The O2 Waterfront

Work is now 16 weeks in to the 98 week project inside the structure previously known as the Dome. Most of the 'cores' of the Arena itself have been erected and it is understood that around 300 workmen are now to be found regularly involved in construction work on the new Arena and first-level 'raft' area located around the Blackwall Tunnel ventilation shaft which it is hoped will eventually form the base of the proposed casino facility. The roof of the O2 Arena is apparently being constructed on the floor. It will then be jacked up in to position when complete. This is apparently the largest structure ever to be raised in to position in this way. As well as the Arena and 160,000 sq. m. second-level 'raft' located in the vicinity of the Blackwall Tunnel ventilation shaft, the first phase of the work will include a 60,000 sq. m., 2000 seat live music club, an 11-screen cinema, a 70,000 sq. m. Eden Project-style 'biome' housing three floors of exhibition space and a tree-lined boulevard of five retail outlets, 10 restaurants and three nightclubs with an 'electric sky'! Although the Arena itself is due to be completed around March 2007, the official opening is now likely to be delayed a month or so to coincide with completion of most of the Waterfront area and a planned exhibition of Tutankhamun's Treasures.

Phase II of the Waterfront development within the Dome curtilage will involve the development of a further 13,000 sq. m. of space. An adjacent high-rise hotel topped with a revolving 'sky' restaurant is dependent upon a successful bid for a casino in the O2 Waterfront. This will apparently be operated by Sol Kerzner, the millionaire behind South Africa's Sun City, who has already appointed Sir Richard Rogers to develop concepts for the hotel.

The David Beckham Football Academy, built by the Anshutz Entertainment Group on the site of part of the old MEX coach park, is now complete and occupied. The initial opening is planned for the October school half-term, with the first use by Deptford and Greenwich schoolchildren in early November.

Westombe Society Environment Committee (10/2005)

Civic Trust Awards

The Westcombe Society has been asked to seek feedback from local residents regarding the new dental practice and flats at 11-15 Station Crescent.

The Civic Trust Awards are seeking comments, whether positive or negative, from people who live in or near the development, or who use it or pass by it, to try and judge the impact the project has had on the area and its residents.

These comments are to be collected and made available to the judging panel when they visit the project, which will be on 25 October.

Comments should be posted directly to Helena Russell at helenarussell@ukonline.co.uk, by 23 October at the latest.

Please don't hesitate to contact Helena if you need any clarification or further information.

Latest Planning Applications - 4/10/2005

62 Foyle Road 05/2065 /TC
Fell 2 leyland cypress in rear garden

84 Coleraine Road 05/2071 /F
Loft conversion comprising two rear dormer windows and two Velux windows to front

25d Mycenae Road 05/2093 /F
Demolition of existing extension and erection of a single storey rear extension

Flat 1 73 Humber Road 05/2097 /F
Erection of single storey rear extension

23 Humber Road 05/2107 /F
Erection of single storey rear extension and modification to existing kitchen/shower room

44 Mycenae Road 05/2167 /F
Formation of loft conversion with side and rear dormers

117 Westcombe Hill 05/2200 /CP
Erection of a single storey rear extension, Formation of a loft conversion with dormer windows in the rear roof slope and creation of a roof terrace on rear extension flat roof facilitated by the insertion of French doors at first floor level

36 Hardy Road 05/2236 /F
Formation of loft conversion with three Velux windows to the rear elevation and one Velux window to front elevation

82 Westcombe Park Road 05/2341 /TC
Crown reduce decayed cherry in rear garden by 30%

103 Coleraine Road 05/2348 /TC
Sycamore - remove weak limb and deadwood, Lime crown thin by 25%, Sycamore remove one limb

43 Vanbrugh Park 05/2351 /TC
Fell mulberry in rear garden and conifer in front garden and replace with smaller slower growing specimens

2 Schofield Walk 05/1802/F
Erection of first floor rear extension to bedroom