The Society is extremely concerned to learn from an article in the Evening Standard that the owners of the Greenwich Market site in Greenwich Town Centre, the Greenwich Hospital Trust, have announced that they propose to re-develop the site.
The Leader of Greenwich Council, Chris Roberts, has written an open letter to the Evening Standard in which he roundly condemns the proposal and urges a re-think.
If you are opposed to this move, then please ensure that you use every opportunity to voice your concern over this matter whenever the opportunity arises.
We will post more information here when we receive it.
Saturday, January 28, 2006
Friday, January 27, 2006
108, 422 and new 129 route update
TfL Buses have responded to suggestions offered by Greenwich Council in their response to the original proposals - previously reported here. They indicate surprise at the level of response and interest, and suggest that the replies appear biased in favour of certain areas and don’t take in to account the needs of others. They state that they are pleased with the acceptance of the change to the 108 route to serve Sainsbury’s etc., but question whether the Council’s proposal to route the new 129 to serve Charlton Station involved a re-routeing away from North Greenwich. If so, it is considered that the prime purpose of the proposals, additional capacity through the GMV and an alternative link from Woolwich Road to North Greenwich, would not be achieved. They also state that the suggestion the 422 should use the proposed new bus gate in Westcombe Hill, but continue to service Woolwich Road and Blackwall Lane, would be taken in to account before a final decision is made. In conclusion they state that no final decisions have yet been taken over these proposals.
Greenwich Peninsula Update
Work is in progress on the development of the Piazza (aka Millennium Square), a large space, the equivalent of Leicester Square. The proposed opening date of the Piazza in summer 2007.
Improvement to public transport links include a bus priority lane at Westcombe Hill/A102M, prevention of rat running in Blackwall Lane, route 108 priorities north of Blackwall Tunnel, remote traffic messaging in the wider region and escalator works at North Greenwich (currently involving W/E closures of the station).
Developers will also be embarking on new soft landscaping (plants and trees). They will consult widely on this and work is due to be finished by mid-2007.
Discussions well advanced forRavensbourne College to be accommodated on the Peninsula. They will have to fund the relocation through development of the College’s present site in Chislehurst, but this has currently been blocked by London Borough of Bromley. Discussions are continuing.
Improvement to public transport links include a bus priority lane at Westcombe Hill/A102M, prevention of rat running in Blackwall Lane, route 108 priorities north of Blackwall Tunnel, remote traffic messaging in the wider region and escalator works at North Greenwich (currently involving W/E closures of the station).
Developers will also be embarking on new soft landscaping (plants and trees). They will consult widely on this and work is due to be finished by mid-2007.
Discussions well advanced for
Wednesday, January 04, 2006
Greenwich Council Car Club
Ever need to get your hands on a car for a few hours or an occasional weekend away?
Why not join the Greenwich Car Club?
What is the car club?
The car club is a pool of cars that members of the club can use.
Initially there will be 8 cars placed in the Town Centre in dedicated parking bays at four locations.
The car club will be operated by Streetcar and BioRegional in partnership with the Council.
How does it work?
When you join Streetcar you will be given a Smartcard.
You can use this card to access a pre-booked car at any time.
You can book a car over the phone or via the internet for periods of 30 minutes upwards.
How do I join?
For full details of the scheme and how to sign up, go to the Streetcar website.
Why not join the Greenwich Car Club?
What is the car club?
The car club is a pool of cars that members of the club can use.
Initially there will be 8 cars placed in the Town Centre in dedicated parking bays at four locations.
The car club will be operated by Streetcar and BioRegional in partnership with the Council.
How does it work?
When you join Streetcar you will be given a Smartcard.
You can use this card to access a pre-booked car at any time.
You can book a car over the phone or via the internet for periods of 30 minutes upwards.
How do I join?
For full details of the scheme and how to sign up, go to the Streetcar website.
Monday, January 02, 2006
December Planning Applications
Former Conservative Club 12 Charlton Road 05/3002 /F
Enlargement of existing building incorporating a first floor side extension and two-storey rear extension to provide 10 self-contained flats and erection of four x three storey dwellings with mansard roofs and associated car parking
Flat 4, Vanbrugh Castle, 121 Maze Hill 05/3004 /L
External alterations to provide for the erection of a spiral staircase and extension of summerhouse
42 Mycenae Road 05/3095 /TC
Remove one low limb of Scots pine in rear garden
9 Hardy Road 05/3102 /CP
Erection of new conservatory to replace existing conservatory
45 Westcombe Park Road 05/3103 /TC
Robinia - remove low limb over roof. Oak reduce by 30%. 6 small conifers reduce height by 1m. Robinia - remove basal growth
2 Bellfield Close, formerly known as R/O 16 Charlton Road 05/3134 /F
Conversion of detached dwelling into two self-contained flats
Flats 1-12 70A Beaconsfield Road 05/3135 /F
Replacement of existing windows with UPVC double glazed windows
Flats 1-24, 65 Westcombe Park Road 05/3136 /F
Replacement of existing windows with UPVC double glazed windows
30 Foyle Road 05/3109 /TC
Crown reduce and thin by max 30% two trees in rear garden and crown lift to clear 3m
6 Vanbrugh Fields 05/3110 /TC
Horse chestnut in rear garden - crown reduce by 20-30% and crown thin by 30%
24 Coleraine Road 05/3190 /TP
Robinia in rear garden - reduce back to suitable growth point 2-3 low limbs overhanging from adjoining property
47 Westcombe Park Road 05/3150 /F
Erection of 2 pairs of gates to front driveway of property
Enlargement of existing building incorporating a first floor side extension and two-storey rear extension to provide 10 self-contained flats and erection of four x three storey dwellings with mansard roofs and associated car parking
Flat 4, Vanbrugh Castle, 121 Maze Hill 05/3004 /L
External alterations to provide for the erection of a spiral staircase and extension of summerhouse
42 Mycenae Road 05/3095 /TC
Remove one low limb of Scots pine in rear garden
9 Hardy Road 05/3102 /CP
Erection of new conservatory to replace existing conservatory
45 Westcombe Park Road 05/3103 /TC
Robinia - remove low limb over roof. Oak reduce by 30%. 6 small conifers reduce height by 1m. Robinia - remove basal growth
2 Bellfield Close, formerly known as R/O 16 Charlton Road 05/3134 /F
Conversion of detached dwelling into two self-contained flats
Flats 1-12 70A Beaconsfield Road 05/3135 /F
Replacement of existing windows with UPVC double glazed windows
Flats 1-24, 65 Westcombe Park Road 05/3136 /F
Replacement of existing windows with UPVC double glazed windows
30 Foyle Road 05/3109 /TC
Crown reduce and thin by max 30% two trees in rear garden and crown lift to clear 3m
6 Vanbrugh Fields 05/3110 /TC
Horse chestnut in rear garden - crown reduce by 20-30% and crown thin by 30%
24 Coleraine Road 05/3190 /TP
Robinia in rear garden - reduce back to suitable growth point 2-3 low limbs overhanging from adjoining property
47 Westcombe Park Road 05/3150 /F
Erection of 2 pairs of gates to front driveway of property
Friday, December 02, 2005
Planning Applications - November 2005
72 Hardy Road 05/2692 /F
Demolition and reformation of single storey rear extension, incorporating skylight in roof slope
60B Coleraine Road 05/2731 /F
Formation of a loft conversion with Velux windows
Land adj. 7 Dinsdale Road 05/2742 /F
Erection of two new self-contained flats in between number 7 and 5
Unit 5, Cecilias Place, formally 115 Humber Road 05/2752 /SD
Submission of details pursuant to condition 3 (elevations and sections with materials and external finishes of rooflight and shopfront) of planning permission dated 1.6.05 (Ref 05/0877
105 Humber Road 05/2759 /F
To create one self-contained flat above and retain existing veterinary practice
20 Hardy Road 05/2813 /TC
Re-pollard poplar in rear garden
59 Parkside, Vanbrugh Park 05/2827 /F
Replacement of windows with timber box sash double glazed windows
Flat 4 Vanbrugh Castle 05/2955 /F
External alterations to provide for the erection of a spiral staircase and extension of summerhouse
32 Westcombe Park Road 05/2991 /TC Ash and cherry - reduce crowns by 25%
2rd December 2005
Demolition and reformation of single storey rear extension, incorporating skylight in roof slope
60B Coleraine Road 05/2731 /F
Formation of a loft conversion with Velux windows
Land adj. 7 Dinsdale Road 05/2742 /F
Erection of two new self-contained flats in between number 7 and 5
Unit 5, Cecilias Place, formally 115 Humber Road 05/2752 /SD
Submission of details pursuant to condition 3 (elevations and sections with materials and external finishes of rooflight and shopfront) of planning permission dated 1.6.05 (Ref 05/0877
105 Humber Road 05/2759 /F
To create one self-contained flat above and retain existing veterinary practice
20 Hardy Road 05/2813 /TC
Re-pollard poplar in rear garden
59 Parkside, Vanbrugh Park 05/2827 /F
Replacement of windows with timber box sash double glazed windows
Flat 4 Vanbrugh Castle 05/2955 /F
External alterations to provide for the erection of a spiral staircase and extension of summerhouse
32 Westcombe Park Road 05/2991 /TC Ash and cherry - reduce crowns by 25%
2rd December 2005
Tuesday, November 29, 2005
Helping to make Greenwich greener
Following a request by the Leader of Greenwich Council, Chris Roberts, for local groups to do their bit in helping to beautify the parks and green spaces in the borough, a number of volunteers from the Westcombe Society have been working on the flower and shrub beds near Westcombe Park Station.
They have cleared the ground, and planted Narcissus and Crocus bulbs supplied by the Council.
Leader of the group, Barbara Henley said: "We welcome the support given by Greenwich Council to encourage local groups like the Westcombe Society to help to improve the environment. The Council are being very co-operative in helping local groups to combat graffiti - but planting bulbs is a much more creative endeavour!"
They have cleared the ground, and planted Narcissus and Crocus bulbs supplied by the Council.
Leader of the group, Barbara Henley said: "We welcome the support given by Greenwich Council to encourage local groups like the Westcombe Society to help to improve the environment. The Council are being very co-operative in helping local groups to combat graffiti - but planting bulbs is a much more creative endeavour!"
Blackheath Standard Christmas Cheer!
Folowing the success of the Westcombe Society's Christmas Bazaar on 19th November, the Christmas tree donated by the NatWest Bank for the Bazaar has been re-erected at the Blackheath Standard by Greenwich Council workers to start the festive season.
Volunteers from the Westcombe Society put the finishing touches by adding Christmas lights.
Dick Allard, Chair of the Westcombe Society, said "We welcome co-operation with Greenwich Council; the Standard looks so much cheerier with the Christmas lights. We hope that this can be done on a regular basis every year."
Volunteers from the Westcombe Society put the finishing touches by adding Christmas lights.
Dick Allard, Chair of the Westcombe Society, said "We welcome co-operation with Greenwich Council; the Standard looks so much cheerier with the Christmas lights. We hope that this can be done on a regular basis every year."
Wednesday, November 16, 2005
Walter Bor Award for The Westcombe News
The Westcombe News was, last night, awarded the Walter Bor Award for the Best Amenity Society Newsletter at an event organised by the London Forum. The Society is extremely pleased to have had the News recognised in this way as it represents a huge tribute to all the hard work of Neville Grant, the editorial and distribution teams.
Congratulations to all concerned!
Congratulations to all concerned!
'Heart of East Greenwich' Proposals
English Partnerships have recently engaged with local residents' groups, schools and individual residents in a series of public presentations, exhibitions and workshops. An initial presentation by E.P. and Rick Mather Architects outlined their initial proposals for the site - which is huge! As an illustration of this, one of the most memorable slides displayed was an overlay of the entire Old Royal Naval College, which can sit quite comfortably within the site boundary of the old hospital.
The overall proposals also envisage the relocation and re-development of the Council-operated facilities located at The Arches Leisure Centre, East Greenwich Library and the old Robert Owen Nursery School site and adjacent buildings, although the detailed future of these sites was not included as part of this brief.
The first session on November 7th also asked attendees to grade their reaction to the plans under each of a number of headings from Strongly Agree to Strongly Disagree. Additional comments could be made by means of 'Post-It' notes.
On November 9th, a full day workshop session discussed six important topics with the Design Team - Public Service Provision, Quality Townscape, Making Connections, Public Realm, Environmental Issues and Prioritising Pedestrians.
An additional session on 11th saw the School Council of St Joseph's Primary School invited to contribute their views. This enjoyable and illuminating session produced some graphic illustrations, particularly for the Leisure Centre, public spaces and an apparently essential jewellery shop!
The final session was held on the 14th. Revised proposals from the Design Team based on all the feedback received envisage the following main features to be contained within the Development Framework to be presented to potential developers;
Woolwich Road traffic
A study is currently underway to review the potential for improving the junction of Vanbrugh Hill, Tunnel Avenue and the Woolwich Road. This will address the current congestion, improve pedestrian and cyclist movements and increase bus access.
Woolwich Road Frontage
The aims here are to provide a strong visual presence with the part of the building on the Woolwich Road junction while at the same time providing a sense of activity and awareness of the Urban Square. It is hoped to achieve this with an exemplary design that is no higher than the 6-7 storey 'Plaza' flats on the opposite corner of Vanbrugh Hill.
The design should include transparent elevations both to Woolwich Road and to the new Urban Square to the rear to allow visual connections whilst the proposed public facilities such as the Leisure Centre, Library and cafes can open on to both sides to allow access. Council office facilities at first floor level will have the facility to extend along the entire length of the building un-interrupted if desired. All this area will be serviced by an underground parking area occupying much the same position as the old hospital car park.
Vanbrugh Hill
The new Health Centre and apartments along Vanbrugh Hill boundary should be designed to respond in height and massing to the existing 'Plaza' building and housing opposite. The new apartments will reduce in height from 6-7 storeys (equivalent to the 'Plaza') at the northern end, down to 3 storeys at the southern end adjacent to Calvert Road. The apartments will also be set back from the road at the higher levels to reduce their visual impact. A combination of terraced houses and maisonettes are proposed with a potential to improve the overall street scene. Overshadowing of the existing flats should be avoided through careful solar modelling.
Public Square
With a sunny southern aspect, it is hoped to encourage a lively mix of uses here and to provide cycle parking with only limited vehicular access. Both passive and active supervision of the area is proposed in order to deter anti-social behaviour. Controls might also include the provision of a small police office. Public access to landscaped 'green roofs' from this area was also proposed.
Communal Residential Square
The main residential area on the site will be located to the south of the public square in the centre of the site. This would surround a largely private square. Potential managed community uses were proposed here included gardens, a creche, and a tennis court. Lying outside this, on the eastern and southern borders of the site, would be 2-3 storey terrace-style dwellings with individual gardens backing on to the gardens of the current Victorian houses in Calvert Road. 'Boulevard'-style roads with strategic calming measures including a central row of trees and controlled parking are proposed for the frontages of these properties.
What Next?
The Development Brief will be prepared with advice from Rick Mather Architects, Nicholas Pearson Associates (ecology specialists) and Mouchel Parkman (transport experts). The Brief will be offered to developers in early 2006 and once a short list has been drawn up, there will be further consultation events with the developers and the local community.
The overall proposals also envisage the relocation and re-development of the Council-operated facilities located at The Arches Leisure Centre, East Greenwich Library and the old Robert Owen Nursery School site and adjacent buildings, although the detailed future of these sites was not included as part of this brief.
The first session on November 7th also asked attendees to grade their reaction to the plans under each of a number of headings from Strongly Agree to Strongly Disagree. Additional comments could be made by means of 'Post-It' notes.
On November 9th, a full day workshop session discussed six important topics with the Design Team - Public Service Provision, Quality Townscape, Making Connections, Public Realm, Environmental Issues and Prioritising Pedestrians.
An additional session on 11th saw the School Council of St Joseph's Primary School invited to contribute their views. This enjoyable and illuminating session produced some graphic illustrations, particularly for the Leisure Centre, public spaces and an apparently essential jewellery shop!
The final session was held on the 14th. Revised proposals from the Design Team based on all the feedback received envisage the following main features to be contained within the Development Framework to be presented to potential developers;
Woolwich Road traffic
A study is currently underway to review the potential for improving the junction of Vanbrugh Hill, Tunnel Avenue and the Woolwich Road. This will address the current congestion, improve pedestrian and cyclist movements and increase bus access.
Woolwich Road Frontage
The aims here are to provide a strong visual presence with the part of the building on the Woolwich Road junction while at the same time providing a sense of activity and awareness of the Urban Square. It is hoped to achieve this with an exemplary design that is no higher than the 6-7 storey 'Plaza' flats on the opposite corner of Vanbrugh Hill.
The design should include transparent elevations both to Woolwich Road and to the new Urban Square to the rear to allow visual connections whilst the proposed public facilities such as the Leisure Centre, Library and cafes can open on to both sides to allow access. Council office facilities at first floor level will have the facility to extend along the entire length of the building un-interrupted if desired. All this area will be serviced by an underground parking area occupying much the same position as the old hospital car park.
Vanbrugh Hill
The new Health Centre and apartments along Vanbrugh Hill boundary should be designed to respond in height and massing to the existing 'Plaza' building and housing opposite. The new apartments will reduce in height from 6-7 storeys (equivalent to the 'Plaza') at the northern end, down to 3 storeys at the southern end adjacent to Calvert Road. The apartments will also be set back from the road at the higher levels to reduce their visual impact. A combination of terraced houses and maisonettes are proposed with a potential to improve the overall street scene. Overshadowing of the existing flats should be avoided through careful solar modelling.
Public Square
With a sunny southern aspect, it is hoped to encourage a lively mix of uses here and to provide cycle parking with only limited vehicular access. Both passive and active supervision of the area is proposed in order to deter anti-social behaviour. Controls might also include the provision of a small police office. Public access to landscaped 'green roofs' from this area was also proposed.
Communal Residential Square
The main residential area on the site will be located to the south of the public square in the centre of the site. This would surround a largely private square. Potential managed community uses were proposed here included gardens, a creche, and a tennis court. Lying outside this, on the eastern and southern borders of the site, would be 2-3 storey terrace-style dwellings with individual gardens backing on to the gardens of the current Victorian houses in Calvert Road. 'Boulevard'-style roads with strategic calming measures including a central row of trees and controlled parking are proposed for the frontages of these properties.
What Next?
The Development Brief will be prepared with advice from Rick Mather Architects, Nicholas Pearson Associates (ecology specialists) and Mouchel Parkman (transport experts). The Brief will be offered to developers in early 2006 and once a short list has been drawn up, there will be further consultation events with the developers and the local community.
Monday, November 14, 2005
Lovell's Wharf - New Proposals - Public Meeting
The developers of the Lovell's Wharf site have withdrawn their earlier proposals for two tower blocks, each of 30-odd storeys, plus lower-rise blocks of flats. However, they now propose to put the same number of dwellings on the site in five monolithic "slab blocks" of up to 10 storeys.
This is still far too big and dense a development in relation to the surrounding area. Once again local residents must be very concerned about the effects of this and the many other large developments in and around SE10 on the service infrastructure of the whole area: transport, roads, sewage, health and education.
The Greenwich Society is jointly hosting a public meeting with the Forum@Greenwich on Tuesday 22 November, at 7 pm at the Forum@Greenwich in Trafalgar Road. All are welcome to attend.
This is still far too big and dense a development in relation to the surrounding area. Once again local residents must be very concerned about the effects of this and the many other large developments in and around SE10 on the service infrastructure of the whole area: transport, roads, sewage, health and education.
The Greenwich Society is jointly hosting a public meeting with the Forum@Greenwich on Tuesday 22 November, at 7 pm at the Forum@Greenwich in Trafalgar Road. All are welcome to attend.
Thursday, November 10, 2005
Work & Learn Centre at the Dome
This Centre, a partnership between Meridian Delta Ltd (MDL) and Greenwich Local Labour & Business (GLLAB), is now up-and-running in temporary offices next to North Greenwich Station. The Centre provides a recruitment service for the MDL site as well as training provision. It will move to more permanent premises on the Peninsula early next year.
For information about job opportunities or training, please contact the Work and Learn Centre direct on (020) 8326 3750.
For information about job opportunities or training, please contact the Work and Learn Centre direct on (020) 8326 3750.
Thursday, November 03, 2005
Policing in Westcombe Park
A question that is to be asked at the next area, Time To Listen meeting to be held at John Roan (Upper) School, Maze Hill, on 21st November at 7.00 pm;
Many local residents are greatly concerned about the incidents that occurred in September, in which a large group of hooded youths created mayhem and terrorized residents in Venn House and the surrounding area in Westcombe Park Road and Coleraine Road. Seemoingly they were in search of a cannabis factory that was subsequently discoverd by local residents.
Following this night of violence, in which the police were called out four times, there have been a number of local incidents which, though small in themselves, add up to a very threatening environment for local residents. Incidents have included: stones being hurled at passers-by; fights and disputes centring in particular in and around the phone box in Westcombe Park Road; evidence of illicit drug dealing; a number of incidents of car crime especially in Mycenae Road (in one case, a car with foreign number plates was defaced with very obscene graffiti). At one stage, local residents found it necessary to mount their own street patrols.
Residents feel that ome criminal elements may have come in from other areas that are more heavily policed. Whether that is true or not, there is an overwhelming feeling that the Westcombe Park area is currently under-policed, and the Westcombe Society, on behalf of residents, wish to urge Councillors to support our plea for an accelerated police programme, so that our area gets the police protection it clearly now requires.
Many local residents are greatly concerned about the incidents that occurred in September, in which a large group of hooded youths created mayhem and terrorized residents in Venn House and the surrounding area in Westcombe Park Road and Coleraine Road. Seemoingly they were in search of a cannabis factory that was subsequently discoverd by local residents.
Following this night of violence, in which the police were called out four times, there have been a number of local incidents which, though small in themselves, add up to a very threatening environment for local residents. Incidents have included: stones being hurled at passers-by; fights and disputes centring in particular in and around the phone box in Westcombe Park Road; evidence of illicit drug dealing; a number of incidents of car crime especially in Mycenae Road (in one case, a car with foreign number plates was defaced with very obscene graffiti). At one stage, local residents found it necessary to mount their own street patrols.
Residents feel that ome criminal elements may have come in from other areas that are more heavily policed. Whether that is true or not, there is an overwhelming feeling that the Westcombe Park area is currently under-policed, and the Westcombe Society, on behalf of residents, wish to urge Councillors to support our plea for an accelerated police programme, so that our area gets the police protection it clearly now requires.
Tuesday, November 01, 2005
E.P. Collaboration Events over GDH site futures
English Partnerships would like to invite you to a series of public collaboration events they are planning to run in early November, in order to consult with the local community and stakeholder groups in Greenwich on the future redevelopment of the Hospital site, as well as considering overarching principles for the regeneration of the Heart of East Greenwich project.
The series will take place over three planned events, as follows:
Monday 7 November, 7pm - 9.30pm
Public Meeting and Exhibition I
Venue: Dome marketing Suite
Presentations from EP and Rick Mather Architects on the development framework which is being prepared.
Exhibition material from Rick Mather's work in progress.
Break out sessions for questions and feedback
Wednesday 9 November, 9.30am - 4.30 pm
Stakeholder Collaborative Workshop
Venue: Dome marketing Suite
A series of themed workshops with local stakeholders
Interrogation of Rick Mathers work to date and issued raised at public meeting
Themes include: Quality Townscape; Making connections; Environmental issue;
Public realm: Civic facilities
Monday 14 November, 7pm - 9.30pm
Public Meeting and Exhibition II
Venue: Dome marketing Suite
Presentations and exhibition material providing feedback from the previous public meeting and stakeholder workshops
Please reply to Philippa Bloomfield at English Partnerships on 020 7531 2494 or via email: philippabloomfield@englishpartnerships.co.uk
The series will take place over three planned events, as follows:
Monday 7 November, 7pm - 9.30pm
Public Meeting and Exhibition I
Venue: Dome marketing Suite
Presentations from EP and Rick Mather Architects on the development framework which is being prepared.
Exhibition material from Rick Mather's work in progress.
Break out sessions for questions and feedback
Wednesday 9 November, 9.30am - 4.30 pm
Stakeholder Collaborative Workshop
Venue: Dome marketing Suite
A series of themed workshops with local stakeholders
Interrogation of Rick Mathers work to date and issued raised at public meeting
Themes include: Quality Townscape; Making connections; Environmental issue;
Public realm: Civic facilities
Monday 14 November, 7pm - 9.30pm
Public Meeting and Exhibition II
Venue: Dome marketing Suite
Presentations and exhibition material providing feedback from the previous public meeting and stakeholder workshops
Please reply to Philippa Bloomfield at English Partnerships on 020 7531 2494 or via email: philippabloomfield@englishpartnerships.co.uk
Saturday, October 22, 2005
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)
Monday, October 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.
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.
Tuesday, October 04, 2005
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
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
Thursday, September 15, 2005
Meopham Vineyard Visit
The Westcombe Society is arranging a visit to Meopham Vineyard near Gravesend, Kent on Sunday, September 25th, 2005.
Attendees will need to make their own way to the vineyard, where they will be able to take part in a tour of the vineyard and to taste the range of wines produced.
There will be a charge of £5. Anyone interested in attending should contact dpr@gold.ac.uk.
Attendees will need to make their own way to the vineyard, where they will be able to take part in a tour of the vineyard and to taste the range of wines produced.
There will be a charge of £5. Anyone interested in attending should contact dpr@gold.ac.uk.
The World's Biggest Coffee Morning
Ths event, in aid of Macmillan Cancer Relief, is to be held at venues country-wide from 10.00am to 12.00 midday on Friday, September 30th, 2005. You are cordially invited to the Westcombe Society's own 'morning' in the bar area of Mycenae House, Mycenae Road, Blackheath, London SE3.
In addition to your donation for coffee and cakes/biscuits, it is hoped to have some other items available to persuade you to contribute yet more money to this worthy cause.
In addition to your donation for coffee and cakes/biscuits, it is hoped to have some other items available to persuade you to contribute yet more money to this worthy cause.
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