Boris Disappoints Residents over Riverside Studios Redevelopment
Mayor refuses to step in over proposals for eight storey riverside building
A group of Hammersmith residents, let by the Crisp Road Residents Association have lobbied London Mayor Boris Johnson at City Hall about the redevelopment of Riverside Studios - but been disappointed by his response.
The residents, who are protesting about plans by developer Mount Anvil for a six to eight storey building on the site, travelled to City Hall on January 21 hoping to persuade him to reconsider the plans.
On Tuesday, The Mayor was giving his final decision on proposals to demolish and redevelop the iconic Hammersmith venue, which were already approved by Hammersmith and Fulham on December 19. You can read about the details here.
The residents were supported by joined by Kit Malthouse, London Assembly member for West Central, Zac Goldsmith, MP for Richmond Park and North Kingston, Hammersmith MP Andy Slaughter and Stephen Cowan, leader of Hammersmith and Fulham's Labour group of councillors.
The protestors however, were disappointed, as they record on their Facebook page: " Alas, to no avail:
'The Mayor has resolved to leave the decision on this application to the Borough of Hammersmith and Fulham and they have already agreed to give it permission'.
They added: "He chose luxury flats over locals".
Crisp Road Residents' Associaton say on their page:
" Our members live in Crisp Road, St James Street, Chancellors Street, Chancellors Wharf, and Queen Caroline Street. We have support from others around the borough and in Barnes across the River.
" The Riverside Studios and neighbouring Queen's Wharf are to be redeveloped to modernise the studios and add an eight storey high block of 165 luxury flats.
" Local residents want Riverside Studios to thrive but believe that the redevelopment of a local cultural institution in a landmark riverside location on this scale should be done with care, consideration and the full consultation of the local people it will impact upon.
" Many are objecting to the planning application because of the height and density of the proposed developed, which will put the Crisp Road conservation area in shadow even in high summer.
" Residents feel that the design of the new development has been rushed, with no thought given to the impact on the area from the loss of light, increased traffic and placing of car park and lorry entrances, vents and rubbish collection on Crisp Road."
The scheme has also divided opinion among local celebrities. Amongst those in favour are Bill Bailey, Alistair McGowan, Jack Dee and Jo Brand, who perform frequently at the studios, while actors Harriet Walter and Penelope Winton and artist Peter Blake have spoken out against the plans. You can read more about this here
January 23, 2014
