Greenwich.co.uk

Greenwich news and information

You are here: Greenwich / News

University’s £76million Stockwell Street plans submitted

By

Stockwell Street - University of Greenwich

The University of Greenwich has submitted its planning application for a new £76million development in Stockwell Street.

The proposals, designed by Heneghan Peng, include a new campus library, a School of Architecture & Construction and other facilities such as TV studios and editing suites.

The new buildings, which would be bring up to 1,800 additional students into Greenwich each week, would restore Stockwell Street’s traditional curved street line with “an elegant glazed frontage opening onto a gallery, café and exhibition space” which would all be available to the public. “Living roofs”  have been incorporated, which the University says will create “a haven for wildlife in the centre of the town.”

The university’s Vice-Chancellor, Baroness Blackstone, says: “We hope that people in Greenwich will be as excited by these plans as we are. The high quality design of the new university building will greatly enhance the town centre. With some facilities and services open to local people and organisations, it will add to the creative and cultural energy of Greenwich and benefit our wider community.”

The former Village Market site had previously been ear-marked for a mixed use development but the University acquired the land last year. Most of the buildings have now been cleared although the 60s office block, John Humphries House, remains. The building was originally a pioneering purpose built  computer centre, handling data processing for several Metropolitan boroughs.

The initial designs were exhibited by the University at an eight day consultation last July. When asked if feedback received through the consultation event had resulted in changes to the scheme, a spokesperson told Greenwich.co.uk that there had been a “a reduction of the building mass; in height and stepping it back away from the neighbours gardens” and also a “a relocation of service facilities.”

Local residents and businesses will have another chance to examine the plans at a public exhibition from February 23rd to February 26 – click here for full details of times.

Stockwell Street - University of Greenwich

Greenwich cruise liner terminal approved

By

A planning application for a cruise liner terminal, hundreds of new homes and a new hotel has been approved by Greenwich Council.

The mixed use development will be built at the disused Enderby’s Wharf adjacent to Christchurch Way on the south western side of the Greenwich Peninsula.

In addition to 770 new homes and a 251 bedroom hotel, the 3.6 hectare site will also include shops, a creche and a gymnasium. The cruise ship terminal will have one cruise liner berth capable of accommodating  ships up to 240m in length. There will also be two berths for Thames riverbus services.

The land includes the Grade II listed Enderby House which was built in the mid 19th century. The property will be extended and converted into a restaurant “with accompanying exhibition and tourist” space.

Once completed,  365 full time equivalent jobs are expected to be created and a “skills academy” will train 16 – 21 year olds for opportunities at the cruise terminal and hotel.

The site itself was formerly owned by Alcatel Lucent – still based on adjacent land – and it was from here that the Enderby Brothers were pioneers in the development of telegraph cables that would be laid across the Atlantic.

The proposals received the unanimous backing of councillors at last week’s meeting of the council’s Planning Board.

James Blakey, commenting on behalf of developers Mason Properties who are behind the scheme, said:

“We are delighted that the Planning Boardhas decided to endorse the recommendation to approve the Enderby Wharf proposals. The collaborative approach to preparing the proposals over the past 18 months has resulted in a comprehensive mix of uses, which will bring a range of economic, environmental and social benefits to the borough and London as a whole. At the heart of the proposals is the provision of an international cruise liner terminal in the maritime heartland of Greenwich and London. The proposals have optimised the deep water within the River Thames to create a new tourist destination in a highly accessible location”.

Council tax in Greenwich frozen

By

There will be no rise in council tax after a freeze was agreed by councillors for the year 2011 – 2012 at a full meeting of the Council last Wednesday at Woolwich Town Hall.

Band D homes will continue to have an annual council tax of £1,290.73.

At the same meeting, councillors agreed an average rent increase of £5.16 per week for council tenants.

It was also revealed that the council is to consult its tenants on implementing a new service charge to help close a gap in the housing budget.

Council officers report that a £2.00 weekly service charge would meet the shortfall but a range of figures will be included in the consultation – the results of which are expected to be introduced from October 2011.

Greenwich planners approve cable car scheme

By

A cable car system across the Thames took a step closer to becoming a reality last night after it won the unanimous support of Greenwich Council’s Planning Board.

The TFL scheme to build a cable car linking the Greenwich Peninsula with the Royal Docks has already been backed by Newham Council.

Once built, the Thames Cable Car will carry 34 gondolas – each with a capacity of 10 people – on the short journey fifty metres above the Thames.

In their review of the scheme, CABE praised the “the elegance, inventiveness and originality” of the towers that will straddle both ends.

For further coverage of the planning committee meeting, see Darryl’s report at 853.

Nick Raynsford MP told Greenwich.co.uk last year that the scheme was a “nice little project” but not one that would address the “absolutely hopeless cross river links”

Changes agreed to Planning committee system

By

More objections will be required for future planning applications before they are referred to council planning committees following a decision taken at last night’s full council meeting.

Currently a planning application that receives two or more objections will be referred to the local Planning Board by council officers, but this threshold is being increased to eight.

The cost saving measure is estimated to cut the number of applications considered by committees from 179 to 75 in a year and result in a saving of £27,000 in 2011/2012.

Council officers say that at least ten London borough have a higher threshold than that which is being introduced in Greenwich, or they leave referral at the discretion of officers and members.

Conservative councillors voted against the plans, with Cllr Alex Wilson suggesting the plans wait til the Government’s Localism Bill has been published – expected to make many changes to local planning rules – and Cllr Geoff Brighty questioning whether applications could be dealt with in a timely manner if the number of meetings were being reduced.

Deputy Leader of the Council, Cllr Peter Brooks, backed the plan and said that the proposals could be reviewed at the council’s AGM in May.

Royal Observatory to introduce £10 charge

By

Royal Observatory

Accessing parts of the Royal Observatory in Greenwich Park will cost visitors £10 from March, it has emerged.

The new charge is being introduced from March 8th this year and applies to Flamsteed House and the Meridian Line. Adults will pay £10 and those that qualify for a concession will pay £7.50. Once paid, the pass will enable free returns for 12 months. Children aged 15 and under will continue to get free access.

The Astronomy Centre with its three interactive galleries will remain free.

Charging was abolished at the museum in 2001, when free entry was introduced at national museums in England, Scotland and Wales, but a spokesperson for the National Maritime Museum says it “needs to look at generating more of its own revenue” after a “a prolonged period of limited investment”.

Lord Sterling, Chairman of the Board of Trustees of the National Maritime Museum said, “After thorough deliberation, Trustees have taken the decision that the only responsible and practical course of action we can adopt is to return to charging for the Meridian Line and Flamsteed House at the Royal Observatory.”

When asked if the Royal Observatory would be considering discounted entry for holders of the council’s “Greenwich Card” scheme, the NMM spokesperson commented, “It is something we are looking into.”

Additional coverage at the Greenwich Gazette, Greenwich Phantom and 853.

Controversial Greenwich Market redevelopment gets the go-ahead

By

Controversial plans to redevelop Greenwich Market and build a new boutique hotel have been given the green light.

The proposals were orgininally rejected unanimously by councillors on the Greenwich Council Planning Board but landowners, Greenwich Hospital took their revised plans to a public appeal.

Following a public inquiry, with hearings held at Woolwich Town Hall last September, the planning inspector has recommended that permission be granted. His conclusions have now been backed by Local Government Secretary of State, Eric Pickles.

The Planning Inspector considered both the original application and the revised scheme, designed by Hopkins Architects, put forward by Greenwich Hospital. He agreed with many of the objections to the original proposals and stated that they would have been harmful to the character and appearance of the conservation area.

But in looking at the the revised plans, which dropped plans for a canopy roof and retain the market’s cobbles, the Inspector concludes that the “universal value, integrity and authenticity of the World Heritage Site” would be conserved by the regeneration. He adds that the scheme would “preserve the setting of nearby listed buildings”.

The banana warehouse and stable buildings in Durnford Street will be demolished as part of the revamp. The inspector admits they have a “degree of charm and character” but points out listed building building consent for their demolition has already been granted.

The 99 bedroom hotel, split across two buildings with the market in between, will be run by Bespoke Hotels, who also operate the Bermondsey Square Hotel, and is expected to create 86 full-time-equivalent jobs.

A new crescent street will be created leading from Durnford Street to the market which the inspector describes as as “imaginative and acceptable additional chapter in the market area’s evolution” that would provide “variety and interest”.

The redevelopment of the market, which has been strongly supported by the Greenwich Society and local MP, Nick Raynsford, will not begin until January 2013 at the earliest and traders will move to a new temporary market at Monument Gardens whilst the redevelopment is undertaken.

Martin Sands, Director of Greenwich Hospital, welcomed the news as a “a positive result for Greenwich Hospital and for the centre of Greenwich.” He added, “The Hospital believes that the approved scheme, which includes minor amendments, will maintain the character and atmosphere of the current market within a refurbished environment.”

Speaking to Greenwich.co.uk, Nick Raynsford MP said he was “delighted that consent has been given”. Although a supporter of the original application, he praised Greenwich Hospital for its “pragmatic decision” to “amend the scheme in response to genuine concern.”. He added that the redevelopment would “protect and ensure the long term future of the market”.

The Chair of Greenwich Council’s Planning Board, Cllr Ray Walker, has hit out at the decision and labelled the development as a “scheme totally out of keeping with the history and architecture of Greenwich Town Centre … which simply is not of a sufficiently high standard for a World Heritage Site.” He attacked the Government’s decision to back the scheme and their pledge towards greater “localism” carried “little actual meaning.”

For critics of the scheme, options to fight the ruling are limited to an appeal in the High Court or a Judicial Review. Ray Crudgington, head of Commercial Property and Managing Partner at Grant Saw Solicitors LLP in Greenwich commented, “I suspect this decision will be very, very, difficult and expensive to appeal against.”

Once built, the Greenwich Market Hotel will be operated by Bespoke Hotels.

REACTION IN FULL

Martin Sands, Director of Greenwich Hospital

This is a positive result for Greenwich Hospital and for the centre of Greenwich. The Hospital believes that the approved scheme, which includes minor amendments, will maintain the character and atmosphere of the current market within a refurbished environment. This decision recognises the standard of design employed by Hopkins Architects and their success in creating a scheme that responds to the constraints of the site yet remains sympathetic to the surrounding architecture.

Greenwich Hospital will consider the detail of the consent granted with its professional advisers to decide how best to take matters forward. In any event Greenwich Hospital will not consider starting the market regeneration before January 2013, following the first Christmas after the Olympics.

More immediately, Greenwich Hospital will continue working with Greenwich stakeholders, traders, retailers, Greenwich Council and all those involved in
the future of Greenwich, to make the market and Greenwich a continuing success, particularly in the key pre Olympic period

We will also continue promoting the market and the town centre working with our retail PR consultant, to communicate the unique shops and market
stalls in Greenwich to key local, regional and national lifestyle and shopping editors, as well as promoting the seasonal events that Greenwich Market hosts
for the local community.

Our programme of planned maintenance will continue this year as planned with the redecoration of the Hospital’s properties in Greenwich Church Street and all other refurbishment projects will continue as planned.

We will continue to work alongside Greenwich stakeholders who maintain a close interest in the town centre. Greenwich Hospital will continue to be
fully engaged in the future of Greenwich. In fact, it is very much business as normal”.

Councillor Ray Walker, Chair of Greenwich Council’s Planning Board

“It is regrettable that the new Secretary of State, apparently pledged to a greater degree of localism, has chosen to overturn the unanimous decision of the Council to reject the planning application for Greenwich Market. Localism is a word which seems to be increasingly deployed but carries very little actual meaning for the Government. This appeal gives the green light to a scheme totally out of keeping with the history and architecture of Greenwich Town Centre and which simply is not of a sufficiently high standard for a World Heritage Site. It is particularly unfortunate that the application will permit the Greenwich Hospital Estate to demolish the heart of Greenwich Town Centre just as we have shown off all its charms to the millions of visitors in 2012 and who, instead of being encouraged to return, will avoid the building site that the Greenwich Hospital Estate will turn the town into”.

SEE ALSO

Reaction from 853
Reaction from the Greenwich Phantom

FULL DECISION NOTICE

11-01-19 3-in-1 Greenwich Market

Anger grows at allotment price hike

By

Allotments

Green fingered allotment holders from around Greenwich are planning to fight against the council’s plans to increase their fees.

A £21m package of cuts and savings recently unveiled by Greenwich Council includes a steep price hike for gardeners and growers at the borough’s 18 allotments – 2 of which are in SE10.

Allotments are measured in size using a system called “rods”. Prices currently vary between £3.50 and £8.50 per rod but the new costs will be £20 per rod in 2011/12 and £25 per by 2013/14. Allotment holders from outside of the borough will pay double.

One allotment owner told Greenwich.co.uk that the net result of the changes is that his allotment will rise from £67 per year to £200.

A spokesperson for the allotment holders commented “Allotments foster a sense of community among diverse nationalities and income groups. They should not be priced to appeal only to the rich. They help keep older people healthier and happier – thus probably saving money on the Council’s social services budget. The Council is sending out the wrong message”.

Representatives from the allotment holders are planning to be a thorn in the council’s side over the proposals, and will be attending a meeting at the town hall on Thursday night (20th) to raise their concerns.

There’s a long waiting list for allotments and the council no longer accepts applications from non-residents because of the strong demand.

170 new homes given go-ahead in Norman Road

By

Developers have been given the go-ahead to build 170 new homes in Norman Road, Greenwich.

The Council’s Planning Board unanimously backed two neighbouring planning applications for developments consisting of 85 apartments each at their meeting on December 21st.

35% of the homes will be affordable housing in both developments, although this figure is dependent on grant funding being secured.

Both the Hilton’s Wharf and 30-52 Norman Road developments can now proceed although councillors have laid down several provisos, including the provision of car club parking spaces, a designated children’s play space maintained in perpetuity and the possibility of more affordable homes if the market improves. Residents of the new properties will not be able to apply for street parking permits.

Gongs for Greenwich residents

By

Four residents of Greenwich were celebrating after being named in the New Year Honours List.

Oscar winning film maker, Andrea Arnold, receives an OBE for her services to the film industry. The Dartford-born TV presenter turned film director received an Oscar in 2005 for her short film, ‘Wasp’. Now based in Greenwich, Ms Arnold, aged 49, is working on a new feature length adaptation of ‘Wuthering Heights’.

Ian Brown receives a CBE for his services to the rail industry. Brown, who recently retired from his position as Managing Director of London Rail within Transport for London after a 40-year career, was central to the development of London Overground.

Professor Susheila Nasta is awarded the MBE for her services to Black and Asian literature. In 1984, Professor Nasta  launched ‘Wasafiri’, a magazine dedication to international contemporary writing , and she continues to be its editor today.

An MBE is also given to local resident, Jane Pugh – the Governance Officer at the London School of Economics –  for her services to Higher Education.