Brixton Central Square
- Thread starter Robin
- Start date
gaijingirl
Well-Known Member
OpalFruit said:
I've seen some on the swings there... but not often...
Gramsci
Well-Known Member
newbie said:
The interesting question to ask them is what do they mean by "phased".What is the timescale?When will a final decision be taken and how will it be consulted on?
It also seems a bit strange to me unless its kept open as a bus lane only.
I think the officers involved are doing this to try and save face.The consultation has been a botch up.
Mrs Magpie
On a bit of break...
Yesterday I saw roughly 60 individuals using Windrush Square...they were all Feral Pigeons. Today I saw no pigeons and three people in Windrush Square...two police officers radioing for assistance and one unconscious man...
Gramsci
Well-Known Member
Ive just received a new email from Effra Residents Group re the consultation on BCS.Now the consultation period has officially ended the officers will produce a report for the Brixton Area Commitee(comprised of local Councillors).There will be a meeting on July 13th(open to the public)were the BAC will decide what it will recommend to the Council Executive-who will make the final decision on the BCS project.
The Officers report should be on the Lambeth website from July 5th.It looks like the BAC will recommend the "phased option" to the Executive.From the email,
"Council staff are being deliberately vague about what will trigger the move to Phase 2.In particular,we believe the Council may try to apply for planning permission for both stages at the same time-making the move to Phase 2 a foregone conclusion."
Sounds like the way some Officers go on to me.
Anyone who is concerned can go to the meeting on the 13th.Ill put up more details when i get them.
The Officers report should be on the Lambeth website from July 5th.It looks like the BAC will recommend the "phased option" to the Executive.From the email,
"Council staff are being deliberately vague about what will trigger the move to Phase 2.In particular,we believe the Council may try to apply for planning permission for both stages at the same time-making the move to Phase 2 a foregone conclusion."
Sounds like the way some Officers go on to me.
Anyone who is concerned can go to the meeting on the 13th.Ill put up more details when i get them.
urbanspaceman
Well-Known Member
Brixton Area Committee meeting today Wed 13th July
The BAC is holding a public meeting at 7pm at the St. Matthew's Tenants Hall on St. Matthew's Road. Brixton Central Square is the "Key Item".
The agenda and a map showing the venue can be found here:
http://www.lambeth.gov.uk/NR/rdonlyres/41E245EC-87C8-4728-8D13-4512C33DB4ED/0/agendafp.pdf
And a Council report summarising the story so far is here:
http://www.lambeth.gov.uk/NR/rdonlyres/2BBCACBE-B606-46CB-A5B6-EDF8BA1D2644/0/Item6brixcentsq.pdf
The BAC is holding a public meeting at 7pm at the St. Matthew's Tenants Hall on St. Matthew's Road. Brixton Central Square is the "Key Item".
The agenda and a map showing the venue can be found here:
http://www.lambeth.gov.uk/NR/rdonlyres/41E245EC-87C8-4728-8D13-4512C33DB4ED/0/agendafp.pdf
And a Council report summarising the story so far is here:
http://www.lambeth.gov.uk/NR/rdonlyres/2BBCACBE-B606-46CB-A5B6-EDF8BA1D2644/0/Item6brixcentsq.pdf
urbanspaceman
Well-Known Member
BAC meeting tonight - starts at 7.30pm
Although the Lambeth Events Diary says 7pm:
http://213.130.50.58/clients/lbl/cediary/cgi-bin/cediaryeve.exe?EventsDiary
this is contradicted by the Agenda for tonight, which says 7.30pm. I called Lambeth, and after a bit of asking around the office, they told me the correct time is 7.30pm
Although the Lambeth Events Diary says 7pm:
http://213.130.50.58/clients/lbl/cediary/cgi-bin/cediaryeve.exe?EventsDiary
this is contradicted by the Agenda for tonight, which says 7.30pm. I called Lambeth, and after a bit of asking around the office, they told me the correct time is 7.30pm
Brixton Hatter
Home is south London mate
And the day before yesterday I saw about 60 kids sitting in the squareMrs Magpie said:
- unprecedented!
lang rabbie
Je ne regrette les gazebos
A dinky wooden model of Gross Max's latest(?) more modest plans for the Square is on display as part of an exhibition of all the projects being promoted by Mayor Ken Livingstone's "Architecture and Urbanism Unit"
It seems to have got rid of the arbitrary oval in the previous plans, and proposes some sort of pavilion where the loos are.
Civilising Spaces - Improving London's Public Realm runs until 8 October at
New London Architecture
The Building Centre
26 Store Street
London WC1E 7BT
www.newlondonarchitecture.org
- Mon to Fri 9am to 6pm
- Sat 10am to 4pm
- Closed Sun
- Free Admission
Nearest tube stations:
Goodge St / Tottenham Court Rd / Russell Square
Facilities:
Wheelchair Access / Cafe / Book Shop
It seems to have got rid of the arbitrary oval in the previous plans, and proposes some sort of pavilion where the loos are.
Civilising Spaces - Improving London's Public Realm runs until 8 October at
New London Architecture
The Building Centre
26 Store Street
London WC1E 7BT
www.newlondonarchitecture.org
- Mon to Fri 9am to 6pm
- Sat 10am to 4pm
- Closed Sun
- Free Admission
Nearest tube stations:
Goodge St / Tottenham Court Rd / Russell Square
Facilities:
Wheelchair Access / Cafe / Book Shop
clandestino
no llevar papel
so is there any greenery at all there now?
the woman from gross maxx's face was a picture when i said to her "so you've just put in an oval of grass because it's called the brixton oval. don't you think that's a bit trite?" glad they've ditched it, but not at the expense of any grass at all. i argued for keeping the anarchy sign grass bit we have at the moment and just adding to that.
the woman from gross maxx's face was a picture when i said to her "so you've just put in an oval of grass because it's called the brixton oval. don't you think that's a bit trite?" glad they've ditched it, but not at the expense of any grass at all. i argued for keeping the anarchy sign grass bit we have at the moment and just adding to that.
clandestino
no llevar papel
lang rabbie said:
is there a link to the new plans or to a picture of the model? i had a look at the nla site but couldn't see anything. does anyone have an email address for anyone at gross max? might be worth emailing them and asking if we can see something - that is, without having to trek into town individually to do so.
lang rabbie
Je ne regrette les gazebos
ianw said:
Couldn't tell what surfaces might be from the dinky wooden model, although it seemed to have quite a lot of trees in the southern bit of what is currently Windrush Square.
However, some of the graphics show suspiciously-grass-like green surfaces.
I was wondering that this morning. I think they are pruning the trees, judging by the cherry picker. If so, the place would be cordoned off as a health and safety requirement.reNnIe said:
BrixiSteve
Reluctant Human
miss minnie said:
A few months ago there was a display (think it was a planning permission sort of thing) in the Tate library in which they were suggesting that part of Effra Road would become another market space with stalls n stuff. I don't know if they were going to somehow join the markets up (can't really see how they could) or if it was just going to be a new isolated one. .....?? But, who knows?
newbie
undisambiguated
snipped from a mailing list
Lambeth Council Executive Committee is meeting on Monday 10 October at 7p
m. A large part of the agenda is devoted to plans for Brixton Central Square. The meeting is open to the public and will be held in Room 8 of Lambeth Town Hall.
At the bottom of this message is a story by Greg Truscott of the South London Press which summarises the issues. While we have managed to ensure that our views will be heard by the Executive Committee, there remain elements within Lambeth Council, TfL and the Mayor B9s Office who will continue promote the original plan for their own reasons, so please find time to attend this meeting on Monday. More details, including the full text of the WS Atkins public opinions survey, at:
http://213.130.50.58/clients/lbl/cediary/cgi-bin/cediaryeve.exe?EventDetail&ERef=2573
---8<---
Will they pave way for square revamp?
SOUTH LONDON PRESS Oct 7 2005
By Greg Truscott, South London Press
A CRUCIAL stage in proposals to transform a public square will be decided upon by councillors next week.
Lambeth's executive committee will meet to discuss the Brixton Central Square plan put forward by London Mayor Ken Livingstone and Transport for London (TfL).
Mr Livingstone wants to join Tate Gardens, Windrush Square and St Matthew's Peace Gardens.
The Mayor's office, TfL and Lambeth council have worked in partnership on the initial stages of the multi-million pound project.
But the original plan met with widespread opposition from residents because of a proposal to close part of Effra Road to traffic.
They feared the closure would create a large, pedestrianized no man's land where drug dealing and street robberies would increase.
The area is already known as having a crime problem.
TfL revised its plan after hearing residents' concerns during a series of public consultations this year.
It now proposes phasing the Brixton Central Square scheme over two stages.
The first stage would not see Effra Road closed, but TfL has not ruled closing the road during the second stage.
The amended TfL proposal was put to Brixton Area Committee - chaired by ward councillors - who backed plans to close Rushcroft Road to traffic but opposed the closure of Effra Road without additional consultation.
Town hall officers have recommended Lambeth's executive committee press on with the new square development.
They say the executive should support the "unification" of Brixton Oval and Windrush Square and the closure of Rushcroft Road.
Officers have also sought permission to invite TfL to enter into discussions with the borough's planning department ahead of submitting an application to create the new public space.
The executive will also be asked to consider the recommendations from the Brixton Area Committee.
The committee has recommended "the council should make it clear that any future proposal to close Effra Road should not be taken forward unless there is a clear and demonstrable public support".
It also recommended any future proposal to close Effra Road should not be included in TfL's Brixton Central Square planning application.
Should the executive accept the recommendation it would mean TfL would then have to seek planning permission for each stage of its Brixton Central Square Project.
The council report shows that TfL intends to spend £6million on improvements to Brixton town centre between now and 2009.
It reveals the council would require a further £2million from other funding, such as government grants, should it continue to work with TfL and the Mayor's office to advance the square project.
Lambeth's executive will meet on Monday at Lambeth Town Hall, Brixton.
The meeting, which begins at 7pm, is open to the public.
Lambeth Council Executive Committee is meeting on Monday 10 October at 7p
m. A large part of the agenda is devoted to plans for Brixton Central Square. The meeting is open to the public and will be held in Room 8 of Lambeth Town Hall.
At the bottom of this message is a story by Greg Truscott of the South London Press which summarises the issues. While we have managed to ensure that our views will be heard by the Executive Committee, there remain elements within Lambeth Council, TfL and the Mayor B9s Office who will continue promote the original plan for their own reasons, so please find time to attend this meeting on Monday. More details, including the full text of the WS Atkins public opinions survey, at:
http://213.130.50.58/clients/lbl/cediary/cgi-bin/cediaryeve.exe?EventDetail&ERef=2573
---8<---
Will they pave way for square revamp?
SOUTH LONDON PRESS Oct 7 2005
By Greg Truscott, South London Press
A CRUCIAL stage in proposals to transform a public square will be decided upon by councillors next week.
Lambeth's executive committee will meet to discuss the Brixton Central Square plan put forward by London Mayor Ken Livingstone and Transport for London (TfL).
Mr Livingstone wants to join Tate Gardens, Windrush Square and St Matthew's Peace Gardens.
The Mayor's office, TfL and Lambeth council have worked in partnership on the initial stages of the multi-million pound project.
But the original plan met with widespread opposition from residents because of a proposal to close part of Effra Road to traffic.
They feared the closure would create a large, pedestrianized no man's land where drug dealing and street robberies would increase.
The area is already known as having a crime problem.
TfL revised its plan after hearing residents' concerns during a series of public consultations this year.
It now proposes phasing the Brixton Central Square scheme over two stages.
The first stage would not see Effra Road closed, but TfL has not ruled closing the road during the second stage.
The amended TfL proposal was put to Brixton Area Committee - chaired by ward councillors - who backed plans to close Rushcroft Road to traffic but opposed the closure of Effra Road without additional consultation.
Town hall officers have recommended Lambeth's executive committee press on with the new square development.
They say the executive should support the "unification" of Brixton Oval and Windrush Square and the closure of Rushcroft Road.
Officers have also sought permission to invite TfL to enter into discussions with the borough's planning department ahead of submitting an application to create the new public space.
The executive will also be asked to consider the recommendations from the Brixton Area Committee.
The committee has recommended "the council should make it clear that any future proposal to close Effra Road should not be taken forward unless there is a clear and demonstrable public support".
It also recommended any future proposal to close Effra Road should not be included in TfL's Brixton Central Square planning application.
Should the executive accept the recommendation it would mean TfL would then have to seek planning permission for each stage of its Brixton Central Square Project.
The council report shows that TfL intends to spend £6million on improvements to Brixton town centre between now and 2009.
It reveals the council would require a further £2million from other funding, such as government grants, should it continue to work with TfL and the Mayor's office to advance the square project.
Lambeth's executive will meet on Monday at Lambeth Town Hall, Brixton.
The meeting, which begins at 7pm, is open to the public.
Rushy
basically a scrotum
Apparently the revised Central Square Project was rejected at the meeting and the offer of funding refused by Lambeth. Does anyone know what happens next? Or is that it?
http://www.valshawcross.com/newslambethslammedonbrixton.htm
http://www.valshawcross.com/newslambethslammedonbrixton.htm
lang rabbie
Je ne regrette les gazebos
It seems Lambeth's Executive turned down the idea of closing Effra Road.
From a quick reading, I think there were also some concerns about the value for money of the whole project, which TFL/GLA had not fully agreed to fund, leaving several million for Lambeth to raise.
Minutes of 10 October executive meeting
This decision was "called in" by Councillor Toren Smith and referred to Lambeth's Environment and Regeneration Scrutiny Committee
Various detailed Reports here
(some may slip to page 2 as page is updated)
Minutes of scrutiny meeting
The scrutiny committee have recommended that the Executive look again at the decision.
From a quick reading, I think there were also some concerns about the value for money of the whole project, which TFL/GLA had not fully agreed to fund, leaving several million for Lambeth to raise.
Minutes of 10 October executive meeting
This decision was "called in" by Councillor Toren Smith and referred to Lambeth's Environment and Regeneration Scrutiny Committee
Various detailed Reports here
(some may slip to page 2 as page is updated)
Minutes of scrutiny meeting
The scrutiny committee have recommended that the Executive look again at the decision.
lang rabbie
Je ne regrette les gazebos
On my reading, it's a political spat with the Labour Party claiming that the Tory/Lib Dem council is trying to kill the project, while the Council is looking to see the colour of Ken Livingstone's money given his (apparent) previous commitment to fully fund the project as part of the 100 spaces programme.
I also think there's more cock-up than conspiracy in the way that the Executive's amended resolution appears to have been put together on the night of the meeting.
I also think there's more cock-up than conspiracy in the way that the Executive's amended resolution appears to have been put together on the night of the meeting.
urbanspaceman
Well-Known Member
Considering the £7M that the new BCS is forecast to cost, and the ongoing maintenance that will be needed, I thought it was worrying that Lambeth allows years to go by between tidyings up even of the modest frontage of the Tate Library. Below is an exchange of messages with Lesley Ray, who is head of Libraries,
concerning problems with the Tate Library. I am encouraged by her responsiveness and awareness of the problem.
========================================================================
On 23 November 2005 urbanspaceman wrote:
Dear Ms Ray
Thank you for your rapid and complete reply to my message of yesterday. I am
heartened to hear of the plans you have for the Tate Library, and am sure
that the measures you have in mind will constitute a great improvement. I
look forward to seeing the works you describe commence in the New Year
Regards
urbanspaceman
========================================================================
On 23/11/05 10:22, "Ray,Lesley" wrote:
Dear urbanspaceman
Thank you for your email and for bringing your concerns about the appearance
of Brixton library to my attention. I am very much aware that the current
condition is far from satisfactory and am trying to address it. We are due
to have some exterior works to the building in the early new year which will
improve its appearance and involve the erection of full scaffolding for a
brief period. I intend that a new arrangement for removal of the vegetation
will be in place to coincide with the completion of the works and removal of
the scaffolding. This was previously carried out by another Council
department and has discontinued. I will also arrange for the rubbish to be
cleared away. Due to the nature of the debris this requires specialist
cleaning with the use of protective equipment. Unfortunately, despite
extensive renovation to Tate Gardens this area still attracts an undesirable
element and extends to include the immediate boundary of the library.
I have major concerns about the safety and security of library staff,
particularly at night when exiting the building, and am pleased to inform
you that, with the help of colleagues from Community Safety, exterior
lighting is soon to be fitted to the building. It is currently being
surveyed to decide the number of lights and most appropriate positioning.
Hopefully it will be in place before Christmas. A member of staff was
recently assaulted on the steps while attempting to go to work so I am
hoping that this, and the installation of gates (pending a successful
planning application) at the base of the steps, will alleviate the problem.
Thank you once again for writing to me and I hope you will continue to use
Brixton Library.
Regards
Lesley Ray Head of Libraries, Archives and Arts Cultural Services
Environment and Culture Directorate London Borough of Lambeth
========================================================================
From: urbanspaceman
Sent: 22 November 2005 17:29
To: Lesley Ray
Cc: D Lawrence
Subject: Frontage of Tate Library
Dear Ms. Ray I understand that you are responsible for libraries in
Lambeth, and that Mr Lawrence is head of Leisure and Culture. I am writing
to bring the state of the frontage of the Tate Library to your attention.
When I visited the Library today, I was asked to complete a customer
survey, which I duly did. I am encouraged that you are interested in the
views of library users and would like to offer some observations.
I have attached some photographs of the curtilage of the Tate Library,
namely the space between the iron railings and the building itself. You
will see that this area is neglected and squalid, a mixture of
long-established vegetation rooted in and growing out of the fabric of the
building, and general garbage - including broken bottles and used syringes.
I am somewhat surprised that you have not yet noticed this situation
yourselves - the thriving plants in particular have taken several years to
establish themselves. You may also know that the front steps and doorway of
the Tate Library, being in shadow and sheltered, are colonised by aggressive
beggars and drug dealers when the Library is closed. Might I suggest that
you install a bright overhead light to mitigate this problem ?
In summary, the Tate Library offers a convenient haunt for antisocial
elements outside opening hours, and presents a shabby and decaying
appearance all the time.
I look forward to your response
Regards
urbanspaceman
concerning problems with the Tate Library. I am encouraged by her responsiveness and awareness of the problem.
========================================================================
On 23 November 2005 urbanspaceman wrote:
Dear Ms Ray
Thank you for your rapid and complete reply to my message of yesterday. I am
heartened to hear of the plans you have for the Tate Library, and am sure
that the measures you have in mind will constitute a great improvement. I
look forward to seeing the works you describe commence in the New Year
Regards
urbanspaceman
========================================================================
On 23/11/05 10:22, "Ray,Lesley" wrote:
Dear urbanspaceman
Thank you for your email and for bringing your concerns about the appearance
of Brixton library to my attention. I am very much aware that the current
condition is far from satisfactory and am trying to address it. We are due
to have some exterior works to the building in the early new year which will
improve its appearance and involve the erection of full scaffolding for a
brief period. I intend that a new arrangement for removal of the vegetation
will be in place to coincide with the completion of the works and removal of
the scaffolding. This was previously carried out by another Council
department and has discontinued. I will also arrange for the rubbish to be
cleared away. Due to the nature of the debris this requires specialist
cleaning with the use of protective equipment. Unfortunately, despite
extensive renovation to Tate Gardens this area still attracts an undesirable
element and extends to include the immediate boundary of the library.
I have major concerns about the safety and security of library staff,
particularly at night when exiting the building, and am pleased to inform
you that, with the help of colleagues from Community Safety, exterior
lighting is soon to be fitted to the building. It is currently being
surveyed to decide the number of lights and most appropriate positioning.
Hopefully it will be in place before Christmas. A member of staff was
recently assaulted on the steps while attempting to go to work so I am
hoping that this, and the installation of gates (pending a successful
planning application) at the base of the steps, will alleviate the problem.
Thank you once again for writing to me and I hope you will continue to use
Brixton Library.
Regards
Lesley Ray Head of Libraries, Archives and Arts Cultural Services
Environment and Culture Directorate London Borough of Lambeth
========================================================================
From: urbanspaceman
Sent: 22 November 2005 17:29
To: Lesley Ray
Cc: D Lawrence
Subject: Frontage of Tate Library
Dear Ms. Ray I understand that you are responsible for libraries in
Lambeth, and that Mr Lawrence is head of Leisure and Culture. I am writing
to bring the state of the frontage of the Tate Library to your attention.
When I visited the Library today, I was asked to complete a customer
survey, which I duly did. I am encouraged that you are interested in the
views of library users and would like to offer some observations.
I have attached some photographs of the curtilage of the Tate Library,
namely the space between the iron railings and the building itself. You
will see that this area is neglected and squalid, a mixture of
long-established vegetation rooted in and growing out of the fabric of the
building, and general garbage - including broken bottles and used syringes.
I am somewhat surprised that you have not yet noticed this situation
yourselves - the thriving plants in particular have taken several years to
establish themselves. You may also know that the front steps and doorway of
the Tate Library, being in shadow and sheltered, are colonised by aggressive
beggars and drug dealers when the Library is closed. Might I suggest that
you install a bright overhead light to mitigate this problem ?
In summary, the Tate Library offers a convenient haunt for antisocial
elements outside opening hours, and presents a shabby and decaying
appearance all the time.
I look forward to your response
Regards
urbanspaceman
Worth being aware that any organisation has the obligation to keep this sort of front area clean - and the council can hassle them under some obscure law to clean it up. If you email the council on [email protected] they'll sort it for you. Doesn't happen quickly because they have to find the owner and threaten them rather than just sending round the Lambeth rubbish people - but it does work - i've successfully got rubbish removed from in front of advertising hoardings a few times this way.
