Harrow Arts Centre is set to benefit from the replacement of two existing modular portacabins with modern, accessible structures, Harrow Council's Planning Committee has decided. The expansion and modernisation of the arts centre aims to enhance access to arts and cultural activities for the local community, providing new opportunities for engagement and participation.
The committee unanimously approved the application at its meeting on Wednesday, 19 November 2025, paving the way for the upgrade of the 'Weald' and 'Grimsdyke' portacabins at the Hatch End site. The existing structures, described as being past their usable date and unsafe, will be replaced with new modular buildings designed to enhance the Arts Centre's facilities. The allocated use for the Harrow Arts Centre site is for arts centre and associated uses, and the site objective is listed as the Expansion and modernisation of arts centre and ancillary buildings.
This project aligns with that objective.
The proposal, submitted by Mr Steve Reader of Harrow Council, aims to provide bookable and public use spaces as part of HAC's offer.
The new portacabins will feature level access, meeting the required DDA access requirements. The proposed replacement port-a-cabins will have level access, therefore meeting the required DDA access requirements.
The portacabins will have external cladding in Terracotta colour 04C39 (similar to the brick on Elliot Hall), with light grey steel composite roofing and dark grey fascia. The windows would be white, and the rainwater goods would be black. Both would also feature attached clear polycarbonate canopies with steel rails. The Planning Committee reviewed the materials to ensure that the character of the listed building is preserved.
During the meeting, concerns were raised about the lifespan of the new modular buildings. Councillor Ali asked, What's the usual life of these porter cabins? Five years, ten years?
The presenter responded, I don't know, is the answer really, Councillor Ali, I'm afraid. But, you know, it's in excess of ten years, twenty, thirty years.
Councillor Marilyn Ashton, Deputy Leader of the Council and Portfolio Holder for Planning & Regeneration, who chaired the meeting, expressed her support for the project. Unless I've misunderstood, I can't imagine anyone thinking this was a bad idea,
she said. And I think it's very good that you've got materials sorted out, actually, Paula. Because, you know, we've got the listed building and, you know, that way we know where we stand.
The new buildings will support community uses associated with the Harrow Arts Centre, which is located on Uxbridge Road. The Arts Centre is located on the southern side of Uxbridge Road.
The Harrow Arts Centre is located at 171 Uxbridge Road, Hatch End. The application site is within an allocated site in the Harrow Council Site Allocation (2013), under Site G04, which includes the car park and several of the ancillary buildings. It is also an allocated site in the emerging new Local Plan Proposed Submission (Regulation 19) Version (2021-2041) as part of Site O13. The allocated use is for arts centre and associated uses and the site objective is listed as the Expansion and modernisation of arts centre and ancillary buildings.
The development hereby permitted shall be begun before the expiration of three years from the date of this permission.
The Planning Committee also approved applications for 41-43 Station Road and Park High School at the meeting. These applications will be covered in separate news reports.