vastly enhanced facilities and a secure future as a community resource.
You can find out more about this ambitious programme at buildingabetterharrow.co.uk.
