Hillingdon Council's Planning Committee has given the green light to a new community space in Hayes, transforming a vacant cafe within the historic Vinyl Factory site into a hub for local residents.
The committee approved the application for the temporary change of use at Unit 5, 12 Powerhouse Lane, on Thursday, 4 September 2025. The change of use, from a cafe to a local community space, is approved for five years. The decision marks a significant step in repurposing a building that has been unoccupied since 2019.
According to the planning officer, the new community space will serve both current and future residents in the Hayes and Old Vinyl Factory area. The officer's report stated that the reuse of the vacant building was welcomed
, as was the provision of a community facility in an area with a growing residential population.
The Hillingdon Planning Committee, chaired by Councillor Henry Higgins, unanimously approved the recommendations for the project. Other committee members present included Councillor Adam Bennett, Councillor Keith Burrows, Councillor Roy Chamdal, Councillor Elizabeth Garelick, Councillor Jagjit Singh, and Councillor Raju Sansarpuri.
The approval is subject to conditions, ensuring the community space benefits the local area for years to come. More information about the decision can be obtained by contacting Liz Penny at democratic@hillingdon.gov.uk or visiting the opencouncil.network website.