Initial plans for an ‘aparthotel’ and rooftop restaurant on the site of a former car park were put before the council.

Harrow Council’s major development panel received a presentation on the development in Vaughan Road car park, Harrow town centre, which includes a hotel where guests can stay for longer periods.

The council, as the former owner of the site, had planned to develop the land.

However, due to “changes in the market”, it opted to sell it off to a developer to help balance its budget.

Purchaser Dandi Living hopes to provide 146 rooms in a building up to 12 storeys, as well as a rooftop restaurant overlooking Harrow-on-the-Hill.

Ali Ravanshad, founder of Dandi, explained that he wants to help “put Harrow town centre on the map” and change the perception of the area in a “collective and meaningful way”.

He added that this is a chance to improve safety measures at the nearby underpass and make it an attractive gateway to the high street.

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A design for the aparthotel (Photo: Adam Khan Architects)

Adam Khan Architects, who are designing the project, agreed that this was an opportunity to improve the wider public realm.

They added there are ambitions for a “striking, destination building” in the area, with detail inspired by the historic buildings in the borough, including Harrow School.

The developers explained that the call for aparthotels is a “growing global trend” and that this would cater for a range of stays in Harrow – from single nights to a couple of months.

There would be no parking at the site – save for two blue badge spaces that would require booking – though there are a series of nearby car parks.

They also anticipate that the majority of people would visit via public transport, with the remainder travelling by taxi.

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The site of the car park (Photo: Google Maps)

Cllr Ghazanfar Ali, who sits on the major developments panel, welcomed the initial plans since there is a “need for good quality hotels” in the borough.

Dandi noted that this scheme is “a work in progress” and it is “some way from submitting a planning application”.