The text below was published in EastSheenMatters on Tuesday 12 August 2025. Bold now added.

“So it is August and Mortlake and East Sheen may resemble a deserted Parisian suburb. But it’s more than three months since we received the Inspector’s decision granting planning permission for the residential development at the Stag Brewery and for the adjacent secondary school.

“We have known for nine months or more that the school would be dependent on central government funding. Who knew that it would take so long for a decision to be taken?

“Are there secret discussions going on about what might happen with this important site.”

Well, unbeknown to EastSheenMatters, there were discussions ongoing. A report on those discussions can now be seen on the Mortlake Brewery Community Group website at https://www.mbcg.org.uk/not-quite-yet/ .

“Is there any strategic thinking being conducted on housing needs, including affordable housing, and transport. If there is, no-one is saying anything or consulting locally.” As far as we are aware the recent discussions did not involve the Council.

“From the residential viewpoint one would hope this would include thinking on the Homebase site in Manor, which seems to have stalled; the Barnes Hospital site, where in spite of opening ceremonies, we are still waiting for diggers rather than spades; and occupancy at the Teddington Riverside development.

“Meanwhile rumours abound locally that the financial power brokers in Singapore are not entirely happy with the current position in Mortlake.

“Mortlake residents are doing well to get on with their own discussions about what projects to promote in their area.”

We do now know that discussions are being held with a third party who are interested in buying the whole site. A joint venture may also be explored.

All of the tenants on the site, save for Story Works, the filming company, have been served notice and will no longer be on site shortly. Their continuing use of the site may depend on whether Disney commission further episodes of A Thousand Blows.

A decision on how to proceed will be taken by early 2026, given the need to attend to the planning conditions. No work is expected on the site for about 18 months.

All are still waiting to hear whether the funding for the Livingstone Secondary School will be agreed or not by the DfE. The outcome of their review of funding is now expected in the Autumn. No mention is made of a move for Thomson House School, though it is known that they have recently had discussions with the DfE.