THE DEPTFORD DAME
Thursday, 26 April 2012
New Deptford Station opens
Deptford's new railway station opened to the public this afternoon and although the station project is still far from finished, with more canopy still to erect and the old buildings to demolish, I am confident that many regular users will be delighted with the new station. For a start, it doesn't smell of urine, a common complaint about the old station although oddly not one I ever had to make. Granted it didn't smell good and was often decorated with several days' rubbish, but even my sensitive nostrils rarely detected the whiff of wee. But I digress.
The temporary corridor to the station is unlikely to win many fans, being quite narrow and hence annoying when you are sharing it with a crowd, whichever direction you're headed in.
Dip in under the glass facade and you're in a lovely (comparatively) spacious ticket office area surrounded by brick, glass and steel, shiny new signs, noticeboards so far bereft of any posters, and a train announcement board that shows what you need to know at one glance (rather than the old TV screen at which you'd sometimes have to wait several minutes before it ticked round to the screen with the information you required).
One major disappointment so far - still only one ticket machine! I do hope that this is rectified soon, perhaps the one in the old station entrance is still there and they will be relocating it to the other side of the ticket office in due course? (can you hear the hope in my voice?). In fact I'm told by an authoritative source that the ducts are in place to enable a ticket machine to be fitted on platform one next to the lift, but it probably won't be installed until the carriage ramp development is finished (and someone else's arm has been twisted to pay for it.. is what I read into that!)
But never mind the ticket machines - what's that I see in the distance? A lift! Yes folks, new lifts to each platform will surely be one of the most significant improvements for Deptford Station. People with pushchairs and prams, bikes, those in wheelchairs and anyone who has difficulty climbing stairs will no doubt be delighted that the station is at long last properly accessible.
So from the ticket office turn left to climb the stairs (or take the lift) for London-bound trains. The stairs aren't as forbidding as those in the old station - they are broken into shorter flights - but you've still got to get to the same height so it's still an effort I'm afraid. Think of it as your morning workout. Or come a bit earlier and take the lift.
Turn right for Dartford-bound trains and you get the full joy of the tunnel (which most people will experience from the other end, coming home from town). The newly-revealed brickwork is lovely and I do hope that I never tire of it. It makes the station reminiscent of those opened recently on the new part of the East London Line, even if the overall quality of the finishes doesn't quite live up to it. I'm not really sure why they put a barrier down the middle of the tunnel, as the flow of passengers is likely to be in one direction or the other, and anyway who takes any notice of those barriers even in busy underground stations?!
At the far end of the tunnel you ascend on several flights of stairs wrapped around the lift shaft and enclosed by some rather strange steel mesh which goes to the full height of the canopy of the lift shaft. I'm not really sure of the purpose of this mesh, but it's no doubt going to catch every slip of litter, every pigeon feather and every fag end and in due course will metamorphose into some kind of bizarre upcycled litter artwork. Let's hope they've got a giant vacuum cleaner tucked away to keep that mesh nice and clean.
The presence of the roller shutter next to the top of the carriage ramp is reassuring, given that I heard not too long ago that the council and Network Rail had still failed to agree on access from the top of the carriage ramp.
Like I said - a lift to each platform - and a nice touch that both have little seats next to them.
Plenty of security cameras (far left of the picture) and if they actually record footage or are linked to some kind of monitoring HQ, we're cooking with gas or at least have a gas supply that's hooked up and ready to go.
And finally, we have seats once again.
Enjoy your morning commute folks, feel free to leave your comments below.
Tuesday, 24 April 2012
Stepping over the border
Just to prove that I don't spend all my time in Deptford, the last few days I've been over the border enjoying some of the sights and sounds of Greenwich. What with the marathon, the Olympics and the Cutty Sark, all eyes have been on our Royal neighbour of late.
A spring stroll on part of the Green Chain walk gave me a good view across Woolwich Common to the temporary Olympic shooting venue, which is quite striking from a distance.
Closer to hand there was a rake of glorious cherry and blackthorn blossom brightening up the pathways of the common.
This evening I took a short trip to Cutty Sark Gardens to have a look at the preparations for the Queen's visit tomorrow, when she'll be cutting the ribbon on the relaunched Cutty Sark. There's been lots of sneak peeks over the last few days, one of my favourites blogged by a New Cross Fleece Station resident here.
The boat looks absolutely amazing standing proud above the slightly dubious 'sea' of glass, but do make sure you have your back to Nando's (or perhaps are standing on the roof garden) when you take your picture of her. Likewise do be careful if you are disembarking the ferry not to rush to get your snap of this World Heritage Site.
Closer to hand there was a rake of glorious cherry and blackthorn blossom brightening up the pathways of the common.
This evening I took a short trip to Cutty Sark Gardens to have a look at the preparations for the Queen's visit tomorrow, when she'll be cutting the ribbon on the relaunched Cutty Sark. There's been lots of sneak peeks over the last few days, one of my favourites blogged by a New Cross Fleece Station resident here.
The boat looks absolutely amazing standing proud above the slightly dubious 'sea' of glass, but do make sure you have your back to Nando's (or perhaps are standing on the roof garden) when you take your picture of her. Likewise do be careful if you are disembarking the ferry not to rush to get your snap of this World Heritage Site.
Sunday, 15 April 2012
New Sainsbury's Local set to open on Creek Road
The battle of the supermarket giants looks set to kick off in Creek Road with Sainsbury's due to open a new 'Local' branch just a stone's throw from the Tesco Metro which set up shop a year or so ago.
I've not had chance to scope out the many empty retail units on Creek Road and see if there is any sign of the new shop yet, but it's my guess that it will be one of the units in the new 'Creekside Village', all of which have been vacant for some time.*
Whichever it is, they are recruiting staff so it won't be long before it opens.
Thanks to the commenter on the previous post for the spot.
*Updated (see comments); the new Sainsburys is to replace the Costcutter across the road from and head-to-head with Tesco.
I've not had chance to scope out the many empty retail units on Creek Road and see if there is any sign of the new shop yet, but it's my guess that it will be one of the units in the new 'Creekside Village', all of which have been vacant for some time.*
Whichever it is, they are recruiting staff so it won't be long before it opens.
Thanks to the commenter on the previous post for the spot.
*Updated (see comments); the new Sainsburys is to replace the Costcutter across the road from and head-to-head with Tesco.
Wednesday, 11 April 2012
Local news roundup
The tragic death of young student Olatunji Johnson Adeyanju (TJ) on 23 March was so thoroughly reported by Crossfields blog that I did not feel I could add anything to the story. You can read some heartfelt tributes in the comments of the post if you click on the link.
TJ's funeral will take place on Tuesday 24th April at St Paul's Church in Deptford, and his friends are asking people to make a contribution to the cost of the funeral rather than sending flowers. Contributions can be made at Albyns Funeral Directors on the high street, or handed in to Vicky at the Armada Community Centre on McMillan Street.
At the other end of Deptford, some slightly more heartening news that the planning application to demolish the Lord Clyde pub in order to build more flats has been refused.
Bill has the full story over on Deptford Misc, along with some history of the building. It's more than likely that the developer will appeal, but for the moment the pub and the community boxing club that uses the upper rooms has had a stay of execution.
Just across the boundary in Greenwich, demolition of the old Norman Road light industrial site has begun in preparation for its redevelopment into The Movement, a planning application that received permission more than a year ago. The site will be mixed use including two hotels, student accommodation, residential units, 'incubator' units for start up businesses, a health club and so on. Full details are on the Greenwich planning portal.
I haven't really kept up with this major redevelopment since there's so much else going on in Deptford, but here's one of the elevation drawings for your delectation. This is the elevation facing Norman Road, one of the taller blocks that will house residential units.
TJ's funeral will take place on Tuesday 24th April at St Paul's Church in Deptford, and his friends are asking people to make a contribution to the cost of the funeral rather than sending flowers. Contributions can be made at Albyns Funeral Directors on the high street, or handed in to Vicky at the Armada Community Centre on McMillan Street.
At the other end of Deptford, some slightly more heartening news that the planning application to demolish the Lord Clyde pub in order to build more flats has been refused.
Bill has the full story over on Deptford Misc, along with some history of the building. It's more than likely that the developer will appeal, but for the moment the pub and the community boxing club that uses the upper rooms has had a stay of execution.
Just across the boundary in Greenwich, demolition of the old Norman Road light industrial site has begun in preparation for its redevelopment into The Movement, a planning application that received permission more than a year ago. The site will be mixed use including two hotels, student accommodation, residential units, 'incubator' units for start up businesses, a health club and so on. Full details are on the Greenwich planning portal.
I haven't really kept up with this major redevelopment since there's so much else going on in Deptford, but here's one of the elevation drawings for your delectation. This is the elevation facing Norman Road, one of the taller blocks that will house residential units.
Saturday, 7 April 2012
Dirty habits
Local resident Jade contacted me recently to bring her petition to my attention; she's asking people to support her efforts to highlight the problem of anti-social behaviour in New Butt Lane North. This little stretch of lane is the bit that runs around the back of the Paddy Power between Reginald Road and Hales Street, and is being treated as a (very) public toilet by the groups of people who hang around on the corner.
Jade is a resident of the lane, and as she explained in her email, she is not normally the campaigning type. "To be honest I was not going to start a petition or write any letters even though I was beginning to get very frustrated with it. I changed my mind though when I saw a woman with her knickers round her ankles crouched down in broad daylight - doing her business! Very upsetting especially with kids running around after school!"
She has set up a petition which she is asking people to sign, to show their support for her campaign.
She has also written to Boris Johnson and Mayor Steve about it, and recently received a response from the neighbourhood community safety service on the latter's behalf, explaining the steps the council is taking to address the problem, which it believes is due to the groups of street drinkers using the lane.
"Last year, the Safer Lewisham Partnership introduced a Designated Public Place Order (DPPO) across the whole of the borough. The DPPO gives the Police and other accredited officers powers to help them crack down on drinkers who disturb and intimidate other residents through their anti-social behaviour. The order does not ban drinking in public places but enables police officers to ask people to stop drinking where they are causing anti-social behaviour, nuisance or annoyance. In addition an Officer has the power to ask that person to surrender the alcohol and any other opened or sealed container in their possession.
The DPPO can now be used in tandem with Police Dispersal powers that allow Police Officers to disperse individuals causing alcohol related disorder from a particular area for up to 48 hours. If the individual returns to the area within this time they will be arrested. The enforcement of these dispersal orders will begin shortly and it’s hoped this will have a significant impact on the drinking habits of the problematic drinkers in the High Street area.
Officers from the Council’s Neighbourhood Community Safety Service are gathering statements from local businesses, residents and visitors to the area about the impact of the problem on the community. We are already aware of some of the key individuals that are causing alcohol related anti-social behaviour and the intention is to target these people using various agencies such as the Council’s Drug and Alcohol Action Team so that we can look at addressing their behaviour and offer the opportunity to sign up to treatment services.
Of course, enforcement does remain a consideration and the partnership will continue to work together in seeking Anti Social Behaviour Orders, where appropriate, against prolific drinkers in order to ban them from the area and prevent further alcohol related disorder.
A further action from the Safer Lewisham Partnership will be the introduction of Responsible Retailer Agreements with off licenses in the High Street. These will encourage the responsible sale of alcohol and remind retailers of their duty not to sell to those already intoxicated or to those individuals who are likely to cause alcohol related disorder outside their premises.
Finally, I’d like to tell you about a new scheme being introduced by the Council called The Deptford High Street Charter. This scheme seeks to encourage local businesses to sign up to a commitment of working with the Council and Police to improve the safety and environment of the High Street and the surrounding area. The Charter outlines what the Council and Police are doing to keep the High Street safe and tidy, and asks businesses to pledge their commitment to reporting crime, anti social behaviour and environmental issues such as fly-tipping and poorly disposed waste (anonymously if preferred)."
Some of this backs up the 'zero tolerance' approach witnessed by Crosswhatfields in recent weeks and is a welcome step; whether it will be effective in the long-term is another matter. Enforcement cannot be carried out 24/7 and even if it was, the problem would simply move elsewhere.
Is it time for a more practical solution - pop-up urinals as seen elsewhere in the UK?
It's obvious that the presence of groups of street drinkers in this location is exacerbating the issue, but in my experience they are not exclusively the problem.
I also live close to the high street, on a main walking route for shoppers, and regularly witness individuals urinating at the side of the street (in the middle of the day) as if this was something normal and acceptable. They are often in full view of a block of 20 flats. These are not street drinkers, they are just selfish individuals who can't be arsed to walk to the public toilets or wait until they get home. If it was down to me I would have them flogged publicly and made to stand where they have urinated for at least 24 hours.
But until I'm voted into power on this ticket, perhaps you would consider showing your support for Jade's petition; while heartened by the response from the council she would still like to keep it going to demonstrate that other local people support her efforts.
Jade is a resident of the lane, and as she explained in her email, she is not normally the campaigning type. "To be honest I was not going to start a petition or write any letters even though I was beginning to get very frustrated with it. I changed my mind though when I saw a woman with her knickers round her ankles crouched down in broad daylight - doing her business! Very upsetting especially with kids running around after school!"
She has set up a petition which she is asking people to sign, to show their support for her campaign.
She has also written to Boris Johnson and Mayor Steve about it, and recently received a response from the neighbourhood community safety service on the latter's behalf, explaining the steps the council is taking to address the problem, which it believes is due to the groups of street drinkers using the lane.
"Last year, the Safer Lewisham Partnership introduced a Designated Public Place Order (DPPO) across the whole of the borough. The DPPO gives the Police and other accredited officers powers to help them crack down on drinkers who disturb and intimidate other residents through their anti-social behaviour. The order does not ban drinking in public places but enables police officers to ask people to stop drinking where they are causing anti-social behaviour, nuisance or annoyance. In addition an Officer has the power to ask that person to surrender the alcohol and any other opened or sealed container in their possession.
The DPPO can now be used in tandem with Police Dispersal powers that allow Police Officers to disperse individuals causing alcohol related disorder from a particular area for up to 48 hours. If the individual returns to the area within this time they will be arrested. The enforcement of these dispersal orders will begin shortly and it’s hoped this will have a significant impact on the drinking habits of the problematic drinkers in the High Street area.
Officers from the Council’s Neighbourhood Community Safety Service are gathering statements from local businesses, residents and visitors to the area about the impact of the problem on the community. We are already aware of some of the key individuals that are causing alcohol related anti-social behaviour and the intention is to target these people using various agencies such as the Council’s Drug and Alcohol Action Team so that we can look at addressing their behaviour and offer the opportunity to sign up to treatment services.
Of course, enforcement does remain a consideration and the partnership will continue to work together in seeking Anti Social Behaviour Orders, where appropriate, against prolific drinkers in order to ban them from the area and prevent further alcohol related disorder.
A further action from the Safer Lewisham Partnership will be the introduction of Responsible Retailer Agreements with off licenses in the High Street. These will encourage the responsible sale of alcohol and remind retailers of their duty not to sell to those already intoxicated or to those individuals who are likely to cause alcohol related disorder outside their premises.
Finally, I’d like to tell you about a new scheme being introduced by the Council called The Deptford High Street Charter. This scheme seeks to encourage local businesses to sign up to a commitment of working with the Council and Police to improve the safety and environment of the High Street and the surrounding area. The Charter outlines what the Council and Police are doing to keep the High Street safe and tidy, and asks businesses to pledge their commitment to reporting crime, anti social behaviour and environmental issues such as fly-tipping and poorly disposed waste (anonymously if preferred)."
Some of this backs up the 'zero tolerance' approach witnessed by Crosswhatfields in recent weeks and is a welcome step; whether it will be effective in the long-term is another matter. Enforcement cannot be carried out 24/7 and even if it was, the problem would simply move elsewhere.
Is it time for a more practical solution - pop-up urinals as seen elsewhere in the UK?
It's obvious that the presence of groups of street drinkers in this location is exacerbating the issue, but in my experience they are not exclusively the problem.
I also live close to the high street, on a main walking route for shoppers, and regularly witness individuals urinating at the side of the street (in the middle of the day) as if this was something normal and acceptable. They are often in full view of a block of 20 flats. These are not street drinkers, they are just selfish individuals who can't be arsed to walk to the public toilets or wait until they get home. If it was down to me I would have them flogged publicly and made to stand where they have urinated for at least 24 hours.
But until I'm voted into power on this ticket, perhaps you would consider showing your support for Jade's petition; while heartened by the response from the council she would still like to keep it going to demonstrate that other local people support her efforts.
Saturday, 31 March 2012
Poundland shopfront application refused
Poundland's planning application for its new shopfront opposite Deptford Station has been turned down by Lewisham planning department.
Objections to the application were mainly due to the fact that the amended shopfront design failed to respect the proportions of the architecture and high quality finishes of the rest of the building, and that its location in a conservation zone demanded a higher quality treatment.
The council cites the following reason:
The proposed shop front, by reason of its design and use of materials would detract from the architectural integrity of the development approved under reference
DC/03/55454, dated 16 June 2004 and would fail to either preserve or enhance the
special character and appearance of the Deptford High Street Conservation Area. As
such, the development is contrary to Core Strategy Policy 15 High quality design for
Lewisham (June 2011) and saved policies URB 3 Urban design, URB 8 Shop fronts
and URB 16 New Development, Changes of Use and Alterations to Buildings in
Conservation Areas in the adopted Unitary Development Plan (July 2004).
A second application to erect an internally-illuminated fascia and projecting signs has also been refused.
Objections to the application were mainly due to the fact that the amended shopfront design failed to respect the proportions of the architecture and high quality finishes of the rest of the building, and that its location in a conservation zone demanded a higher quality treatment.
The council cites the following reason:
The proposed shop front, by reason of its design and use of materials would detract from the architectural integrity of the development approved under reference
DC/03/55454, dated 16 June 2004 and would fail to either preserve or enhance the
special character and appearance of the Deptford High Street Conservation Area. As
such, the development is contrary to Core Strategy Policy 15 High quality design for
Lewisham (June 2011) and saved policies URB 3 Urban design, URB 8 Shop fronts
and URB 16 New Development, Changes of Use and Alterations to Buildings in
Conservation Areas in the adopted Unitary Development Plan (July 2004).
A second application to erect an internally-illuminated fascia and projecting signs has also been refused.
Giffin Square lighting
So, the new lighting on Giffin Square has finally been installed, which hopefully means that the public realm works are nearing completion and we might actually get to use the square in the near future.
It's a difficult one this. Looking at the number of lighting units on the poles, it seems that the square is going to be very well lit, which is good.
On the other hand, the black material combined with the design of the lighting units (in particular the rather ugly connection between the poles and the lighting units) makes them look rather lumpy and also quite sinister.
On the plus side, at least they are upright and less gimmicky than the other lighting solutions we've seen in all the other new public realm works in the area.
It's a difficult one this. Looking at the number of lighting units on the poles, it seems that the square is going to be very well lit, which is good.
On the other hand, the black material combined with the design of the lighting units (in particular the rather ugly connection between the poles and the lighting units) makes them look rather lumpy and also quite sinister.
On the plus side, at least they are upright and less gimmicky than the other lighting solutions we've seen in all the other new public realm works in the area.
Monday, 26 March 2012
New Cross & Deptford free film festival
The New Cross & Deptford free film festival, which launches at the end of next month, is shaping up to be a very interesting nine days.
As the name suggests, all the screenings are free and they take place at locations in Deptford and New Cross.
Some of the pairings are inspired - for example on 2 May at St Nick's church you can see Paolo Pasolini's 1964 classic The Gospel According to St Matthew,; or you may prefer Tim Burton's version of Alice in Wonderland which will be screened at the Sandbourne Road Community Garden on 29 April as part of a Mad Hatter's tea party.
Freedom Cells, a weekend of films by human rights film makers and artists, will take place at the Old Police Station from 27-29 April, where the films will actually be shown in the old cells, transformed into tiny temporary cinemas.
The Big Red plays host to an illustrated talk by local historian Neil Gordon-Orr, who will be talking about 'The Lost Cinema of Deptford' and showing clips, images and local short films. Where was Deptford's first picture palace? What was the scene of South East London's WW1 cinema disaster? Which local nightspot was once a major cinema and palais de danse? Which angry-young-man flick features Deptford market? What about 'last tango in New Cross'? Find out all this and more!
An all-nighter at Release nightclub in New Cross on 4 May will include a screening of Attack the Block, followed by local DJs 'playing the best in dubstep, house, hip-hop, garage, grime and RnB'.
There's also the opportunity to dig out your old home movies on Super8 or VHS for public humiliation at 'No DVD' at the New Cross People's Library, which sounds like it could be great fun. If the locals prove unwilling to reveal their past fashion crimes, there's always plenty of old films to be had on Deptford Market!
And there's plenty more - the excellent documentary The Tunnel, about Malcolm Hardee's infamous Tunnel Club, will be shown at the Big Red in Deptford and 'introduced by a special guest', or if you want something a bit more active, why not help out at a bike-powered showing of Harry Potter or Sherlock Holmes, both of which need fit volunteers!
I can see I'm going to have to block out a good few nights during the film festival, there is so much to see and do. You can check out the full programme here.
The organisers are also asking people to support this event with online donations, which you can do here.
In their own words: In order to get our festival off the ground we need your help. We have already secured £1,000 from funders, but to make our free film dreams a reality we need to raise a further £4,000 to cover security, equipment and facility costs. As the name suggests, all of the events are free and we are not hoping to make a profit from the festival. Backers will be rewarded and credited, so not only will you get the warm fuzzy feeling of knowing that you have helped create something wonderful, but you will also get a little thank-you present from us.
Even the smallest donation will be gratefully received, and I have to say that such a varied and imaginative free festival deserves whatever support you can afford.
As the name suggests, all the screenings are free and they take place at locations in Deptford and New Cross.
Some of the pairings are inspired - for example on 2 May at St Nick's church you can see Paolo Pasolini's 1964 classic The Gospel According to St Matthew,; or you may prefer Tim Burton's version of Alice in Wonderland which will be screened at the Sandbourne Road Community Garden on 29 April as part of a Mad Hatter's tea party.
Freedom Cells, a weekend of films by human rights film makers and artists, will take place at the Old Police Station from 27-29 April, where the films will actually be shown in the old cells, transformed into tiny temporary cinemas.
The Big Red plays host to an illustrated talk by local historian Neil Gordon-Orr, who will be talking about 'The Lost Cinema of Deptford' and showing clips, images and local short films. Where was Deptford's first picture palace? What was the scene of South East London's WW1 cinema disaster? Which local nightspot was once a major cinema and palais de danse? Which angry-young-man flick features Deptford market? What about 'last tango in New Cross'? Find out all this and more!
An all-nighter at Release nightclub in New Cross on 4 May will include a screening of Attack the Block, followed by local DJs 'playing the best in dubstep, house, hip-hop, garage, grime and RnB'.
There's also the opportunity to dig out your old home movies on Super8 or VHS for public humiliation at 'No DVD' at the New Cross People's Library, which sounds like it could be great fun. If the locals prove unwilling to reveal their past fashion crimes, there's always plenty of old films to be had on Deptford Market!
And there's plenty more - the excellent documentary The Tunnel, about Malcolm Hardee's infamous Tunnel Club, will be shown at the Big Red in Deptford and 'introduced by a special guest', or if you want something a bit more active, why not help out at a bike-powered showing of Harry Potter or Sherlock Holmes, both of which need fit volunteers!
I can see I'm going to have to block out a good few nights during the film festival, there is so much to see and do. You can check out the full programme here.
The organisers are also asking people to support this event with online donations, which you can do here.
In their own words: In order to get our festival off the ground we need your help. We have already secured £1,000 from funders, but to make our free film dreams a reality we need to raise a further £4,000 to cover security, equipment and facility costs. As the name suggests, all of the events are free and we are not hoping to make a profit from the festival. Backers will be rewarded and credited, so not only will you get the warm fuzzy feeling of knowing that you have helped create something wonderful, but you will also get a little thank-you present from us.
Even the smallest donation will be gratefully received, and I have to say that such a varied and imaginative free festival deserves whatever support you can afford.
Sunday, 25 March 2012
Convoys Wharf open day
Glorious spring sunshine surely boosted the turnout at Hutchison Whampoa's 'community consultation day' yesterday, which saw a (guestimate) 150 people in attendance.
I went on the first site tour along with a lot of other people - it was not always easy to hear archaeologist Duncan Hawkins' explanations of the various structures we were seeing below ground - even when I managed to get to the front of the crowd there were a few groups of people who seemed to have just come along for a chat with their mates.
All the same the site tour was very interesting, emphasising once again the extent of heritage that is present here and the history of the former dockyard.
Much of the archaeology that was visible on the previous tour has since been infilled, with excavations now continuing in the great basin in front of the Olympia buildings, and the slipways at the northern end of the site.
The impact of relatively recent (1980s) construction work on the site was demonstrated by the presence of large concrete slabs and beams cutting across the top of parts of the old slipways and dock wall structures. Only a few decades ago the archaeology of such sites was woefully neglected, with archaeologists having little more than a watching brief, and contractors often simply digging out inconvenient bits of archaeology or infilling them with concrete before the remains could be spotted.
Proceedings drew to a close after a couple of hours, with Joan Ruddock summing up briefly and the audience learning that the event had been filmed in its entirety and would be used by Farrell and his crew to inform their review process.
Watch this space, I would say. Naturally my cynicism as to the extent to which developers want to 'engage' with the local community is still alive and well, and ultimately I'm sure they would prefer to make their money without having to undertake such bothersome procedures. Let's hope that the widespread condemnation of the Aedas scheme has been noted by those at the top of the chain - this event is a pretty strong sign that it has - and that HW is imaginative enough to understand the benefits that proper community involvement can offer to all sides.
Footnote: As far as I am aware, not one of the Evelyn ward local councillors attended the event. If anyone knows different, please add it in the comments as I am very keen to find out whether our elected representatives (other than Joan) really give a toss about the most significant change that their constituency is going to see in decades.
I went on the first site tour along with a lot of other people - it was not always easy to hear archaeologist Duncan Hawkins' explanations of the various structures we were seeing below ground - even when I managed to get to the front of the crowd there were a few groups of people who seemed to have just come along for a chat with their mates.
All the same the site tour was very interesting, emphasising once again the extent of heritage that is present here and the history of the former dockyard.
The impact of relatively recent (1980s) construction work on the site was demonstrated by the presence of large concrete slabs and beams cutting across the top of parts of the old slipways and dock wall structures. Only a few decades ago the archaeology of such sites was woefully neglected, with archaeologists having little more than a watching brief, and contractors often simply digging out inconvenient bits of archaeology or infilling them with concrete before the remains could be spotted.
Although the site tour was interesting, the main event from my point of view was the community presentations, which took place in a marquee that had been erected specially for this purpose. The number of visitors clearly outstripped the organisers' expectations too, with a good many people having to stand for the duration of the presentations - a couple of hours in total. The fact that they stayed throughout this underlined their enthusiasm.
It was encouraging to attend a presentation where local people and groups were the focus of the event, not an afterthought added on as a placatory measure.
It was also encouraging to see that Hutchison Whampoa had wheeled out top brass both from its own organisation (Edmund Ho, managing director of Hutchison Whampoa Ltd gave the introductory welcome) and from its consultants, including of course Sir Terry Farrell who was there with the intention of listening to the presentations from community groups ahead of reviewing the masterplan for the site. Staff from other consultants such as Alan Baxter and BPTW were also present, although I didn't see anyone bearing a badge with Aedas on it. Funny that.
Local MP Joan Ruddock was also present, having been involved in putting the developers in contact with some of the community groups, and advising on the format of the day. In her intro she acknowledged that she had not always been HW's biggest fan (and still did not proclaim any allegiance) but said that she was encouraged by the fact that this event was being held, and hoped that it marked the start of a process of meaningful engagement with the community.
It seemed they couldn't quite get underway without allowing Sir Terry Farrell to talk for a while about his architectural portfolio. His first design (and arguably his best) was for the ventilation shafts for the Blackwall Tunnel which are now Grade II listed. After that it was downhill all the way to such post-modern horrors as the MI6 Building and Embankment Place - in my opinion two of the ugliest buildings in London.
Once Farrell had told us he was ready to listen, but not until he'd showed us quite a few of the projects he's working on, we eventually got onto the community presentations. The first was from the Second Wave Youth Arts organisation, and was all the more poignant for the fact that the young cyclist who had been killed in a hit and run accident on Deptford Church Street the previous day had been involved with the group and was known by the young people who were giving the presentation.
The presenters were aged from 15 to 21 and all were involved with the organisation in one way or another; each spoke of what their nightmare scenario would be for the site, whether it would be segregation, alienation or just a feeling of not being involved with the creation of this new neighbourhood on their doorstep, in particular any facilities designed with them in mind. When old people try to design things for young people without consultation, one of the group said, they inevitably get it wrong. They all conveyed a very obvious passion for and pride in Deptford, as well as a strong desire to create something positive for future generations. Any masterplanner ignoring this wealth of local knowledge and strength of feeling would have to be crazy.
The second part of the community group presentation focussed on three projects which fall under the remit of the local organisation 'Deptford Is..'. William Richards, one of the owners of the Master Shipwrights House, introduced the proposals, all three of which are strongly influenced by the heritage of the site, by saying that these ideas were achievable, and pointing to examples where similar schemes had already been successful. He also acknowledged that local residents would be crazy to resist the redevelopment of such a rich and valuable site, but that they were mainly concerned with creating something meaningful and enduring.
Author Richard Endsor and local boat builder Julian Kingston spoke about the proposal to build a replica of the restoration warship Lenox, and use this to create tourism (especially with the National Maritime Museum so close by), to support local apprenticeships and education, and to offer a direct link to the history of the King's Yard. Richard even presented Edmund Ho with a copy of his book about the ship, which struck me as a hugely diplomatic gesture!
The second presentation, by architect Renato Benedetti, left most of the audience mystified as to why he was talking about bridges (and his bridge designs in particular). He presented about 8 of his bridge designs, most of which were only competition entries, before bringing his talk to an abrupt end as members of the audience began to fidget and mutter. A separate conversation enlightened me as to the purpose of the bridges - the idea would be to have seven bridges along the waterfront, either marking or crossing over the remains of the structures that would have originally connected the docks and slipways to the river. Disappointingly this aspect of the project was lost in what was essentially a showcase for Benedetti's (mostly unbuilt) bridges.
Finally landscape architect Roo Angel and Bobby Bagley spoke about the proposal to recreate Sayes Court Garden, the footprint of which overlaps the site and includes the existing Sayes Court Park on Grove Street. Again this idea had many different advantages - from offering apprenticeships and training in a huge range of professions, and linking to the heritage of the site and the famous diarist John Evelyn, to providing local people and new residents with the physical and mental health benefits that gardens can bring.
With the formal presentations concluded, members of the audience were invited to comment, question and participate, which about half a dozen people did. Aside from a couple of people who just seemed to want to moan, most of the speakers offered constructive ideas and pleas for engagement with specific members of the community on specific topics.
Creating a workable and useful link on the west end of the site to Twinkle Park and Greenwich borough was one such suggestion; incorporating safeguards to ensure that our many local, independent businesses are able to survive was another. The issue of education provision was mentioned, as was the spectre of traffic gridlock and public transport overcrowding. Although many of these are the responsibility of the council itself, there's no denying that the impact will be directly linked to whatever density of units HW decides to incorporate into its masterplan.
Watch this space, I would say. Naturally my cynicism as to the extent to which developers want to 'engage' with the local community is still alive and well, and ultimately I'm sure they would prefer to make their money without having to undertake such bothersome procedures. Let's hope that the widespread condemnation of the Aedas scheme has been noted by those at the top of the chain - this event is a pretty strong sign that it has - and that HW is imaginative enough to understand the benefits that proper community involvement can offer to all sides.
Footnote: As far as I am aware, not one of the Evelyn ward local councillors attended the event. If anyone knows different, please add it in the comments as I am very keen to find out whether our elected representatives (other than Joan) really give a toss about the most significant change that their constituency is going to see in decades.
Tuesday, 20 March 2012
Deptford news roundup
A few short items of news that have made it on to the Deptford radar; firstly the news that the Olympic flame will be travelling along Deptford High Street on Monday 23 July, although the organisers seem to have baulked at taking it past our betting shop cluster; the torch bearer will come up from Evelyn Street and then turn along Giffin Street past the Deptford Lounge before heading off to the Stephen Lawrence Centre and on to Lewisham.
The torch, which is made of gold-coloured aluminium alloy pierced with 8,000 holes (to represent the number of torch bearers and the number of miles of the route), should feel quite an affinity with the Deptford Lounge. Perhaps one was inspired by the other? It's all the rage these days, seen locally not just on our new library but also on the ugly new buildings at Greenwich Pier which make the Deptford Lounge look quite classy.
In the meantime and on a more mundane level, over at Deptford Misc, Bill reports that Lewisham Council has launched a consultation on the scoping report that will set out the methodology by which the sustainability appraisal will be carried out. This is part of the process for developing the Deptford Creekside Supplementary Planning Document. The document will set out the council's key considerations for future development within Deptford
Creekside, and the policies it contains will be used to assess relevant planning applications.
The consultation document is here and the closing date for comments is 27 April.
Finally you may have read elsewhere that the Deptford Project was granted planning permission recently. I was present at the strategic planning committee meeting at which the decision was made, but I haven't written about it because I found it such a depressing, box-ticking experience.
The presentations from developer and architect included a lot of general flim flam about inspiration and creativity, and some vague comments about what's going to happen in the public realm outside the station which is currently under the control of Network Rail. Apparently negotiations for Cathedral Group/Lewisham Council to incorporate the station forecourt (and indeed the overlap at the top of the carriage ramp) into the rest of the new public realm of the carriage ramp are still ongoing. As yet the future of the Deptford Project train cafe is still in doubt as there is nowhere for it to move to, and the uncertainty about plans for the station forecourt, the first part of Deptford that arriving visitors will see, is worrying.
And scrutiny of the application by our elected representatives? There were extensive comments from councillors about the colour scheme, which seemed to preoccupy them so much that I found myself wondering if they'd actually studied the planning application or had they just looked at the pictures?
The developers were quizzed on how they were going to stop residents from putting bikes/windbreaks etc on their balconies and spoiling the look of the building (they can't but believe that providing lots of secure bike parking will minimise the problem) and how many parking spaces they were providing (the details are in the planning document, so this councillor clearly hadn't read it). One councillor was outspoken about the fact that she did not like the building and said that she found it 'arrogant'. But when it went to the vote a few minutes later, she still put her hand up with the rest of the committee.
Another councillor was scathing about the role of the Design Review Panel - a group of independent specialist design advisers who act in a voluntary capacity with the intention of promoting high standards of design in new developments. Such a dismissive attitude was highly inappropriate in this context, given that developers and architects were present among about 20 members of the public. I did wonder what sort of message this was giving to such developers: 'Don't worry about the design, we do have a Design Review Panel but we don't respect their opinions'.
I sincerely hope that this new development will make a positive impact on Deptford, despite its gaudy colours (I'm afraid the Resolution Way building has rather set a precedent in this regard) and its height (ditto the Distillery Tower), and that the new public realm design befits its high-profile location. While not being impressed by the scrutiny process, I'm afraid I was not entirely surprised by it.
Anyone had the same/different experiences at strategic planning committees either in this borough or any other? Please feel free to share in the comments.
The torch, which is made of gold-coloured aluminium alloy pierced with 8,000 holes (to represent the number of torch bearers and the number of miles of the route), should feel quite an affinity with the Deptford Lounge. Perhaps one was inspired by the other? It's all the rage these days, seen locally not just on our new library but also on the ugly new buildings at Greenwich Pier which make the Deptford Lounge look quite classy.
In the meantime and on a more mundane level, over at Deptford Misc, Bill reports that Lewisham Council has launched a consultation on the scoping report that will set out the methodology by which the sustainability appraisal will be carried out. This is part of the process for developing the Deptford Creekside Supplementary Planning Document. The document will set out the council's key considerations for future development within Deptford
Creekside, and the policies it contains will be used to assess relevant planning applications.
The consultation document is here and the closing date for comments is 27 April.
Finally you may have read elsewhere that the Deptford Project was granted planning permission recently. I was present at the strategic planning committee meeting at which the decision was made, but I haven't written about it because I found it such a depressing, box-ticking experience.
The presentations from developer and architect included a lot of general flim flam about inspiration and creativity, and some vague comments about what's going to happen in the public realm outside the station which is currently under the control of Network Rail. Apparently negotiations for Cathedral Group/Lewisham Council to incorporate the station forecourt (and indeed the overlap at the top of the carriage ramp) into the rest of the new public realm of the carriage ramp are still ongoing. As yet the future of the Deptford Project train cafe is still in doubt as there is nowhere for it to move to, and the uncertainty about plans for the station forecourt, the first part of Deptford that arriving visitors will see, is worrying.
And scrutiny of the application by our elected representatives? There were extensive comments from councillors about the colour scheme, which seemed to preoccupy them so much that I found myself wondering if they'd actually studied the planning application or had they just looked at the pictures?
The developers were quizzed on how they were going to stop residents from putting bikes/windbreaks etc on their balconies and spoiling the look of the building (they can't but believe that providing lots of secure bike parking will minimise the problem) and how many parking spaces they were providing (the details are in the planning document, so this councillor clearly hadn't read it). One councillor was outspoken about the fact that she did not like the building and said that she found it 'arrogant'. But when it went to the vote a few minutes later, she still put her hand up with the rest of the committee.
Another councillor was scathing about the role of the Design Review Panel - a group of independent specialist design advisers who act in a voluntary capacity with the intention of promoting high standards of design in new developments. Such a dismissive attitude was highly inappropriate in this context, given that developers and architects were present among about 20 members of the public. I did wonder what sort of message this was giving to such developers: 'Don't worry about the design, we do have a Design Review Panel but we don't respect their opinions'.
I sincerely hope that this new development will make a positive impact on Deptford, despite its gaudy colours (I'm afraid the Resolution Way building has rather set a precedent in this regard) and its height (ditto the Distillery Tower), and that the new public realm design befits its high-profile location. While not being impressed by the scrutiny process, I'm afraid I was not entirely surprised by it.
Anyone had the same/different experiences at strategic planning committees either in this borough or any other? Please feel free to share in the comments.
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