Presentation from Stephen Platt – Acting Director of Regeneration
Questions and Answers
Minutes:
5.1 Stephen Platt, acting Head of Regeneration gave a brief overview of the 4 major regeneration projects in the borough; Elephant and Castle; Aylesbury; Canada Water; and Bermondsey Spa.
5.2 Members of the sub-committee asked for further clarity on the transport situation at Elephant and Castle as the transport element of the plan is vital to its overall success. It was explained that the creation of a peninsular at the northern roundabout is not acceptable to TfL because of its impact on traffic flows. Discussions are underway with TfL to find a solution and this is expected by the autumn.
5.3 The importance of considering all other aspects of transport was also discussed, in particular the safety of cyclists whilst the developments are underway.
5.4 A discussion took place on the redevelopment of the Elephant and Castle shopping centre, whether it will be closed down whilst the work take place, and the impact this will have on local businesses. Stephen Platt told the sub-committee that a final solution has not yet been agreed, but it would be technically possible to do the work in two phases which would mean part of the shopping centre could always remain open. In addition, as part of the planning applications for Heygate, other sites for affordable retailing have been identified.
5.5 Members of the sub-committee asked about the likelihood of squash courts being designed in to the new leisure facilities at Elephant and Castle. Stephen Platt explained that if there are squash courts this would have to be at the expense of something else because of the limited space available.
5.6 The issue of supporting local businesses to benefit from the construction and development work was discussed, and the possibility of splitting the contracts available so that smaller businesses can bid for them.
5.7 A question was asked about what arrangements there are to try to maximise the number of jobs for local people from the development. Karen O’Keefe, Head of Economic Development, explained that there are already training projects underway with Southwark College, and following on from this other support mechanisms will be put in place when it is timely to do so, including a Lend Lease subsidy to get people into jobs.
5.8 Members asked about the timetable for the SPD for the wider area. The acting Head of Regeneration explained that it is expected that the SPD will be adopted in the spring, and the consultation phase will take place at the end of the year.
5.9 The sub-committee queried the balance, distribution and size of new housing on the Aylesbury estate. It was confirmed that the need for larger housing units has been taken into account across the borough and that the new housing will be in mixed public/private developments with larger room sizes.
5.10 The chair asked about funding for the Aylesbury estate. It was explained that there will be some HCA grant but not at the previous level and the funding situation is difficult to resolve.
5.11 Members discussed transport issues in the context of the Canada Water development. Discussions are underway with TfL about Lower Road issues. Their support is needed because of traffic flow considerations. Pre-application discussions are also underway around the shopping centre. All applications will have more cars. It was agreed that there is a need to look into transport issues again in an holistic way at Canada Water.
5.12 The timetable and overspend for Canda Water library was discussed. The overspend is £5 million and the library and plaza works are due to be completed in September.
5.1 The sub-committee was keen to ensure that Canada Water and indeed all major projects use local contractors and employ local people. It was suggested that there should be a target number of businesses and employees. The Acting Head of Regeneration agreed that this should be the case, but this is somewhat dependent on the type of schemes the development will comprise of, and at Canada Water it is not yet clear what the schemes are.
5.2 In discussion about the Bermonsey Spa development members queried whether there is a risk of some of the retail units lying empty because of the current market conditions. It was explained that some of the existing shops in the are will be demolished which will reduce this risk but that there may still be some vacant units in the area.
5.3 The issue of CO2 emissions was discussed and how projects are contributing to the challenging targets. It was explained that there is a Code for sustainable homes and also that there are a whole series of measures required as part of the planning process.
5.4 The Acting Head of Regeneration confirmed that Peckham Town centre is part of his remit and that the Area Action Plan is out for consultation at the moment with final adoption expected in 2013. It was agreed that a briefing note on the Area Action Plan would be provided for the next meeting.