Deptford Lounge facade

Took another look at the Deptford Lounge building construction today, in the hope that I might have been imagining it last time I examined the cladding closely.

I noticed that on the west end of the Giffin Street facade, the cladding had suddenly changed from perforated panels to solid panels. I'm not sure what to think about this - is it part of the design? If so why?

I have many questions about the cladding of this building; if anyone out there has any kind of explanation, logical or otherwise, I'd be more than happy to listen.

My questions are as follows:

Why have the panels changed from perforated to solid?

Are we really supposed to be able to see through it to the rather ugly frame behind?

Why are some of the windows covered and others not?

Why are there gaps in the cladding, will they eventually be filled?

If not, why show the steel frame through the gap?

Why the large vertical joints at two locations on the south wall, when everywhere else the panels are staggered?

Why, just why?

I was excited about this building when I first saw the renderings. Despite its bulk I felt it was an interesting design that had the potential to greatly improve Giffin Square and create a modern counterpoint to Deptford's historic high street. I am worried that this shoddy cladding is at risk of undermining the Deptford Lounge's potential.

Deptford trees: Black Locust/False-acacia

Currently to be seen (and smelled) in glorious full flower on Ffinch Street and elsewhere.

I've never noticed this tree before, despite walking this street regularly. This year it seems particularly dramatic and aromatic.
Black Locust, or False-acacia (Robinia pseudoacacia) is a woodland species native to eastern and central North America; widespread as an ornamental; naturalised in southern and western Europe. It was introduced into Britain in 1636.

Like the London Plane, the Black Locust is tolerant of poor soil conditions and pollution. It has nitrogen-fixing bacteria on its root system; for this reason it can grow on poor soils and is an early coloniser of disturbed areas. Also the wood is extremely hard, resistant to rot and durable, so it is good for furniture, flooring, panelling, fence posts and even small boats.

Brockley Max 2011

The annual Brockley Max festival has launched - for full details of this year's events, which run from 27th May to 4th June, visit the new website here.

Many of the events are free; it is organised on a not-for-profit basis with the help of many volunteers and is an excellent example of a local community festival. If you fancy helping, whether by delivering programmes, taking publicity photos at the events or being involved with art workshops, the next meeting is on Wed 11th May at the Talbot on Tyrwhitt Road.

The press release has more info:
A host of performances, gigs, workshops, spoken word and children’s activities are lined up for this year’s Brockley Max.

Brockley Max taps into the creative expression of resident artists. Be they painters, musicians, performers or poets with something a little bit quirky, or just plain old traditional, all come together under this year’s theme of MAX IT UP - JOIN THE FUN! The festival comprises a wide range of events and activities with something to appeal to all residents of all ages.

The festival runs from 27 May to 4 June across a variety of venues and open spaces in Brockley, Ladywell, Crofton Park and Honor Oak Park.

With a huge line-up of events this year we only have space to pick out a few to give you a flavour of this year’s jam-packed programme.

Brockley Max 2011 kicks-off on 27 May with ‘The Max Opening Night’ featuring an eclectic line-up of musical acts performing at Brockley station.

There will be lots of music and artistic performances over the nine days of the festival. Sit back and enjoy the gospel vocal collective and classical music at St. Hilda’s. Immerse yourself in art as the CueB and Tank Galleries host exhibitions of installation pieces and photographic work.

Laughs are guaranteed as Peter Searles brings his storytelling and comic timing to the stage at The Orchard. Enjoy the big screen experience as BrockleyWood Nights returns with an evening of film shorts at Lewisham Arthouse.

Brockley Max will finish on 4 June with a series of workshops and activities for children as part of ‘Art in the Park’ on Hilly Fields. Also on the final day is the Arts and Crafts market on Hilly Fields. For those who want to kick back and listen to tunes then the final night sees the festival close out with a series of gigs across various local venues.

There are more events than you can shake a stick at, so check out the festival website - www.brockleymax.co.uk - for the full line-up including dates and venues.

The festival is a community event, run by local residents on a non-profit basis. Most of the events are FREE.

The New Cross House

The former Goldsmith's Tavern is set to reopen on Monday in its new incarnation, complete with original moniker, as the New Cross House. From the inside, the only indication that this is the same pub is the fact that the rather distinctive windows at the front remain, and the bar is in the same place. All other remnants of the dark, dingy and dirty interior have been entirely swept away.

I know from my own student days that dark, dingy and dirty can sometimes be the hallmarks of a great pub, and some may mourn the loss of the Goldsmiths Tavern, but New Cross still has plenty of other pubs to fill that particular void.

At a sneak preview last night, a few lucky folk got the chance to view the new interior, try out the ales and food, and chat to the people involved about the refurb and plans for the future.

(All photos by TCoM)

The interior is huge - the entire ground floor has been opened up into the former back room, with a range of seating including raised booths along the side wall interspersed with smaller two and four-seater tables, banquettes, bar stools and some of those scary high tables that I always try and avoid because I don't think they combine very well with alcohol!

The back room has been given new life with two enormous skylights which improve the atmosphere no end. The bar seating extends around the large pizza oven which is built out from the kitchen area at the back, offering a tempting view of those bubbling pizzas.

Original tiling at the front of the room was used to create wallpaper which has been applied very effectively throughout the entire bar, giving it a lovely Victorian feel which combines nicely with the dark wooden bar and mirrored bar shelving.

The yard area outside is the real revelation - what used to be a scruffy shed with uneven concrete flooring and a few ramshackle picnic tables has been transformed into a den-like barn. On the ground floor is a wood-burning stove surrounded by sofas, shabby-chic style tables and chairs, and walls covered with big mirrors, and upstairs is more seating with views over the yard, table football and large lampshades adding a touch of glamour. The building is covered in ivy, giving it even more visual appeal.

Four real ales were on offer - Weasel and Bonobo from the Florence microbrewery, which is part of the Capital Pub Company - along with a couple of great seasonal ales: Adnams Mayday beer, and a rather fine Atlantic IPA from Sharps. I'll be more than happy if they keep up this kind of quality and range.

Among the range of lagers was Meantime's own London Lager, which seemed to go down well with those who like their continental-style beers.

Guests got to try a few examples of some of the menu items - pizzas were tasty with good quality toppings and had thin and crusty bases and the dal was just the right consistency with a good strong spicy punch. The breaded halloumi sticks were rather bland and too thick, although the cauliflower and parmesan dip made for an interesting combination.

The menu promises an excellent choice - from foot-long hotdogs with fried onions and fries (£6) to whole gilt head bream with chilli, ginger, sesame, lemongrass and asian slaw (£11.50) with plenty in between. A selection of pizzas is on offer, all of which can be ordered to take away, and there is an impressive range of veggie options - roasted aubergines with chickpeas, mozzarella and parmesan; veggie shepherds pie with sweet potato mash; red bean & beetroot burger with goats cheese in a sesame bun with fries; roasted squash stuffed with rice, pinenuts, cumin, coriander, tomato and yogurt. My mouth is watering right now. Sunday roasts will also be starting up in due course.

I can't help thinking Capital Pub Company has set itself quite a challenge with the New Cross House - as I keep mentioning, it's a huge pub and they are going to have to attract a large number of regular diners to repay what must have been quite a costly refit. In East Dulwich this would take considerable work - in New Cross, not regarded as a destination for an evening out by many folk in south east London - they are going to have to lure spenders in from Brockley, Greenwich and beyond.

As far as Deptford goes I think it's a fantastic addition to pub dining in the area and wish the place every success. We already have the Royal Albert which is a great place for beers and grub, and the Dog & Bell which holds its own in terms of beer and certainly has the best prices in the area. The New Cross House will bring greater choice, and a welcome bit of competition so they can keep each other on their toes - great news for us punters.

The New Cross House
316 New Cross Road,
New Cross,
London,
SE14 6AF
@newcrosshouse

Save Tidemill School campaign calls for mass picket

On Wednesday 4th May, the governors of Tidemill School will be voting on a new proposal to give one of Deptford's most successful junior schools 'academy' status. Many local people, parents, teachers and residents feel that this is an unnecessary move that will be detrimental to the school's students, and will have a negative impact on the wider community of Deptford.

The original proposal was withdrawn after it turned out that the school had underestimated the additional funds it would need to find in order to maintain its services.

Campaigners are calling for a mass picket of the governors' meeting which takes place at Tidemill School tomorrow between 5.30 and 7.30pm. Leila Galloway cautions: "Remember, the chair of governors Keith Geary has already said: 'if it (the school / governing body) is split we’re not going for it'. But we don’t believe him! This Wednesday the governors are voting for a new academy application which can be put through with just one vote."

New Cross GP speaks out against proposed changes to NHS

Wake Up Call Episode 2 "A Betrayal of Trust" from Health Emergency on Vimeo.

Deptford High Street features large in this video about NHS restructuring and the intention to make GPs responsible for buying in services for their patients.

But the real star is local GP Dr Louise Irvine, who works at the Amersham Vale Practice in the Waldron Health Centre. She explains very clearly, in layman's terms the dangers that are inherent in the government's 'reforms' of the NHS.

Deptford: apartment city SE8 part II

I've written before about how Deptford seems to be turning into a mecca for high-density housing, and this trend seems set to continue, with a number of stalled projects now coming on stream, and new applications in the pipeline. The recent arrival of a couple of tower cranes on the New Capital Quay site just over Deptford Creek heralds continued progress on that project; the final phase of One SE8 at Deal's Gateway is going up rapidly and the Old Seager Distillery tower has finally cast its full height on our neighbourhood and the smaller buildings are going up.

That's without even mentioning the Deptford Project (planning application expected shortly) Renaissance on Loampit Vale in Lewisham, Greenwich High Road residential and hotel development, the Movement development on the old industrial estate in Norman Road, which was very recently granted planning permission, and Norman Road Wharves further along on the side of Deptford Creek. Going further west, the massive schemes of Convoy's Wharf, Oxestalls Road (The Wharves Deptford), Neptune Wharf and all the Surrey Quays developments bring it full circle.

Firstly, one of the projects I've previously written about; now that the leering lump of steel and glass aka Creekside Village has sold its first phase, and hence has more money to spend, construction of the tower on the west end of the Creek Road site is continuing apace.

I won't rehash all my previous arguments, just reiterate that this development is wrong on many levels - most notably in its density, scale and visual impact relative to its surroundings. The blocks that already exist on Creek Road are the small ones; the tower under construction opposite the Duke pub will rise half a dozen floors higher than the existing blocks. I did try to find out exactly what height this block will be, but the documents relating to the development are not available on Greenwich Council's website.

Inconveniently for the developer, Creekside Village as a whole straddles the boundary between Lewisham and Greenwich boroughs, meaning two planning departments to deal with and two sets of submissions to make. The buildings that you see on Creek Road were approved four years ago by Greenwich Council - phase II of the development, slated for the other side of Copperas Street, fronting onto Deptford Creek and up to the Laban Centre, is still awaiting planning permission from Lewisham Council. Phase two includes two even higher towers, the tallest up to 21 storeys. Phase two also includes the cultural/dance centre which is presumably the sop which was proffered/concession which was demanded in order to appease objections from locals and smooth the way for the planning process. All the planning documents are available on Lewisham's website should you wish to read them; no decision has yet been made and no date is set for a decision. Twenty-three responses were received during the consultation phase in 2006, 8 for and 15 against. This rendering of Creek Road showing the height of the tower currently under construction came from one of the documents on Lewisham's site, ironically.

The model here shows the whole development looking from the Lewisham side...

...while below is a rendering of what phase II will look like when/if permission is granted. The website of architect Squire & Partners gives an insight into the process of building design as seen by the architectural psyche: 'four more playful structures are proposed, whose shape expresses the patterns formed by a dancer, using the system of notation pioneered by Rudolf Laban. This results in four simple sculptural triangular prisms with complex modulations to their facades which respond to both their local and global environment, such as views, sunlight and thermal performance.'

Or to you and I, some tall pointy glass buildings.

Meanwhile Greenwich Council's planning site lists a number of applications from the developers of Creekside Village to discharge their commitments in relation to a number of clauses that were presumably set as conditions of the original planning permission. Some of these read as if they are merely administrative matters, given that the scheme was subject to some revisions since it was first granted permission, but some are rather more concerning. One relates to the developer's wish to discharge its commitment to provide affordable cultural space (10/1956/SD) while others relate to noise attenuation and the marketing of affordable housing (11/0604/SD). The latter application basically says that if the 'affordable housing' (cheapest unit £240k) has not been sold to buyers in the target income range within a certain amount of time, the developer is then free to offer it for sale on the private market.

But still, enough about that particular monstrosity. Let's take a look at some of the more modest developments set to grace Creek Road/Evelyn Street in the coming months and years.

Blogger fromthemurkydepths has already touched upon this one briefly. A proposal has been submitted for the piece of land on Evelyn Street which is currently occupied by a second hand car lot.

The owner of this piece of land also owns the listed building at 227 Deptford High Street - I believe this is the oldest building on the street - and also has plans to redevelop this property.

According to the documents available, it seems Lewisham's planners are keeping a close eye on the listed building. However the owner is claiming that the cost of the work needed to refurbish the listed building is disproportionate to the amount of money he will be able to recoup from selling the resulting flats. To make it worth his while, he needs to be able to make it up through building a new block on 402-410 Evelyn Street. Here's a rendering of the proposal - I've used the rendering which shows the adjacent buildings so that you can get an idea of scale, and also to underline my own comments.

It's a mean and mediocre-looking block in my opinion. The architect argues that he intends to reinstate the traditional terrace streetscape, but it's arguable that the only aspect of this he has achieved is the fact that the buildings are connected to one another.

The roofline of the existing corner unit is maintained for the first part of the new block, but steps upwards on the west end of the building, and is further sullied by the addition of the 'penthouse' structure. I take particular exception to the jumble of levels, lines and proportions created by the various window sizes and elevations, as well as those offensive and pointless little 'Juliette' balconies which serve no other purpose than to clutter up the facade. 'Each unit is provided with a balcony' the design statement boasts, while in the next breath explaining how there will be no need to open the windows because the development will have a 'fresh air intake' drawn from the rear of the building.

The ground floor has five retail units which seem to have compressed somewhat under the weight of the upper floors, which offer a total of 19 residential units - two studios, six one-bed flats, eight two-bed flats and three three-bed flats.

The argument that the proposed development is an improvement on the existing use of the land is rather meaningless, given that it is currently a second-hand car lot. Futhermore I cannot help feeling that the attempt to link the granting of permission to this scheme with the suggestion that it will enable works on 227 Deptford High Street to progress, is inappropriate to say the least.

Meanwhile a stone's throw from this site - but back over the border in Greenwich borough - work is just beginning on another uninspiring block of units, a mix of studio flats, one, two and three-bed units. Except in the marketing world of Barratt Homes, these studio flats in the 'Delta' development are not studio flats they are 'one bed suites'.

Ha ha ha. I've heard it all now.

Oh wait a minute, there's more! These 'one bed suites' will set you back £185k! Perhaps not so funny. That's why Barratt is marketing it as 'boutique and chic', needs to justify the outrageous price tag. The original planning application suggested that 38 of the 59 units would be 'one bed suites' but thankfully this has been revised to a more appropriate mix of 11 studios, 27 one-bed, 14 two-bed and 7 three-bed units. Twenty-one of these units will be marketed as 'affordable' - all of the three-beds, six of the two-beds and eight of the one-bed flats.

It's worth noting that planning permission was only granted on appeal - Greenwich Council originally refused permission because of the proposed height of the building (about six storeys in the original application) which seems ironic given the Creekside Village situation. The original application also proposed 78 units on the site. The amended proposal of a lower building with 59 units was allowed by the planning inspector.

Now I know this is going to prompt a whole lot of angry comments, but naturally, when you visit Barratt's website and look at the 'local area' tab you can find the traditional photo of the Greenwich World Heritage area with Canary Wharf in the background. Yes, we live in Greenwich don't you know! However things must be changing a bit, because 'edgy upcoming Deptford' does get a name check on the 'lifestyle' page.

To me it's an uninspiring and rather cheap-looking building, which does not belie the price tag of the units. It does have an 'exclusive residents roof terrace' so if this entices you sufficiently to shell out that amount of cash, get ready for the 21 May launch date.

View from McMillan Street.

Looking from St Nicholas' Church, you can see the scale from the adjacent grey building (formerly Heather's restaurant).

That's it for this edition of Deptford Planning Watch, but I'm sure we'll be back soon with some more gems. As always, comments please!

Creekside cafe

(Photo: TCoM)

I'm not quite sure how long ago the Creekside Cafe opened for business, but it certainly snuck in under my radar. I've been over there a couple of times now to try it out, and think it will make a welcome addition to our local cafes, of which we now seem to have quite an embarrassment! (not that I'm complaining, I hasten to add!)

(Photo: TCoM)

It's tucked into the side of the 'reception' area of the Faircharm Estate on Creekside, through a door in the front wall which I'm pretty sure didn't exist before (or at least was never open). There are half a dozen tables and a corner of big comfy sofas, as well as a bookshelf full of lots of hardback books, many of them cookery books, which are useful for browsing if you go in there on your own. The staff are very friendly and the place is clean and pleasant.

(Photo: TCoM)

They serve a range of light lunches and sandwiches, with daily specials such as roast butternut squash with feta cheese and couscous salad, toasted panini, savoury tarts and various sandwiches made to order. A selection of homemade cakes is also on offer, and as well as teas and coffees they have a range of soft drinks that are superior to the usual offerings.

Prices are very reasonable - around a fiver for a salad or lunch special - and the food is tasty and fresh. The coffee is acceptable, although rather too bitter for my taste, but it does come with one of those little crunchy biscuits, which is a nice touch. Just one minor irritant - I was a bit narked that the delicious chunk of baguette that came with my lunch was marred by the addition of margarine. Butter or nothing next time please! I've no objection to margarine being offered but it shouldn't be as standard.

The cafe is open daily in the week, as well as on Saturdays, and seems to get a good trade from businesses on the estate in addition to some passers by. Don't rush down there this weekend though, they are taking a break this weekend. But do go and try it out - the quality food and prompt service are worth the effort.

Greenwich Industrial History; Deptford dockyard archaeology

A possible date for the diary for fellow Deptfordians: the 10th May meeting of Greenwich Industrial History group will include a presentation by Duncan Hawkins about the archaeology of Deptford dockyard. Details of the full programme and venue are here (many of the other evening meetings have fascinating topics too).

Duncan Hawkins works for CGMS Consulting - or CgMs as they like to style themselves - which has been involved in investigations into the site archaeology over the last decade or so.

If you are planning to attend, you might want to read up on some background so you can have a few questions ready - either my previous post here, or the longer version on the Shipwright's Palace blog which it is drawn from.

Social centre plus moves on....next door

According to their blog, the squatters in what used to be the job centre on Deptford High Street have moved out - and taken up residence next door!


Social Centre Plus – who occupied the old Job Centre on Deptford High Street in order to create “an anti-cuts space for the community” – celebrated completing their brief move next door by announcing a new programme of events and another Open Day for this Wednesday (20th).

“Following last Tuesday’s failed eviction attempt by bailiffs and builders sent by landlord Paul Jackson,” Jenny Wilshere said, “the SCP Collective decided to move out of number 122 into number 124 next door. You can currently find us by knocking on the door underneath the ‘Christ Life’ sign.”

The move was undertaken in order to maintain a safe space open to the community, Wilshere said on behalf of the anti-cuts group. “Despite the fantastic showing from almost 100 local residents in order to prevent the bailiffs from entering last Tuesday,” she continued, “we can’t be sure that the Locks Bury Services thugs won’t return with heavy tools and violent intentions. So we felt that the best way of keeping open a genuinely community-led space against the cuts was by moving into a new site which had no legal eviction order hanging over it.”

Wilshere emphasised that the space was once again open to the community, and that Wednesday’s Open Day – which will include food, drinks, a film and even a barbecue (“weather-permitting!”) – would be the first of many. “We have loads of events planned, but we want members of the local community to continue to make use of the space, so we once again invite everyone to come and pay us a visit for a quick cuppa and a nice chat.”