Many people are concerned about the future of Greenwich Town Centre and in particular the threatened demolition of several shops to make way for the Docklands Light Railway (DLR) station at Cutty Sark. The threat to the premises currently standing in Creek Road and Greenwich Church Street adjoining the site proposed for the Cutty Sark Station, has arisen as a result of the protracted negotiations over the DLR extension. I have no doubt that the extension is essential to improve public transport networks in South East London, and that the station at Cutty Sark is vital to the future economic well-being of Greenwich. I have, therefore, consistently supported the DLR extension proposal and argued for the station at Cutty Sark.
When the scheme was first proposed by London regional Transport, it was envisaged as a publicly funded project. Regrettably the Government subsequently transferred control of the DLR to the London Docklands Development Corporation (LDDC) and insisted that the scheme should be funded privately. This in turn led to the decision to drop the Cutty Sark Station because of its cost. Both Greenwich Council and I have persistently pressed the case for action for the station at Cutty Sark as originally envisaged. Over the past year it has become clear that while the decision to drop the station might be reconsidered, it would only be built if a significant financial contribution towards its cost could be raised by the Council. While contributions have been pledged by several organisations, the only realistic means for raising all the necessary funds is through the development of the site above and surrounding the site.
This regrettably has meant more demolition that had previously been anticipated - some of the premises would in all events have had to be demolished for the station originally planned. I have discussed the implications with Greenwich Council and made clear my view that the demolition of the whole terrace of properties should be avoided if at all possible. The Council's planning brief for the site emphasised that the retention of the existing street pattern was the preferred solution. I fully concur with this.
If it emerges that the preferred solution is not economically viable my own view is that the demolition of these premises is only acceptable if the following conditions are met:
- Every assistance is given to existing retailers to relocate to suitable alternate premises within the vicinity.
- The proposed replacement buildings must be of the highest architectural quality and make a positive contribution to enhancing the town centre.
- There must be full consultation with local residents about the proposed new development before final decisions are made.
I will be keeping in close touch with all the parties involved through what is likely to be a difficult and contentious period, and I will be doing my best to ensure an outcome which is really is to the benefit of Greenwich Town Centre.
Labour Party -
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