Significant upgrades for Hayes town centre

The official opening of the new 'Sound of Hayes' underpass on Friday 31 May was attended by Cllr Eddie Lavery, Hillingdon Council's Cabinet Member for Residents' Services, Cllr Janet Gardner, Hayes Town ward councillor, along with the team involved in the project, and David Brough, chair of the Hayes Town Partnership.

 The new tunnel lining, constructed from steel, aluminium and natural pigmented mineral panels, plays with textures, sound and light and echoes the stereo sound of local people passing through Hayes on their daily commute, with the design based on the grooves familiar on vinyl records. It also recognises the contribution of Alan Blumlein, one of the most prolific British inventors of the 20th century, who invented stereo sound recording and was a senior sound engineer at EMI in Hayes.

In addition, refurbishment works have also been completed at Blyth Road car park using a £141,000 investment by the council. The works include pedestrian walkways, a fresh coat of paint, column protection, new electric shutter, the re-lining of parking bays and the installation of mesh to deter pigeons. Three disabled bays and parking for motorcycles have also been introduced.

Cllr Lavery said: "Reviving our town centres is a key part of our council strategy and we're committed to supporting projects that ensure they continue to thrive for generations to come. 

 "The improvements at Blyth Road are an example of the high-quality infrastructure projects we're continuing to deliver for residents and businesses across Hillingdon." 

 More than £8.5 million has been invested to date in improving Hayes town centre's infrastructure including part of TfL's Elizabeth Line new station development, with funding including contributions to the council from land and property developers, otherwise known as section 106 agreements. These contributions have funded the underpass transformation.

For more information on town centre improvements visit www.hillingdon.gov.uk/towncentres.