Library update
Minutes:
Councillor Mark Williams, cabinet member for regeneration, planning and transport, explained that the main areas of local work were the new library, Camberwell Green, the pocket parks and the junctions review.
Camberwell Green
There had been extensive public consultation and the plan was to expand and enhance the green along with the facilities available to the public. The location of the toilet was still being reviewed prior to planning approval being sought. Work on Camberwell Green was due to commence in Spring 2016.
Junctions review
The main roads that run through Camberwell were controlled by Transport for London (TfL) and a lot of work had been done with them by the council. Several million pounds had been spent on improving traffic flows and making it safer and more pleasant for pedestrians and cyclists. Some bus stops would be spread out to reduce some congested stopping zones that existed. A few issues were still to be resolved with TfL and it was about getting the best solution for Camberwell. One thing being looked at was extending the crossing time for pedestrians near the doctor’s surgery which was not sufficient.
Pocket parks
Work was taking place on areas on Datchelor Place, Grove Lane and Artichoke Place to enhance and deliver those for Camberwell.
Transport
The council was also lobbying TfL to have the tube extended to Camberwell and on to Peckham. Work was being done with Lambeth to extend the cycle hire scheme to as much of the borough as possible including Camberwell.
Councillor Williams asked residents to think about what they wanted next for their area after the current schemes were completed.
Jessica Caruth, Senior Project Manager, explained that she was project managing the new Camberwell library. The structured building framework was now visible over the hoardings. The planned opening would take place in Spring 2015. It would be a modern facility with:
- a large flexible meeting room with kitchenette
- modern equipment throughout
- large areas for adults and children
- computers for public use
- 18 study spaces
- books, games, DVDs to rent
- a programme of activities and events taking place
- access to wider council services
- 10 buggy spaces
- free wifi
There would be improved walkways and lighting to the library. More trees would be planted than were being cut down to make way for the new library.
A deputation at the last community council meeting in April 2014, had raised some concerns about the level of traffic on Camberwell Grove. Councillor Mark Williams, responded that the aim was to reduce speed and accidents in Camberwell and the whole borough, and to make it a more pleasant place for people to live. The decision had recently been signed off to make the borough 20 mph throughout which would soon be implemented. A request had been made to TfL for their roads to be consistent with the 20 mph zone in Southwark. Linked to that work there would be a big push on promoting walking and cycling in the borough. Officers had been asked to do a comprehensive traffic study of Camberwell to see what further improvements could be made. A review was also taking place on all the traffic crossing points to identify and replace any dangerous crossings.
Mr Sheard who raised the deputation welcomed the 20mph speed limit but asked for a focus on Camberwell Grove, which in his view, had long been overlooked.
Councillor Dixon-Fyle added that with regard to the new library update, there had been a commitment from Peabody officers to help. If Peabody were given a space, they would assist local residents within the new library.