Meeting held at The Dome

Sir Bob Scott informed attendees that the Forum would not be receiving further updates on the Lovell’s and Granite Wharf development. This would be discussed at a future public meeting at The Forum in Greenwich.

A New Heart for East Greenwich Update
Andrew Parry G.P.P. and Ralph Luck E.P.

Andrew Parry gave a brief description of the background to this development proposal from the closure of the former Greenwich District Hospital in 2001, the Planning Application by NHS Estates, the Council asking the GPP to look at a comprehensive redevelopment proposal for the package of sites in the vicinity of the hospital, the appointment with English Partnerships of consultants CB Richard Ellis (CBRE), the completion of their report in October 2004 and the subsequent public consultation meeting in December 2004.

Ralph Luck then outlined the current situation regarding the hospital site. English Partnerships completed the purchase of the site in November 2004. They are currently seeking tenders for the demolition of the existing buildings and there will be further consultation before demolition actually starts. The process is expected to take 6 months, with a proposed start date of May 2005.

Further to the demolition, English Partnerships are in discussion with the London Borough of Greenwich over the outline development framework. Once the options from the GBRE report have been honed down, there will be father consultation. There will be an information board erected outside the site with contact details for English Partnerships. Updates will be published in the Greenwich Peninsula News and a newsletter for local residents will be produced prior to, and during, demolition.

Meridian Delta Update
Bert Martin, Meridian Delta Ltd (MDL)

It was stated that planning consent had been granted for the new Millennium Square and a design team is currently being appointed. There will be some junction improvement works from the Section 106 agreement at the Woolwich Road/A102 junction with improved pedestrian access and a bus gate. Also in relation to the Blackwall Lane/A102 junction, measures will be taken to prevent rat running here. Improved junction layouts are being put in place on the north side of the tunnel and signage will be erected displaying event and traffic management messages.

A temporary recruitment centre will be assembled soon, followed by a permanent building. Work is also taking place on developing a ‘brand’ for the Peninsula. MDL are also currently in discussion with future residential development partners over the new sites. A planning application is expected in September 2005.

Dome Development Update

Alistair Wood, Anschutz Entertainment Group (AEG)

Alistair gave details of the proposal to erect a Beckham Football Academy for a period of 5 years on land at East Parkside on the Peninsula (the old MEX coach park site). It will consist of 2 full-sized covered football pitches, associated changing, education, catering and retail space. It will be used by schoolchildren during school holidays and will be available for some use by the local community at other times. Access will be from East Parkside and coach parking will be available as well as 12 car parking spaces.

Questions from the floor;

Q. Is this a not-for-profit or a commercial venture?

A. The Academy will be run by AEG as a commercial venture.

Q. This is an excellent idea.. isn’t it a pity it is only a temporary structure?

A. The value of the land would mitigate against any proposal for it to remain here permanently.

Following the questions, Alistair Wood gave a brief update on the progress of works to the Dome Arena. He stated that the contractors were already on site carrying out enabling works with the main works due to begin in April 2005 and that the Arena is on schedule to open in Spring 2007. He also stated that a planning application for the Dome Waterfront area would be submitted shortly.