We met in Holy Trinity Church on December 3. Father Rowlands was very kind and allowed us the freedom of the church, while assuring us that not many people would turn up. He was proved wrong in that and acknowledged that his pews had never been so full. We think there were more than seventy people there, with some coming and going.
Matt Sanders was an excellent Chair and he and Paul Whitley gave a Powerpoint presentation, beginning with some background information about the site and its context, a brief resume of the planning process, and an explanation of the relationship between this exercise and the Working Group organised by the Council. Residents were then encouraged to make comments and ask questions around four themes: the mix of use and site management; site layout, height and design; transport and access; and adjoining areas – impact and benefits.
Comments and questions were searching and articulate. This was the third recent public meeting about the development and this seems to have taken the discussion forward – although it might have had the reverse effect and induced fatigue with the subject. On some matters there was agreement – no more bars, cafes and fast-food outlets, more space for artisanal workshops, real shops, perhaps a market like Borough Market. On other matters, such as open space and the separation or otherwise of the towpath from the market area, there was more than one point of view.
The output from the meeting will be a document for the Council and for the developers. If money can be found, we hope to hold two or three workshops to explore these issues more deeply, to reach conclusions and to create a shared residents’ vision for the site. At the very least residents can continue the discussion via email (hawleywharfarea@googlemail.com) and can follow the blog (http://hawleywharfarea.wordpress.com). All blogged thoughts will be welcome.
We could not have come this far without the generous help of volunteers, who designed the posters and invitations and gave us a logo; knocked on around 1200 doors and distributed leaflets; arranged the logistics for a public meeting; and recorded proceedings by taking notes. The notes will be circulated to those present and are available to anyone who asks for them. This brief note is to tell residents what has happened so far and what is to come. Needless to say, all offers of help will continue to be welcome.
