Thames Water to press ahead with Chambers Wharf as ‘super sewer’ site

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From Thames Water’s Summary report on phase two consultation for the Thames Tunnel

In light of the feedback that we have received, we believe that no new information has been highlighted that would change the conclusions of our site selection process to date. Chambers Wharf therefore remains our preferred site to drive the main tunnel to Abbey Mills Pumping Station and receive the main tunnel from Kirtling Street; and the long connection tunnel from Greenwich Pumping Station. Additionally, no new information or issues have been identified that would fundamentally change our proposals for this site. Therefore we will continue to develop the proposals for this site that we published at phase two consultation.

The feedback we have received included detailed comments on the construction and operational effects of the proposed development and the measures we propose to reduce and manage those effects. Detailed comments were also made on our proposals for the permanent design and appearance of the site. Having regard to the feedback received we are continuing to refine our detailed proposals for this site to improve the design and reduce the impacts on the local community and environment. Currently we are considering the following changes to the layout and/or appearance of our proposals:

  • reviewing the raised ventilation structure previously proposed to abut the river wall to minimise the effect on the future new public realm
  • additional noise attenuation measures during construction
  • providing a pedestrian crossing near Riverside Primary School
  • opportunities to make further use of the river to transport shaft, other excavated materials and sand and aggregates for secondary tunnel linings to reduce the number of lorries on local roads
  • appropriate arrangements for cross borough monitoring of the construction phases where relevant in the Code of construction practice.
Cllr Peter John, leader of Southwark Council, says:

It’s disgraceful that Thames Water are ploughing on with their plans to use Chamber’s Wharf for part of the Super Sewer.  The community, the council, the Mayor of London and the local MP are all opposed to the use of this site. It seems Thames Water are only listening to their shareholders.

We have fought this proposal at every opportunity as we can find no possible justification for placing a major building site in the middle of a densely residential area and right next to a primary school. We have consistently argued that the disruption caused by 24 hour HGV traffic and drilling will blight lives for years to come.

It beggars belief that these arguments have fallen on deaf ears. Thames Water don’t even appear to acknowledge the petition presented to them by the pupils of Riverside Primary School. They should have closed this issue for good, but are instead just railroading opposition.

Bermondsey youths tackle Three Peaks Challenge to raise funds for Salmon Centre

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A team of 20 young people and staff from Salmon Youth Centre in Bermondsey are taking on the adventure of a lifetime next weekend to climb the highest mountains of England, Scotland and Wales – within 24 hours.

Joining staff from Standard Chartered Bank, the gruelling challenge will see the team scale Ben Nevis in Scotland, Scafell Pike in England, and Snowdon in Wales to complete the renowned Three Peaks Challenge between Thursday 24 and Friday 25 May.

Despite the obvious challenges, Miranda Haslem, a Youth Worker at Salmon, is looking forward to it. She said: “We’re all very excited about it as none of us here at Salmon have done it before so it will be well out of our comfort zone. We’re lucky to have the experienced guys from Standard Chartered with us to guide the way!”

Also excited is 16 year old Jack Clayton, a young volunteer at Salmon. He said: “I was going to do the London Marathon this year until I found out I was too young for it, so I set myself a challenge to do this instead and raise money for Salmon along the way.

“I’ve been coming to Salmon since I was 14 and being here has really changed me a lot – I’ve developed skills such as timekeeping, team work and leadership which will help me in future for jobs. I’m looking forward to completing the challenge in under 24 hours – with some time to spare!”

The team is hoping to raise £10,000 to help fund Salmon’s work with disadvantaged young people. To find out more and to make a donation, please visit www.virginmoneygiving.com/team/SCSquared

 

Southwark Civic Awards 2012

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Congratulations to the SE16 recipients of Southwark Civic Awards – including Barry Duckett of Rotherhithe Festival fame who received a lifetime achievement award. The same award was given to Peter Parfitt in recognition of his long service as a governor and reading volunteer at Peter Hills School.

At the same ceremony FA Albin & Sons Ltd were presented with a scroll to mark the fact that the company has been granted the freedom of the London Borough of Southwark.

Michael Caine, born at St Olave’s Hospital in SE16, was also present to receive his illuminated scroll.

Surrey Quays Shopping Centre revamp to start in spring 2013

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streetview.jpg

The owners of Surrey Quays Shopping Centre have announced that work will start on an extension to the building in early 2013 with completion expected in mid-2014.

The centre is jointly owned by British Land and Tesco who plan to add 18 new shops and restaurants to the complex.

Southwark’s planning committee unanimously approved the extension plans in March but councillors turned down an application for a new double-decker car park.

“The approval for the Surrey Quays Shopping Centre extension is important for the wider regeneration of Canada Water and Rotherhithe and demonstrates our commitment to the area,” says David Pollock, retail development manager for British Land.

“The extension and refurbishment will create additional space that will allow us to attract and accommodate new and exciting retailers, ensuring that Surrey Quays remains competitive in today’s market

” The current shopping experience will be significantly improved for both existing and new customers.”

Bermondsey Town Hall to be converted into 41 homes

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Developer Hollybrook Homes has submitted an application to Southwark Council for the conversion of the old Bermondsey Town Hall in Spa Road.

Conversion of Grade II listed building from B1 offices to provide 41 residential units (Use Class C3). Erection of a roof extension to the existing second floor and internal alterations; incorporating, addition of lightwells along the western boundary and external alterations to the car parking layout, refuse area and cycle parking with associated landscaping.  

Ref 12/AP/1424

Canada Water Station toilets could reopen

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Transport for London is considering whether it can reopen the public toilets at Canada Water station, says Simon Hughes MP.

The MP says a TfL source told him that the public toilets at the station were closed last year because of ‘safety concerns’.

However, Mr Hughes has discovered that although there was a report of a serious assault, the subsequent police investigation found this report to be false.

“I understand TfL’s reasons for closing the public toilets at Canada Water tube station a year ago,” he said.

“However, I do not think it is acceptable that they did not follow up with the local police to find out whether their safety concerns were legitimate.

“Directing commuters to use either the toilets in the Canada Water library or the toilets at Tesco Surrey Quays is far from ideal.

“I am pleased that TfL is reviewing their decision and as long as there are provisions in place to ensure that the public toilets are safe, I believe many people would be very relieved to see the toilets reopened.”

Southwark Free School extends application period

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199 Rotherhithe New Road
This former printworks will be the school's final home but it won't be ready for September so the search is on for temporary premises

Southwark Free School, which plans to open in temporary premises this September before moving to its permanent home in Rotherhithe New Road, has extended its application period until 25 May.

The two-form entry primary school hopes to attract interest from parents of children who last week learned that their application to Southwark Council for a local school place had been unsuccessful.

Southwark Free School is planning to open with 60 children in reception and will eventually accommodate up to 420 children as well as up to 60 nursery places. It will be on the site of the old print works at 399 Rotherhithe New Road, although it will initially open in temporary accommodation nearby.

“We are committed to providing an outstanding new primary school in Southwark,” says Patrick Shine, chair of Southwark Free School Trust.

“We are delighted to be able to offer parents more choice and greater access to high quality education provision, particularly in light of the current shortage of primary school places.

“Southwark Free School will lie at the heart of the community and will be a place where all children will benefit from a first class education. Our application process is now open and we are keen to hear from any parents interested in finding out more about the school.”

To give people the opportunity to find out more about the school and what it hopes to achieve interim head teacher Geri Askin will be available to talk to parents at the following locations:

  • Outside Thorowgood’s Furniture Store, Southwark Park Road Monday to Friday from 1pm to 3pm
  • Outside Asda on the Old Kent Road every Monday from 10am to 12 noon
  • Outside Tesco at Surrey Quays on Saturday 28 April from 9.30am to 6pm

Further details of the application process can be found at www.southwarkfreeschool.com

Jubilee line at Canada Water and Bermondsey during Olympics and Paralympics

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TfL and Olympics organisers have published their latest assessment of the impact of the games on the capital’s transport network

Trains passing through Canada Water Underground station will be much busier during the Games due to the Jubilee line services already being full with spectators travelling to and from events at ExCeL, North Greenwich Arena and the Olympic Park.

It will be very difficult to board Jubilee line trains at this station at the busiest times, especially in the morning and evening.

via Canada Water | Get Ahead of the Games.

Bermondsey station will be exceptionally busy in the morning peak between 7-11am. It will be very difficult to board eastbound Jubilee line trains due to spectators travelling to venues in the Olympic Park and at ExCeL and the North Greenwich Arena.

via Bermondsey | Get Ahead of the Games.

University Technical College delayed

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Plans for a University Technical College (UTC) on the Southwark College site in Keetons Road have been delayed.

The revelation comes in a report prepared for Monday’s meeting of the council’s education scrutiny sub-committee:

16. The DfE has now approved the deferral of the opening of the UTC to September 2013. This date remains challenging and there is uncertainty associated with the project as a result of the proposed merger of Lewisham and Southwark College and the potential for this to result in the non-availability of the site or the necessary ancillary facilities for the UTC.

Meanwhile Compass Free School is still looking for premises for its proposed secondary school.

The Southwark Free School now has a permanent site for its primary school in Rotherhithe New Road but it still needs a temporary home if it is to open on schedule this autumn.

The council is also considering the potential expansion of St Michael’s College or the City of London Academy to meet the expected need for extra secondary school places in Bermondsey and Rotherhithe.