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Forest Hill Regeneration: an update |
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The works to extend Sainsbury's are now complete, bringing back into use buildings that had remained empty and derelict for some years. Above the store, 11 new apartments are currently being marketed, and 4 new affordable homes have been created on Pearcefield Avenue. The new pedestrian route direct from Sainsbury's car park through to London Road should make it easier for shoppers to park and access all the shops in Forest Hill. In Clyde Terrace, the Hyde Housing development on the old Crown Graphics site is now underway. When completed it will provide 10 live/work units, 5 commercial units, a café/restaurant, six 1-bed and thirty-six 2-bed residential apartments, as well as a new route extending Dartmouth Place through to Clyde Terrace. Further along Clyde Terrace, an application has been made to redevelop Phoenix Works in Bird in Hand passage with 14 residential apartments and 10 live/work units. Both these developments will overlook the footpath alongside the railway, and financial contributions from both developers will be used to make the footpath safer and more attractive to pedestrians. On the other side of the railway, an application to redevelop the empty Finches site is expected soon. Progress has yet to be made on Forest Hill station. The future of the Pools has recently been the subject of an extensive public consultation exercise and as a result the Mayor has decided to refurbish them. Further details are available on the Council's website. Phil Ashford Urban Design and Conservation Manager, Lewisham Planning Service |
Julie Sutch, Forest Hill town centre manager |
Forest Hill Regeneration Steering GroupAt a meeting of the Group in December, Julie Sutch, the Town Centre Manager gave an update. The Business Working Group was currently looking at overall business security in the area and working closely with police and crime prevention officers. There was also ongoing work with the Forest Hill Traders and Environment Team regarding street cleansing. Attendees reported that there was ongoing dumping of trade waste and rubbish alongside the premises of WH Smith. Julie would take this matter up with Smiths and other parties involved. She would also write to the manager of the Capitol, and possibly the Managing Director of the Wetherspoons chain, about the condition of the steps and the front of the building. There is still no current funding for Shop Improvement Grants in Forest Hill, although financial support is being sought. Two new businesses were opened in Dartmouth Road, a Party Shop and a Ladies Underwear Shop. Forest Hill currently has eight vacant units. Other issues discussed included the following: -With regard to the neglected play park opposite Horniman Gardens, funds are being sought to replace the former paddling pool with a state of the art 'water play' system, similar to the one installed at Sydenham Wells Park. It would also be desirable to re-open the toilets, and let the café concession. The latter would only be likely to happen if the water play facility were installed. -The East London Line is proceeding as planned. The main contract tender will be in the summer. When up and running, there will be an eight train per hour service through Forest Hill, with Southern retaining 4 trains per hour to London Bridge. There are no planned changes to bus services affecting Forest Hill. -Parking issues included support for a detailed design and consultation for a controlled parking zone in the Davids Road area. A full consultation is currently programmed to take place during the Summer. Although the Regeneration Steering Group now meets less frequently, the new Chairman, Cllr Dave Whiting, is anxious to keep the present format now that he feels that the pace of development in Forest Hill is speeding up. He has undertaken to organise future meetings for updates on development activity in the area. David Otway |