Brixton Rec - demolition proposed by council

[Manter]

I totally in sympathy with your post. Ive already said the times are not good for me. Weekdays in general are bad for me. I am better at weekend meetings. For some of us , like u say, its not easy to do meetings.

Also said that is why the internet can be very useful.

If I was you I would put a comment on the BRUG Facebook page saying the above.

BRUG now about this thread. My view is that all info from the various social networks should be used to enable maximum involvement.

Though it is difficult to do without things getting chaotic.

thx for the advice, will do.

And have written a letter too. Which the Northerner proof-read and removed some of the more caustic comments

Appreciate you keeping us all up to date on this

 

[Gramsci]

I'd love to get my hands on a set of architectural floor plans for the rec. Wouldn't mind having a go at designing an improved entrance either

There are a set of plans. I think BRUG want to put them online somehow. Might ask about them at the meeting.

 

[Brixton Hatter]

I'd love to get my hands on a set of architectural floor plans for the rec. Wouldn't mind having a go at designing an improved entrance either

Mate, you would have a field day with the plans! IMO there's so much potential in the current building, including many potential new ways of using the current space. If you have any bright ideas, do let us know (pm if necessary...) because ammunition may be required in future on this issue...

 

[jeremyclyne]

Just caught up with this thread.
My Vassall ward colleague Cllr Steve Bradley has put down this motion for next week's Lambeth Full Council meeting:

Brixton Recreation Centre

Council recognises the importance of the Brixton Recreation Centre in
transforming the lives of all local residents. Council is concerned that having
only recently invested over £3m in the Brixton Recreation Centre the
Administration is proposing demolition of the leisure centre.
Council calls upon the Labour Cabinet to ensure that all users of the Brixton
Recreation Centre are properly consulted about their needs and requirements
before any irrevocable decision is made and that a commitment is made
immediately and publicly that any replacement leisure facility - if this is what is
decided - will be a like for like replacement or better in terms of size and
facilities

The Labour Cabinet member Sally Prentice has made various amendments including removing the commitment to any replacement, if that should be the decision, being like for like or better in terms of size and facilities.

 

[quimcunx]

the ''commitment to any replacement, if that should be the decision, being like for like or better in terms of size and facilities'' need to be etched on a large stone tablet, and if it's not adhered to dropped on the head of whoever is responsible.

If you can't give us something better, and you can't - as it would be prohibitively expensive, the council would not be able to get the funding itself and any 'collaboration' or trade-off with the private sector would result in something smaller, cheaper, with fewer facilities in order to maximise their profits - then we'll keep the rec we've got thank you very much.

 

[Brixton Hatter]

Just caught up with this thread.
My Vassall ward colleague Cllr Steve Bradley has put down this motion for next week's Lambeth Full Council meeting:

Brixton Recreation Centre

Council recognises the importance of the Brixton Recreation Centre in
transforming the lives of all local residents. Council is concerned that having
only recently invested over £3m in the Brixton Recreation Centre the
Administration is proposing demolition of the leisure centre.
Council calls upon the Labour Cabinet to ensure that all users of the Brixton
Recreation Centre are properly consulted about their needs and requirements
before any irrevocable decision is made and that a commitment is made
immediately and publicly that any replacement leisure facility - if this is what is
decided - will be a like for like replacement or better in terms of size and
facilities

The Labour Cabinet member Sally Prentice has made various amendments including removing the commitment to any replacement, if that should be the decision, being like for like or better in terms of size and facilities.

Are these the same Lib Dems who wanted to demolish the Rec when they were in control of Lambeth Council with the Tories around 5 years ago?

They are? What a surprise!

Check out this two-faced shit on their website: http://lambethlibdems.org.uk/en/article/2012/620768/comment-labour-takes-wrecking-ball-to-rec

We will not make a knee-jerk reaction and engage in quick political point-scoring as Labour did - for they now risk being seen as hypocritical....

 

[Gramsci]

Just caught up with this thread.
My Vassall ward colleague Cllr Steve Bradley has put down this motion for next week's Lambeth Full Council meeting:

Brixton Recreation Centre

Council recognises the importance of the Brixton Recreation Centre in
transforming the lives of all local residents. Council is concerned that having
only recently invested over £3m in the Brixton Recreation Centre the
Administration is proposing demolition of the leisure centre.
Council calls upon the Labour Cabinet to ensure that all users of the Brixton
Recreation Centre are properly consulted about their needs and requirements
before any irrevocable decision is made and that a commitment is made
immediately and publicly that any replacement leisure facility - if this is what is
decided - will be a like for like replacement or better in terms of size and
facilities

The Labour Cabinet member Sally Prentice has made various amendments including removing the commitment to any replacement, if that should be the decision, being like for like or better in terms of size and facilities.

Is that the meeting on the 21st? As I am having trouble finding full details of this motion and amendments on lambeth website.

if it is it looks like its under Item 8 Notices of Motion. Cannot access the PDF from the computer I am on. Will do later.

 

[Gramsci]

Found it here


It is full Council Meeting on the 21st November


Motion 4: Councillor Steve Bradley (LD)
Brixton Recreation Centre
Council recognises the importance of the Brixton Recreation Centre in
transforming the lives of all local residents. Council is concerned that having
only recently invested over £3m in the Brixton Recreation Centre the
Administration is proposing demolition of the leisure centre.
Council calls upon the Labour Cabinet to ensure that all users of the Brixton
Recreation Centre are properly consulted about their needs and requirements
before any irrevocable decision is made and that a commitment is made
immediately and publicly that any replacement leisure facility - if this is what is
decided - will be a like for like replacement or better in terms of size and
facilities.

Amendment 1: Councillor Sally Prentice (Labour)

Council recognises the importance of the Brixton Recreation Centre in
transforming the lives of all local residents. Council notes that no decisions
have been made about the Brixton Recreation Centre and that there will
not be any changes without the full involvement of the community.
Council is concerned that having only recently This Administration invested
over £3m in the Brixton Recreation Centre the Administration is proposing
demolition of the leisure centre.

Council calls upon the Labour Cabinet to ensure that all Users of the Brixton
Recreation Centre, and the local community will be are properly consulted
about their needs and requirements before any irrevocable decision is made
and that a commitment is made immediately and publicly that any
replacement leisure facility - if this is what is decided - will be a like for like
replacement or better in terms of size and facilities. Council has no intention
of leaving Brixton without a leisure centre.

This Labour Administration is committed to investing in affordable
sports and leisure for the whole community. Council notes that the new
Clapham Leisure Centre opened earlier this year, and a brand new
leisure and health centre is being built in West Norwood and as well as a
new ice rink and leisure centre in Streatham. Together this is a fantastic
legacy for our community.

 

[Gramsci]

I must say the amendment by Cllr Sally Prentice is annoying.

Whatever one thinks of LDs and the Rec Cllr Bradley at least said there should be like for like and Prentice amendment removes that.

Nor does Cllr Prentice as a Labour Party member explain why they vociferously criticised the LD/ Tory administration when they were going to get rid of Rec. Her amendment is hardly a guarantee of the Rec future or even a Rec of same size.

BTW Steve if ur looking at this thread thanks for putting this motion up.

 

[Brixton Hatter]

Yep, it's a terrible amendment and shows up the Labour group for their real intentions.

 

[editor]

Does anyone know abut a meeting tomorrow at the rec?

 

[gaijingirl]

Does anyone know abut a meeting tomorrow at the rec?

yes details are further up in this thread

(quoted below)

 

[gaijingirl]

The next all user/supporter meeting is on
TUESDAY 20 NOVEMBER 6PM in the Rec social room on level 5.

voila..

 

[editor]

yes details are further up in this thread

(quoted below)

Cheers. I got a second hand message that this was also about the Barrier Block too, so I'm naturally veh interested.

 

[gaijingirl]

Cheers. I got a second hand message that this was also about the Barrier Block too, so I'm naturally veh interested.

what? really? that seems a bit odd ....

 

[boohoo]

Could be to do with the protection of the building (20th Century Society) as both were built at similar times in similar styles.

 

[leanderman]

For all its flaws, the Rec is wonderfully large, it occurred to me on Saturday.

 

[lang rabbie]

I'd love to get my hands on a set of architectural floor plans for the rec. Wouldn't mind having a go at designing an improved entrance either

The rumour I heard was that these were one of the sets of drawings that went missing (assumed dumped in skip by office junior) when the council vacated their former offices at Courtenay House in New Park Road about ten years ago.

 

[Crispy]

The rumour I heard was that these were one of the sets of drawings that went missing (assumed dumped in skip by office junior) when the council vacated their former offices at Courtenay House in New Park Road about ten years ago.

You've got to be fucking kidding me >_<

 

[Greebo]

You've got to be fucking kidding me >_<

This is Lambeth, therefore I don't find it improbable.

 

[Brixton Hatter]

Well attended meeting last night at the Rec. A few new interesting titbits of information, which will be useful ammunition should the Council press ahead with this bonkers plan. A few of the traders who run shops on the ground floor of the building were there and were particularly upset at the threat to the Rec, and one said rents were rising.

BRUG are meeting Lib Peck, Labour Cabinet lead on Regeneration (and leader-elect of the entire Council, should Steve Reed win the Croydon North by-election) to discuss everything in more detail. The next key date is 17 December when the full Lambeth Cabinet will meet to discuss and possibly approve the planning document which will go to consultation in the new year. We hope the document which goes to that meeting does not suggest knocking down the Rec...we'll find out around the 10th December when the papers get published.

In the meantime I think there are two things people can do at the moment if they are so inclined:

1 - If you haven't already done so, write to the council (Lib Peck, copied to your local councillors - contact details here, more info here)

2 - Tell your friends, family, colleagues, neighbours there is a threat that the Rec will be knocked down and sold to a property developer. Getting the word out in the community on this is essential.

If anyone wants some leaflets to give out to friends/family/colleagues etc, there are some in the 'All Eyes on Egipt' shop at 25 Brixton Station Road (under the Rec.)

 

[Brixton Hatter]

Cheers. I got a second hand message that this was also about the Barrier Block too, so I'm naturally veh interested.

No mention of the Barrier Block. Although some of our discussion was around how Lambeth seems to want to sell/redevelop most of its property assets.

 

[quimcunx]

So Sally Prentice amended that document from 'like for like' to 'not leaving us without a leisure centre'?

Which could be a half size swimming pool, a gym and one room for classes a mile away from the town centre? Not very reassuring.

 

[editor]

Update:

Dear Future Brixton mailing list

Brixton Rec – the future
There has been speculation in the local press that the Brixton Recreation Centre could be replaced by a new leisure centre in the future. However, no decisions have been made and there will not be any changes without fully involving local residents and Brixton Recreation Centre users.

The story came about because we are currently developing a new document (called a supplementary planning document or SPD) with local people. This sets out what Brixton could look like over the next 10 to 15 years, what sort of changes we would like to see in the area, and what opportunities there might be to improve the town.

We have worked with and spoken to hundreds of people over the last few months - through workshops, street stalls and individual conversations. One of the things people have told us they want is improved leisure facilities which are more accessible and environmentally sustainable. Because of this, the SPD considers whether it may be possible to improve Brixton Recreation Centre or even replace it with a brand new leisure centre in the heart of Brixton. Of course we would want you to help shape these options.

Brixton SPD next steps
Thank you to everyone who has given their time and suggestions so far to the Draft Brixton SPD process.

Feedback from the market stalls, drafting workshops, and presentations used at workshops over the summer are all now available on the Future Brixton web pages. The following short-link will take you directly to the Brixton SPD feedback library:http://ow.ly/foNOS.

All comments made to the draft Brixton SPD work-in-progress document are also available on the Future Brixton web pages. The following short-link will take you straight to the Brixton SPD comments list: http://ow.ly/foO3l.

The draft Brixton SPD is likely to go out to statutory consultation next year. To learn more about the Future Brixton programme, including the development of the draft Brixton SPD, visitwww.lambeth.gov.uk/futurebrixton.

 

[editor]

No mention of the Barrier Block. Although some of our discussion was around how Lambeth seems to want to sell/redevelop most of its property assets.

This is exactly the sort of language we've heard about out block from the council: "...because of this, the SPD considers whether it may be possible to improve [the Barrier Block] or even replace it with a brand new [housing] in the heart of Brixton. Of course we would want you to help shape these options..."

 

[Brixton Hatter]

This is exactly the sort of language we've heard about out block from the council: "...because of this, the SPD considers whether it may be possible to improve [the Barrier Block] or even replace it with a brand new [housing] in the heart of Brixton. Of course we would want you to help shape these options..."

"And of course, no decisions have been made yet, we going to consult the community, cooperative council, blah blah blah..."

The Council's intentions are writ large all the way through the draft SPD document: SELL EVERYTHING. BUILD NEW SHINY STUFF.

 

[Brixton Hatter]

So Sally Prentice amended that document from 'like for like' to 'not leaving us without a leisure centre'?

Which could be a half size swimming pool, a gym and one room for classes a mile away from the town centre? Not very reassuring.

We're going to get lots of stuff from the Council along the lines of "we want improved leisure facilities..." but you literally cannot improve on the Rec by building it elsewhere. It's impossible.

 

[quimcunx]

Yep, I was saying that upthread. The equivalent of the investment put into building such a large and ambitious building as the Rec will not be found again, not in a climate of private public partnership type affairs. The private sector's aim is to optimise profit not serve the community. Even if the council have the will to provide something as good they will be fucked over.

 

[Gramsci]

One important point that came up at the meeting last night ( pointed out by the always knowledgeable Brixton Society who attended) of BRUG was that Lambeth "Core Strategy" protects the Rec. The "Core Strategy"is above the SPD for Brixton in planning terms. It has also been formally agreed. So if the draft SPD continues with saying that an option for demolishing present Rec then it will contradict the Core Strategy document. As the Core Strategy is above the SPD in importance the SPD should , in planning terms, be consistent with it.

The relevant policy is PN3- Brixton on page 74.

Policy PN3 – Brixton

Brixton’s role as a distinctive major multicultural and diverse town centre will be safeguarded and promoted through careful and sensitive regeneration, recognising its local heritage and historic built environment with a specific focus on different character areas, and supporting the ‘One Planet Living’
framework to inspire sustainable development together with major opportunities for new development.

This will be achieved by:

(e) Brixton Station Road – pedestrianisation of Brixton Station Road; improvements to Brixton Recreation Centre to activate frontages, provide ground level access and improve visual amenity; incorporation of new energy centre to provide for neighbourhood waste disposal and recycling
facilities and a CHP/CHHP plant; supporting development of improvements to Brixton Station Road edge of Canterbury Gardens estate for mixed use residential/community/workspace with active frontages, communal green areas in Canterbury Gardens estate and public realm improvements.

 

[quimcunx]

And what would have to happen for that to be changed?