An arts centre is set to benefit from a new teaching block as part of the regeneration of the site.

Harrow Council’s planning committee yesterday (Tuesday, May 4) unanimously approved a scheme at Harrow Arts Centre, in Uxbridge Road.

It will see the current ‘Greenhill’ facility redeveloped into a two-storey building to accommodate three teaching rooms and eight artists’ studios.

In addition, two nearby portacabins will be demolished, while there will also be general landscaping improvements.

Harrow Council officers, who recommended the scheme be approved, said the plans would “enhance” the centre and improve its viability as a venue.

They added it would have an “acceptable” impact on nearby land and locally listed buildings.

There were some concerns that the development could result in an increase in traffic and parking issues, with more people potentially looking to make use of the new facilities.

However, officers explained the amount of teaching space on offer would be “like-for-like” when compared with the previous set-up, which, in their view, would result in “minimal impact” on traffic and parking demands.

In the past few years, Harrow Arts Centre has been at risk of closure due to financial issues.

But the council has since secured additional funding to improve the site, with this application one of the first to be put forward.