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WALTHAMSTOW: Arcade site to be opened for temporary public use (From East London and West Essex Guardian Series)
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WALTHAMSTOW: Arcade site to be opened for temporary public use
9:40am Friday 29th May 2009
THE long vacant Arcade site will be levelled and partially opened up for temporary public use, new council leader Chris Robbins has confirmed.
The site, on the corner of Hoe Street and Walthamstow High Street, has been derelict for years and the latest publically funded development proposal has been delayed because it was found that the contract was not put out to tender in accordance with EU regulations.
Councillor Chris Robbins, who took over as leader last week, branded the empty site as "a disgrace" and said diggers would start clearing it on Monday.
He said: "It has been unacceptable that for the past number of years the site has been empty. I have always said that if I won the leadership I would be committed to making sure the site is used."
A consultation will take place with residents and business owners to determine what the site will be used for in the short term.
It is hoped the work will be completed later in the summer.
Cllr Robbins said there are a number of possibilities for the site's temporary use, including a play area, a performance space or extending the farmers' market to the site.
The plans are likely to include a single pathway with boulders preventing motorists from using the site as a car park.
Cllr Robbins said the move would also boost the local economy.
He said: "The site has blighted the area for a number of years. Opening it will encourage people to come to local shops.
"The idea that we have had areas which work against lifting the businesses and people of the borough is bizarre."
Cllr Robbins is currently in discussion with officers about the relevant planning issues.
Lib Dems and Conservatives on the council have previously called for the site to be used for a temporary purpose while long term development plans take shape.
Conservative leader Matt Davis has repeatedly called for Walthamstow Market to be re-sited there temporarily to allow the High Street to flourish.
Earlier this year the council announced it would back the long term redevelopment of the Arcade site with £35 million of tax payers' money after developers St Modwen decided it could no longer fund it.
The council is in discussions with the Public Works Loans Board about the possibility of borrowing the cash to finance the scheme.
What do you think the Arcade site should be used for in the short term? Leave a comment below or email carlbrown@london.newsquest.co.uk
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Your Say Your Guardian
Huw Myles, Leyton says...
12:29pm Fri 29 May 09
Brendasfriend, Leyton says...
12:41pm Fri 29 May 09
Brendasfriend, Leyton says...
12:51pm Fri 29 May 09
Pamella, Highams Park says...
2:31pm Fri 29 May 09
RayJay, Walthamstow says...
3:33pm Fri 29 May 09
A shopping arcade and a Post Office!
Janet1, Walthamstow says...
3:49pm Fri 29 May 09
The council never explained why it all had to be demolished and left derelict. But I know it's cost us many million pounds, over the years, instead of bringing in loads of money as it did before demolition.
RichieA70, Walthamstow says...
4:57pm Fri 29 May 09
mdj, e10 says...
6:36pm Fri 29 May 09
incontinent of E17, E17 says...
9:05pm Fri 29 May 09
Redfox, Walthamstow says...
10:18pm Fri 29 May 09
He vowed in December 2004 (see WfM interview with another labour loony Simon Wright) to start laying bricks there by Christmas THAT YEAR. That is the disgrace and it will be Robbins' epitaph to the people of Waltham Forest and he's only served a week in his new position.
Brendasfriend, Leyton says...
11:13pm Fri 29 May 09
Heartly, CHINGFORD says...
2:57pm Sat 30 May 09
Never dreamt it would change so much down there.
Fight The Height, Walthamstow says...
10:18pm Sat 30 May 09
Our question is, how temporary is temporary? Is it so short-term that it's just being done to save face ahead of next year's elections? According to this application http://tinyurl.com/n
jecpn we found on the council's planning portal, filed just 12 days ago, the council is still working on a "Redevelopment of site comprising 80 residential units, a 90 room hotel with care and support facilities, a 9 screen cinema with associated support and public facilities, 6 ground & first floor retail units and a leisure centre with a 25m county competition pool, spectator seating and fitness suite."
Touchwood, Walthamstow says...
10:28pm Sat 30 May 09
jphillips, Walthamstow says...
9:27pm Sun 31 May 09
jack de large, chingford says...
7:09am Mon 1 Jun 09
........ Councillor Terry Wheeler.
By this time next year both the Labour and Liberal Democrat group will be crowing about "taking tough decisions" and "supporting businesses in the borough" and of course, blaming each other.
Aaliyah, Walthamstow says...
12:38pm Mon 1 Jun 09
However for temporary basis I think they can use the site for the following:
A park which can be used for outdoor marquees for events such as weddings, birthdays etc Funfairs, Circus, BBQ & entertainment, Winter wonderland with outdoor ice rink for Christmas
Or
* outdoor cinema/Theartre
* Motorcycles driving school
* Car park with car wash
E17006, E17 says...
12:33pm Thu 4 Jun 09
The public is set to benefit from the former Arcade site
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JonathanB, Walthamstow says...
12:14pm Fri 29 May 09