Below are a list of questions that I have asked local Councillors about the development. I will complete their replies as I receive them.
Is it correct that the “106” money will be sufficient to build the structure of the new library and community centre, but will not be enough to fit them out? How do Enfield Council propose to raise the funds for this?
Do we really need a new library at this location? Would it not be better to build one slightly out of town, with free parking, good transport links and sufficient space to make a library that had enough space for the future. The current library can carry on as normal, and act as a satellite to the main library. What are the requirements and benefits of the new library and community centre?
The
evidence from other London Boroughs and indeed in Enfield itself (with the
relocation of Edmonton's library from Fore Street to Edmonton Green Shopping
Centre) shows that usage of libraries located in the heart of town centres rises
dramatically compared with those at the periphery.
- Paul Humphreys, Head of Corporate Asset Management, 20th May 2002
If the new library in the multi-story car park does go ahead as planned, firstly how will the fitting of it be paid for? What is planned for the old library?
I
have already dealt with the issues around the fitting out costs. In terms of
the future of the existing Central Library this is a matter that the Council
will be considering in due course. However, the Council recognises the value
of the current building and will be seeking to ensure that whatever the future
use, the building is retained. It is too early, given that the building would
not be likely to be vacated until 2005, to finalise such future use at this
stage.
- Paul Humphreys, Head of Corporate Asset Management, 20th May 2002
Is it correct that the council are granting a 250 year lease on the land that is being developed? Is it also correct that Laings intend to make back their money within 7 years. Are Enfield underselling this land?
It
is correct that a 250 year lease will be granted. This is the normal
commercial arrangement for this type of development. However, please note that
the lease will be granted to the fund, not the developer. I can assure you
that the property and legal advice to the Council in these matters is of the
highest quality and always ensure that the Council receives best
consideration.
- Paul Humphreys, Head of Corporate Asset Management, 20th May 2002
I am concerned that there is no details whatsoever on the official Enfield Council website. I have searched several times for any details of the development and found nothing. Why is this? I have also searched Enfield Councils paper and only found two references; one was about the compulsory purchase public enquiry and the other was about the affect on car park revenue the development will have. Should the Council not be publishing more information on such an important topic?
Since writing this the council have published some details on the development. It explains the process so far. Visit http://www.enfield.gov.uk/towndev.htm There are still no pictures of the proposed development or details of the plans.
Throughout the scheme development a considerable amount of information has been published and press releases provided. We are looking at placing more information on this type of schemes on the Web site, and apologise for this not being in place at present.
- Paul Humphreys, Head of Corporate Asset Management, 20th May 2002
There also appears to be very little detail about the development within the local papers. Does this indicate a lack of information to them too? Does the Council issue press releases that are not published about the development?
The
Council has issued press releases as has the developer, I have a file full of
press cuttings for this scheme, and if you contact the local papers they may
be able to assist you.
Is it correct that the Catholic Church have withdrawn their objections to the multi-story car park being built so close to the road and to the church? Is this related to an issue about possible future planning permission problems for their school when it becomes vacant?
The Catholic Church raised an objection to the Compulsory
Purchase Order,
which was withdrawn during the Inquiry. The objection related to issues along
the boundary and these were resolved through negotiation with the Diocese.
There is no relation between the Retail development scheme and the future of
the St. Anne's school site.
- Paul
Humphreys, Head of Corporate Asset Management, 20th May 2002
I object strongly to the compulsory purchase and demolition of the Townhouse. This building provides a very practical and popular local attraction. It has visitors from around the World for its Tango, Salsa and Rock n Roll events. It also provides a young persons disco on a Saturday. This facility is unlikely to be replaced in Enfield Town and I think it would be a great loss to the community. Do you know of any plans to replace this facility?
It does not matter what the developers plan for the road system, as all the roads leading in and out of Enfield Town are single lane small roads. The current system provides enough throughput, it is the exit/entry routes that block the system up. What studies have been produced of this and have they been published?
Transportation studies have been undertaken by the developer for the Planning
application and these are public documents.
- Paul
Humphreys, Head of Corporate Asset Management, 20th May 2002
I have a few ideas that I would like to mention. I think that the car parking should go one storey underground across the entire area of the two current car parks with entrances from London Rd Southbound next to Woolworths (Curtain Mill side), and London Rd Northbound next to the Catholic Church. The exits would be by Sydney Road (south of Cecil Road) Northbound and Westbound. On top of the north car park could be outwardly facing shops on Sydney Road that curve round into Cecil Road. A service yard behind them could also be accessed from London Road next to Woolworths.
On the opposite side of Cecil Road, could be another line of outwardly facing shops with a small service road along the back. Behind this could be an open garden area with a square and a water feature, with perhaps a couple of cafes.
I have started to draw some plans of this, and would be happy to send them to you if you were interested.
While the council is compulsory purchasing in the Town Centre, why doesn’t it purchase the Bingo Hall at the same time and incorporate that into the new development. This would make an excellent site for a small shopping mall, or community centre or perhaps the library.
HOME Updated 05/06/2002