Wednesday, 22 May 2019
Tuesday, 21 May 2019
Petition launched to Save the Bobby Moore Bridge tile murals
The image used in
this poster may be the work of Amanda Rose ( ©amandarosephoto
)
– we are still waiting for Quintain to confirm whether or not this is the case.
– we are still waiting for Quintain to confirm whether or not this is the case.
Guest post by Philip
Grant, in a personal capacity.
Comments on my guest blog about the Bobby
Moore Bridge planning applications last week LINK led to a paper petition being
started. Signatures were collected from last Friday onwards, and forms for this
are still in circulation. I will write a little more about those efforts below.
From 21 May until 5 June, there is also an e-petition on
the Brent Council website, saying:
‘We, the undersigned, petition the Council to put the tile murals in the Bobby Moore Bridge subway at Wembley Park back on permanent public display, through its Planning Officers or Planning Committee rejecting both of the current applications relating to this site: 19/1387 (illuminated panels and surrounding metal cladding) and application 19/1474 (advertising consent).’
If you live, work
or study in Brent, and support the aims of this petition (explained in last
week’s guest blog), and have not signed the paper petition, I would
encourage you, please, to sign the online petition LINK . The more signatures we achieve, the
better the chance of getting these planning applications considered properly,
and hopefully in public at a Brent Planning Committee meeting in June or July.
Following the suggestion that we should have a petition,
and getting the first signatures on it from local residents, Jaine and I went
out on Saturday afternoon, to bring the hidden murals to the attention of fans
going to the F.A. Cup Final, and seek their support. They, after all, are some
of the visitors to Wembley that the tile murals were designed to welcome, to
“the Venue of Legends”.
I had been standing in the Bobby Moore Bridge subway, in
front of the hidden tile murals and with a copy of the poster above as a “bib”,
for less than ten minutes when I was approached by a uniformed lady from
“Wembley Park Security”. She asked me what I was doing, and whether I had a
permit. I explained, and said that as I was not selling anything, or collecting
money for a charity, I did not think that I needed a permit. She insisted,
politely, on taking pictures of my “bib” and petition on her mobile ‘phone.
A few minutes later, she returned with a larger male colleague.
They told me that I was not allowed to petition anyone on Wembley Park land,
and that I should move away, across the white tiled line at the station end of
the subway. I said that the subway belonged to Brent Council, not to “Wembley
Park”, and that Quintain had admitted that fact in the planning applications
the petition was seeking signatures for. The lady insisted I was wrong, as did
her colleague after ‘phoning “Security Control”. I said that they had been
given incorrect information, but decided not to argue the point further!
Fans on the steps at Wembley Park Station, seen from the subway about 2 hours before kick-off.
As the place that “Wembley Park Security” had directed me
to was right at the bottom of the steps down from the station, and would have
caused an obstruction and been a safety hazard, I went across to Olympic
Square. I was glad that I did, because it was easier to approach people who
were standing, waiting to meet up with friends, rather than those walking
towards the stadium.
I have to admit that I only got around 50 signatures – I
am more “at home” in a quiet archive than amid the noise and crowds of Cup
Final Day! I believe that Jaine got many more, possibly several hundred. They
will all help, when submitted with those which two other supporters are
collecting.
Among the people I spoke to, there was genuine concern
that the tile murals (which few knew about, but some had seen on visits to the
stadium in the past) had been allowed to be covered over with adverts. As well
as the poster, we had some photos with us showing other sections of the murals
that are covered up. When I was speaking to the mother of one family group, her
daughter (no more than ten) said: “Look, that’s Michael Jackson!” Although the
late singer had serious “issues” in his personal life, he remains a popular
entertainer for his music and videos, and she had recognised him from the
mural.
Tile mural scene,
from Michael Jackson’s record-breaking
live concerts at Wembley Stadium in the 1980’s.
live concerts at Wembley Stadium in the 1980’s.
One older man was disgusted at the disrespect to Bobby
Moore, by covering up the mural and plaque in his memory. He wished me luck
with our efforts to get the murals put back on public display, but warned that
“money always wins.” Unfortunately, he was right about that as far as the Cup
Final went, as he was a Watford supporter, and his team lost 6-0 to Manchester
City (funded by the billions of a Gulf state ruler). But, with your help, money
(in the shape of Quintain) does not
have to win over the tile murals.
So, please, use the link above to go to Brent’s
e-petitions page, and back the efforts to have the planning applications
rejected, so that all of the Bobby Moore Bridge tile murals are saved from
damage and put back on public display.
Better still, if you can spare the time, please use the
link from last week’s guest blog to go to Brent’s Planning website, and object
to both applications, 19/1387 and 19/1474. The blog gives some good
grounds for objection, with both applications going against Brent’s Wembley
Area Action Plan, and the covering up of the tile murals being against the
‘interests of amenity’ under the advertising consent Regulations.
Thank you.
Philip Grant.
Labels:
Bobby Moore Bridge,
Olympic Way,
planning,
Quintain,
Wembley Stadium
Justice4Grenfell campaign will speak at Brent Trades Hall tomorrow May 22nd
On Wednesday 22nd May, Moira Samuels will be speaking at 7.30pm at Brent Trades Council's meeting.
Moira Samuels is from the Justice4Grenfell campaign whose goal is to obtain justice for the families, survivors and the local community.
On 14 June 2017 Grenfell went up in flames and on 14th June 2019 local residents and supporters are still marching in silence to remember this horrendous tragedy.
Willesden Trades and Labour Hall, 375 High Road, London NW10 2JR.
ENGINES OF PRIVILEGE: BRITAIN'S PRIVATE SCHOOLS PROBLEM - A DISCUSSION
From Kensal and Kilburn Better 2019
Is private education a key source of our country's problems?
Social historian David Kynaston, co-author of Engines of Privilege: Britain's private school problem, will set out the argument made in his book, followed by responses to the book by Patrick Derham, Headmaster of Westminster School and Melissa Benn, author of Life Lessons: the case for a National Education Service, and then discussion.
The event will be chaired by Judith Enright, Headteacher of Queens Park Community School.
The debate will not be about whether individuals should or should not send their children to private schools; it will be about the effect of the private school system on wider society.
Therefore we warmly welcome parents and students from both state and private schools, as well as everybody else who has ever attended school and wants a well-informed discussion on our education system and our society.
A Kensal & Kilburn Better 2019 event put on in association with Queens Park Book Festival
Monday, 10 June 2019 from 19:00 to 20:30 (BST)
Queens Park Community School
Aylestone Avenue
NW6 7BQ London
Aylestone Avenue
NW6 7BQ London
Labels:
David Kynaston,
Kensal and Kilburn Better 2019,
Melissa Benn,
Patrick Derham,
private education,
state schools
Drug related crime community meeting tonight 7pm Brent Civic Centre
End drug-related crime - Public
Meeting Drugs affect us and our community
7pm-9pm Tuesday 21 May 2019 Brent
Civic Centre Grand Hall Tea and coffee from 6.45pm
How can we stop the violence and
exploitation caused by drugs? Have your say – make a difference:
Find out:
• whose lives are affected by drugs
• how drugs fuel exploitation,
crime and violence
• what the police are
doing
• how mentors with first-hand
experience can help
What can we all do now and in the
longer term?
How can parents help?
How can young people help?
How can schools help?
How can policy and legislation help?
Hear what the panel say. Ask
them questions. Make suggestions.
PANEL
- Louis Smith, Police Superintendent, North West London
- Tom Sackville and Mary Payne, Brent substance misuse service
- Danny Coyle, Headteacher of Newman Catholic College
- David MacKintosh, drugs policy adviser
- Brent Youth Parliament member
- St Giles Trust mentor for schools
Organised by Brent Safer
Neighbourhood Board
Labels:
Brent Council,
Brent Safer Neighbourhood Board,
crime,
drugs
Friday, 17 May 2019
Quintain secures a further £172.5m of development financing to support the continuing expansion of Wembley Park
Site E05 proposals (from Quintain website) |
Press release from Quintain Ltd
Quintain has successfully completed a £172.5m financing package with Cheyne Capital to support the development of the next phase of its development programme at Wembley Park. The funding will support the development of the latest block in its Eastern Lands quarter, consisting of 458 homes and includes a multi-storey coach and car park that is being part funded by Homes England.
Angus Dodd, Chief Executive at Quintain said:
Cheyne is an existing funder of the business on other phases under construction and we are delighted that it is continuing its support through co-funding the next development in the pipeline. The funding structure is bespoke for Build to Rent (BtR) and was executed in a highly efficient manner, demonstrating Cheyne’s expertise in this area. The funding will take the aggregate number of residential units under construction at Wembley Park back to over 3,000. These homes are on track to be delivered in phases over the next two years and will all be managed by Tipi.Arron Taggart at Cheyne Capital said:
The Quintain loan demonstrates Cheyne’s continued ability to provide large development loan solutions to high quality projects such as Wembley Park and support borrowers of the calibre of Quintain. The Wembley Park project is a complex and innovative example of how the London landscape continues to improve and change from large scale redevelopment such as this, and we are delighted to be able to play a part in that journey.The latest plot on the Eastern Lands is called E05 and comprises 458 homes across three blocks, ranging in height from 10-21 storeys. The homes are being delivered entirely for rent, including discount market rent and London living rent, all of which will be managed by Tipi, Quintain’s lifestyle-focused rental brand. Also at E05 is 83,000 sq ft of innovative amenity space in the form of podium-level private landscaped gardens, roof terraces and a resident’s lounge. The contractor for this project will be John Sisk & Son.
The news comes as Quintain also announces the appointment of Richard MacDowel to the role of Group Treasurer. Richard joined from the real estate lending team at Lloyds Bank, where he was Head of Major Private Groups. Working alongside Cath Webster, Executive Director of Strategy & Investment, he will have responsibility, among other things, for the group’s relationship with external debt funders. Richard said: “I join at an important time for the business, as it further develops the Wembley Park project. The Build to Rent funding market in the UK is still nascent, and it is exciting to be a part of the team that is at the sector’s vanguard and looking to establish new funding templates.
This image refers to Philip Grant's comment below:
Labels:
capital,
Cheyne Capital,
development,
E05,
John Sisk,
Quintain,
Wembley Park
Some mistake, surely? Brent Council wins planning awards while complaints about housing escalate
Chase House, South Kilburn |
Legend has it that emperor Nero fiddled while Rome burned. Brent
Council leadership seem to be staging a modern re-enactment when, while
receiving baubles for its planning team, it turns a blind eye to reports of the
poor standard of housing being built.
The
Council website proudly proclaims LINK
Brent scoops planning award
A UK planning industry award was handed to Brent council's planning team yesterday (24 April) in recognition of the projects and plans and commitments made by the team to borough.
The RTPI [Royal Town Planning Institute] awards for planning excellence is the longest running and most high-profile awards in the industry and celebrates the teams and projects that transform economies, environments and communities all over the UK and internationally.
Brent scooped the Local Authority Planning Team of the Year award ahead of nine other shortlisted authorities.
The judges noted how Brent's planning team excelled in all areas of work. They were impressed with their desire to continually reflect on their performance and look for ways to develop and improve their service.
Cllr Tatler, Cabinet Member for Regeneration, Highways and Planning, said:
"This is a great achievement and one that we should be proud of. We were up against some of the best nationally to win Planning Team of the Year and it just shows that we are on the right path with what we are doing here in Brent for residents, creating new homes, opportunities and building a better borough.
In stark contrast, about the same time, Catalyst Housing
announced that all residents would have to leave Merle Court in Carlton Vale within
18 months. Not only has the flammable cladding on the building to be removed,
but Catalyst say that the need for major internal works mean residents have to
move out.
In recent months local Councillors and the MP, Tulip Siddiq,
have received many complaints from residents of Argo House in Kilburn Park road
of major problems, including poor ventilation, internal mould, intermittent hot
water and heating, loose cables and loose cladding. Residents also say they are
getting little or now support from the property managers or Home Group Housing
association.
A few weeks ago, residents of Chase House in Hansel Road tweeted
photos of the state of their bloc, including mould. This week the Kilburn Times
picks up on that LINK but with the additional facts this concerns not just
Chase House, but also Franklin House (Carlton Vale) and Hollister House on
Kilburn Park Road. The common factor to all three is that they are all managed by
L & Q. Their common problems are like those of Argo House.
Such problems are not new. Like Merle Court, Swift House and
George House (managed by L & Q) on Albert Road, have flammable cladding and
have had 24-hour firewatch since shortly after the Grenfell tragedy. L & Q
is currently in the process of removing the cladding on Swift House, which
means residents are surrounded by ugly scaffold for an extended period.
George House also needed a new roof after the previous one
leaked. It still has flat roofs which collect water.
Kilburn Quarter (Network Homes, Cambridge Road) had to have
their balconies waterproofed after it was discovered they were leaking.
These problems come on top of a myriad of lesser issues (though
not to the residents…) that have been reported for years, as well as issues of
rocketing service charges imposed.
What all these properties have in common is that they have been
built as part of Brent Council’s regeneration of South Kilburn. All are new,
and the problems are common to both “social” and market-price residents.
Before this latest award, Brent won several plaudits for its
“flagship” regeneration and refused to listen to those residents and community
activists, including the local Kilburn branch of the Labour Party, who tried to
raise these issues.
Clearly the problems are common to several different property
developers and housing associations. Despite the awards (which never seem to
involve local people among their judges), builders and housing associations
have been taking advantage of Brent’s enthusiasm for regeneration to build
sub-standard housing.
Brent appears to want to disclaim any responsibility for these
problems, referring all enquiries from journalists about Merle Court to
Catalyst without comment. However, not only was Merle Court built in partnership with Brent Council, but
Brent gave panning permission for all these blocks (which replace previous
Council housing). They are all part of the Council’s regeneration of South
Kilburn, and social tenants in them were referred on by Brent after their
Council housing was demolished. Brent shares some responsibility for this
situation beyond simply being the Local Authority in which poor quality housing
exists.
The concern is that, with South Kilburn regeneration to continue
for many years, and Brent wanting to “regenerate” St Raphaels estate, we can
see further similar problems.
South Kilburn residents and community activists are, however,
getting organised. As well as calling for current faults to be rectified, we must
call for a halt to regeneration until Brent and the community, are satisfied
that housing is build to a decent standard and housing associations and
property managers take real responsibility for their buildings.
-->
Labels:
Brent Council,
Catalyst,
Kilburn Times,
L&Q Group,
Merle Court,
Network Homes,
Pete Firmin,
RTPI,
South Kilburn,
St Rapahel's Estate
Thursday, 16 May 2019
Day after Bobby Moore Bridge mural article is published Brent Council issue planning notice
Coincidence or the power of Philip Grant's article?
The day after Philip's article was published on Wembley Matters regarding the planning application for the Bobby Moore Bridge at the end of Olympic Way (below Bridge Road) the site notice above (dated 15/05/19) was posted by Brent Council.
You will see that it gives a deadline of June 5th for comments.
The day after Philip's article was published on Wembley Matters regarding the planning application for the Bobby Moore Bridge at the end of Olympic Way (below Bridge Road) the site notice above (dated 15/05/19) was posted by Brent Council.
You will see that it gives a deadline of June 5th for comments.
Labels:
advertising,
Bobby Moore Bridge,
Brent Council,
mural,
Olympic Way,
Philip GRant,
Quintain
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