According to Property Week there may finally be signs of progress wrt developing the Gateway site next door to East Croydon Station:
"Stanhope and Schroders have submitted a planning application for the redevelopment of Ruskin Square, adjacent to East Croydon Station.
The mixed-use scheme, which will be developed on a nine acre site, will provide1m sq ft of office space and 550 new homes, creating a new business and residential quarter at the ‘front door’ to Croydon.
The Ruskin Square masterplan also provides for a new direct route connecting the East Croydon Station with the town centre through the site.
David Camp, chief executive of Stanhope, said: “Just 15 minutes from central London by train, Ruskin Square offers modern workspace and residential accommodation in a new place just 2 minutes from an improved transport hub with competitive property prices and easy access to town centre retail and cultural amenities.”
Ian Mason, head of UK property fund management at Schroders, added: 'Ruskin Square is the centerpiece of East Croydon’s transformation into a new central business district. It will deliver restaurants, cafes, a theatre, new homes, new public routes and outdoor space and 1m sq ft of grade ‘A’ office space.'
A first phase of housing at Ruskin Square could be started to coincide with the expected opening date of the new station access footbridge in 2013."
The Times has issued a separate report on the subject, which indicates that Nestle may be persuaded to move there.
Lest there be any doubt, the reason that this site remains undeveloped is because of the council (both the current administration, and the previous Labour administration) allying themselves to the doomed Arena project.
Sunday, 13 March 2011
Friday, 4 March 2011
Site Untouched
I am very sad to see that the site remains untouched, thanks to the funding problems brought about by the delaying tactics of the council.
Friday, 12 September 2008
Plus Ca Change
Property Week reports that Croydon Council has finally admitted defeat in its long running battle to impose an arena on Croydon, and said that "it is eager to work with Stanhope and Schroders" the developers of the rival Gateway site in East Croydon.
The council's agreement with rival developer Arrowcroft terminated at midnight last night.
The council and Arrowcroft had six weeks to mount a legal challenge to the Secretary of State's refusal of planning permission. Having not made this challenge, the agreement terminated last night and the council is now talking to Stanhope and Schroders about taking their rival 1m sq ft Ruskin Square scheme forwards.
Councillor Tim Pollard said:
"By there being no challenge to the public inquiry decisions, the opportunity exists for the Stanhope Schroder partnership to make its mark in Croydon through the early development of the site.
What matters now is building a positive relationship with Stanhope so that their scheme can be taken forward on what is the most prestigious building site in the town.
The Gateway site has stood empty for far too long – a real blot on our landscape and an unwelcome sight for every train passenger passing through East Croydon. Now that planning issues have finally been resolved there is no longer any obstacle preventing its redevelopment.
A chapter has closed and a new one opened – with a great opportunity for Stanhope to do something special for Croydon. Our early talks with the developer will aim at achieving a happy ending."
Re:
The Gateway site has stood empty for far too long – a real blot on our landscape and an unwelcome sight for every train passenger passing through East Croydon.
I am glad Councillor Pollard agrees with me, I have been saying that for years now (see www.croydoniscrap.com and this site).
The irony being that had the council not tied themselves to the mast of Arrowcroft's sinking ship, and thus delayed the development becuase of their CPO and public hearings etc, the site would have been developed by now.
The council are the cause of the delay.
The council's agreement with rival developer Arrowcroft terminated at midnight last night.
The council and Arrowcroft had six weeks to mount a legal challenge to the Secretary of State's refusal of planning permission. Having not made this challenge, the agreement terminated last night and the council is now talking to Stanhope and Schroders about taking their rival 1m sq ft Ruskin Square scheme forwards.
Councillor Tim Pollard said:
"By there being no challenge to the public inquiry decisions, the opportunity exists for the Stanhope Schroder partnership to make its mark in Croydon through the early development of the site.
What matters now is building a positive relationship with Stanhope so that their scheme can be taken forward on what is the most prestigious building site in the town.
The Gateway site has stood empty for far too long – a real blot on our landscape and an unwelcome sight for every train passenger passing through East Croydon. Now that planning issues have finally been resolved there is no longer any obstacle preventing its redevelopment.
A chapter has closed and a new one opened – with a great opportunity for Stanhope to do something special for Croydon. Our early talks with the developer will aim at achieving a happy ending."
Re:
The Gateway site has stood empty for far too long – a real blot on our landscape and an unwelcome sight for every train passenger passing through East Croydon.
I am glad Councillor Pollard agrees with me, I have been saying that for years now (see www.croydoniscrap.com and this site).
The irony being that had the council not tied themselves to the mast of Arrowcroft's sinking ship, and thus delayed the development becuase of their CPO and public hearings etc, the site would have been developed by now.
The council are the cause of the delay.
Wednesday, 20 August 2008
Wasting Our Money
I recommend that you read the Croydon Guardian story about how Croydon Council have wasted our money on their unloved arena plan.
"The council reached an agreement with Arrowcroft in May 2006 that it would cover the costs of a compulsory purchase order for the Croydon Gateway site and then claim the money back from the company at a later date.
A Croydon Guardian investigation can reveal that the council has issued Arrowcroft with six invoices from September 2007 to July 2008, totalling £168,727.30 in legal fees and advice from its own chartered surveyors. £78,000 remains unpaid.
Under the agreement, Arrowcroft promised to pay the council 'all CPO costs incurred by the Council. . . within 20 working days of receiving a fully itemised invoice'.
Despite this, Arrowcroft took 305 and 171 days respectively to pay two of the bills.
Croydon Council does not appear to have charged the company any interest for the late payments."
The council state:
"In line with other local authorities, the council does not charge interest on sundry debtors."
Why do they not charge interest on late debts?
That is normal commercial practice, given that the council is verging on bankruptcy it needs every penny it can make.
Why are the terms of credit so lax?
Is the relationship between the council and Arrowcroft a little too close for comfort?
"The council reached an agreement with Arrowcroft in May 2006 that it would cover the costs of a compulsory purchase order for the Croydon Gateway site and then claim the money back from the company at a later date.
A Croydon Guardian investigation can reveal that the council has issued Arrowcroft with six invoices from September 2007 to July 2008, totalling £168,727.30 in legal fees and advice from its own chartered surveyors. £78,000 remains unpaid.
Under the agreement, Arrowcroft promised to pay the council 'all CPO costs incurred by the Council. . . within 20 working days of receiving a fully itemised invoice'.
Despite this, Arrowcroft took 305 and 171 days respectively to pay two of the bills.
Croydon Council does not appear to have charged the company any interest for the late payments."
The council state:
"In line with other local authorities, the council does not charge interest on sundry debtors."
Why do they not charge interest on late debts?
That is normal commercial practice, given that the council is verging on bankruptcy it needs every penny it can make.
Why are the terms of credit so lax?
Is the relationship between the council and Arrowcroft a little too close for comfort?
Tuesday, 19 August 2008
Guardian News
Read this week's Croydon Guardian, there is going to be a very interesting story about this subject.
Friday, 8 August 2008
The Final Nail in The Coffin
The final nail in the coffin of Croydon council's plans to impose an arena development on Croydon has been firmly hammered in.
The Croydon Guardian reports:
"Croydon council has been thwarted in its plans to force the Croydon Gateway developers to sell its land.
Hazel Blears, Secretary of State for Communities and Local Government, has rejected Croydon Council’s request for a compulsory purchase order on the land next to East Croydon station.
It effectively spells the end of any hopes held by the council-backed developer Arrowcroft to build a 12,500 seat arena on the site..."
Property Week also covers the same story:
"The Government has given Schroders and Stanhope the green light to commence the Croydon Gateway development, alongside East Croydon railway station.
Hazel Blears, Secretary of State for Communities and Local Government, has refused to confirm Croydon Council's compulsory purchase order on the site, which is owned by Schroders and Stanhope.
Last week she refused consent for a development scheme centred on a 12,500-seat arena, proposed by Croydon Council and developers Arrowcroft.
William Hill, managing director of Schroders Investment Managers, said:
'We are delighted that the Secretary of State has declined to support the CPO. We argued at the planning inquiry that the arena scheme was not appropriate for this site and we are pleased to see that the Secretary of State agrees that it does not justify taking our land.'.."
I personally am delighted, it is a victory for the citizens of Croydon.
However, I would remind people that Dingwall Road has remained untouched for years because of the intransigence of the previous and current council administrations. Had they not pushed for an unwanted and poorly thought through arena project, the site would have been developed by now.
We have not been well served by either the Tory or Labour administrations.
Those who pushed this scheme should resign, now!
Thursday, 31 July 2008
Victory
Breaking News
"In a decision announced this morning communities secretary Hazel Blears has rejected the council-backed Arrowcroft arena, homes and offices scheme planned for the Gateway site at East Croydon."
Excellent!
A lot of good people put in much time, effort and energy into opposing this scheme, today is their day.
Let us not forget that had the council not tried to push through this unwanted scheme, the eyesore that is Dingwall Road would have been redeveloped by now.
The people who have suffered because of the council's arrogance are the citizens of Croydon. It is now time for high level resignations from the council.
A copy of the full decision can be downloaded here: Decision
Wednesday, 30 July 2008
Gateway Decision Update
I am advised that Hazel Blears, in her wisdom, is posting the decision by Royal Mail today and won't tell anyone the result until they have all received it in the post.
Has she not heard of email?
Has she not heard of email?
Hypocrites
I see that Labour, which foisted the unwanted arena project on Croydon in the first place, has now had a change of heart.
Pathetic hypocrites!
"Tony Newman, leader of the Labour party, said: 'I think if we are going to have an arena, a series of questions need to be asked.
Things have changed since we first considered this 10 years ago.
We have now got the O2 arena and in the current economic crisis is there still the money to build one?
Any development must incorporate the modernisation of East Croydon station'."
Source Croydon Guardian
Pathetic hypocrites!
"Tony Newman, leader of the Labour party, said: 'I think if we are going to have an arena, a series of questions need to be asked.
Things have changed since we first considered this 10 years ago.
We have now got the O2 arena and in the current economic crisis is there still the money to build one?
Any development must incorporate the modernisation of East Croydon station'."
Source Croydon Guardian
Wednesday, 23 July 2008
D Day
Next Wednesday (30 July) is Decision Day for the public inquiry into the arena development on Dingwall Road.
Given the departure of Goodwin, director of planning and transportation at Croydon Borough Council, my guts tell me that it will be a victory for the citizens of Croydon and a defeat for the council's plans to impose an arena on us.
I could of course be 100% wrong!
Given the departure of Goodwin, director of planning and transportation at Croydon Borough Council, my guts tell me that it will be a victory for the citizens of Croydon and a defeat for the council's plans to impose an arena on us.
I could of course be 100% wrong!
Wednesday, 16 July 2008
Our Non Listening Council
With very few weeks left before the results of the public inquiry, Stanhope made a full presentation to the Shadow Cabinet on 30 June.
It was, I understand, well received with extensive questioning on all aspects of the scheme including; housing mix, the new Warehouse Theatre, public performance space, build time, committed financing and the future of Fairfield Halls.
This is in stark contrast to the ruling Conservative administration of Croydon, who have refused a similar offer from Stanhope.
It was, I understand, well received with extensive questioning on all aspects of the scheme including; housing mix, the new Warehouse Theatre, public performance space, build time, committed financing and the future of Fairfield Halls.
This is in stark contrast to the ruling Conservative administration of Croydon, who have refused a similar offer from Stanhope.
Wednesday, 9 July 2008
Leaving The Sinking Ship?
Is it possible that the resignation of Phillip Goodwin, director of planning and transportation at Croydon Borough Council, is a straw in the wind indicating that Croydon Council will fail in their bid to build an Arena in Croydon?
Property Week states:
"Goodwin has also been a key backer of Arrowcroft's arena-led plans for the Croydon Gateway."
I hope that is an augury of the future.
Property Week states:
"Goodwin has also been a key backer of Arrowcroft's arena-led plans for the Croydon Gateway."
I hope that is an augury of the future.
Thursday, 29 May 2008
A Response - Sort Of!
It is now three months to the day since I first wrote to the Secretary of State, Hazel Blears.
Having sent several reminders, and having cajoled Boris Johnson into prodding Ms Blears to answer, I finally have been sent an apology for the delay and a response (not from Ms Blears of course).
Here is the apology:
"Dear Mr Frost,
Please find attached a reply to your letter of 28 February to the Secretary of State. Please accept my apologies for this late acknowledgement. At the time you wrote, this case was being dealt with on behalf of the Secretary of State by the Planning Inspectorate and your letter was accordingly forwarded to them."
However, the astute amongst you will notice that the response (see below) does not answer any of the questions that I raised in my letter of February.
I suppose I should be grateful for at least receiving a response!
"Dear Mr Frost
Town and Country Planning Act 1990 – Section 77
Land adjoining East Croydon Station, George Street, Dingwall Road, Lansdowne Road, Croydon – Application by Arrowcroft Ltd
I am writing to confirm receipt of your letter to the Secretary of State, dated 28 February 2008, about the above planning application.
The Inspector's report and recommendations are currently being considered by the Secretary of State before she proceeds to issue her decision on this case. The contents of your letter have been noted and will be taken into consideration.
Yours sincerely,
XXX
Case Officer"
Having sent several reminders, and having cajoled Boris Johnson into prodding Ms Blears to answer, I finally have been sent an apology for the delay and a response (not from Ms Blears of course).
Here is the apology:
"Dear Mr Frost,
Please find attached a reply to your letter of 28 February to the Secretary of State. Please accept my apologies for this late acknowledgement. At the time you wrote, this case was being dealt with on behalf of the Secretary of State by the Planning Inspectorate and your letter was accordingly forwarded to them."
However, the astute amongst you will notice that the response (see below) does not answer any of the questions that I raised in my letter of February.
I suppose I should be grateful for at least receiving a response!
"Dear Mr Frost
Town and Country Planning Act 1990 – Section 77
Land adjoining East Croydon Station, George Street, Dingwall Road, Lansdowne Road, Croydon – Application by Arrowcroft Ltd
I am writing to confirm receipt of your letter to the Secretary of State, dated 28 February 2008, about the above planning application.
The Inspector's report and recommendations are currently being considered by the Secretary of State before she proceeds to issue her decision on this case. The contents of your letter have been noted and will be taken into consideration.
Yours sincerely,
XXX
Case Officer"
Thursday, 8 May 2008
Stanhope and Schroders Win Croydon Appeal
Croydon Council said today it would not contest an appeal lodged by Stanhope and Schroders over non-determination of its planning application to redevelop part of the controversial Croydon Gateway site.
In December 2006 Stanhope and Schroders’ Croydon Gateway Limited Partnership submitted an application for a residential-led scheme to the north of Lansdowne Road.
The Council said it had not had time to determine the planning application as there were some unresolved matters but it was ‘not in the public interest’ to contest the non-determination appeal lodged in February.
A spokesman for Stanhope and Schroders said the decision meant that its planning permission for the entire site was in place "We are very happy with this decision and we hope that what this will mean is that we can engage with Croydon Council on a site that can be delivered."
Source Property Week.
This of course means that if Arrowcroft and the Council were to win the CPO, the price that they would have to pay for the site with planning permission would most as likely be out of their reach.
In December 2006 Stanhope and Schroders’ Croydon Gateway Limited Partnership submitted an application for a residential-led scheme to the north of Lansdowne Road.
The Council said it had not had time to determine the planning application as there were some unresolved matters but it was ‘not in the public interest’ to contest the non-determination appeal lodged in February.
A spokesman for Stanhope and Schroders said the decision meant that its planning permission for the entire site was in place "We are very happy with this decision and we hope that what this will mean is that we can engage with Croydon Council on a site that can be delivered."
Source Property Week.
This of course means that if Arrowcroft and the Council were to win the CPO, the price that they would have to pay for the site with planning permission would most as likely be out of their reach.
Thursday, 24 April 2008
A Question of Money
Here is an extract of a press release made by Arrowcroft (the company pushing for the arena) on 9th December 2003:
"PRESS RELEASE
Date of issue: 9th December 2003
Croydon Arena to be UK 'centre of excellence' for Paralympic sport
On Monday 8th December, StadiVarios Croydon Limited, the British Paralympic Association (BPA) and Arrowcroft Group Plc signed a symbolic Memorandum of Understanding, through which the proposed Croydon Arena will be established as the prime UK venue for regional, national and international Paralympic events.
StadiVarios Croydon Limited has an agreement with Arrowcroft to build, own and operate the 12,500 state-of-the-art multi-use sport and entertainment arena, the centrepiece of the £400 million redevelopment proposed by Arrowcroft, the developer appointed by the London Borough of Croydon, for the strategically important Croydon Gateway site adjoining East Croydon railway station......
Patrick Nally, of StadiVarios Croydon Limited, said:
'The Croydon Arena will be designed to the highest specification with full provision within the architectural designs for disabled access to all public areas. We hope the BPA’s association with the Croydon Arena will be a long and fruitful one.'."
Now here is an extract of article in The Independent (18th March 2001) about Patrick Nally:
"The man behind a much-hyped new musical about Manchester United football club left a trail of debts from his previous theatrical production, the Independent on Sunday has discovered.
A media and TV production company controlled by Patrick Nally, a smooth-talking sports promoter turned theatre producer, is being pursued through the courts for hundreds of thousands of pounds in unpaid bills."
Are the council really so sure that the arena, were it ever to be built is financially viable?
"PRESS RELEASE
Date of issue: 9th December 2003
Croydon Arena to be UK 'centre of excellence' for Paralympic sport
On Monday 8th December, StadiVarios Croydon Limited, the British Paralympic Association (BPA) and Arrowcroft Group Plc signed a symbolic Memorandum of Understanding, through which the proposed Croydon Arena will be established as the prime UK venue for regional, national and international Paralympic events.
StadiVarios Croydon Limited has an agreement with Arrowcroft to build, own and operate the 12,500 state-of-the-art multi-use sport and entertainment arena, the centrepiece of the £400 million redevelopment proposed by Arrowcroft, the developer appointed by the London Borough of Croydon, for the strategically important Croydon Gateway site adjoining East Croydon railway station......
Patrick Nally, of StadiVarios Croydon Limited, said:
'The Croydon Arena will be designed to the highest specification with full provision within the architectural designs for disabled access to all public areas. We hope the BPA’s association with the Croydon Arena will be a long and fruitful one.'."
Now here is an extract of article in The Independent (18th March 2001) about Patrick Nally:
"The man behind a much-hyped new musical about Manchester United football club left a trail of debts from his previous theatrical production, the Independent on Sunday has discovered.
A media and TV production company controlled by Patrick Nally, a smooth-talking sports promoter turned theatre producer, is being pursued through the courts for hundreds of thousands of pounds in unpaid bills."
Are the council really so sure that the arena, were it ever to be built is financially viable?
Tuesday, 22 April 2008
A Large Slice of Fudge
I wrote to Boris Johnson's campaign website, on 16 April, asking:
"Where do you stand on the Arena proposals that the council is trying to ram through?"
They answered today, and served me a large slice of fudge:
"Dear Mr Frost
Thank you very much for emailing the Back Boris campaign, and please excuse the delay in getting back to you.
With less than 14 days to go until the polls open in the Mayoral contest it is not possible for Mr Johnson and his team to look at each such issue that is raised with him and the team. Boris also can't comment on the specific project as it may well end up being passed to the Mayor's office for a formal decision. I do urge you to get in touch after May 1st when Boris may be able to look into the matter in more detail. If there is anything else you would like to bring to our attention, please do not hesitate to get back in contact with us. It is vital that we hear from Londoners about the issues that matter to them.
Yours sincerely
The Policy Team"
Ken was able to give an opinion on it!
"Where do you stand on the Arena proposals that the council is trying to ram through?"
They answered today, and served me a large slice of fudge:
"Dear Mr Frost
Thank you very much for emailing the Back Boris campaign, and please excuse the delay in getting back to you.
With less than 14 days to go until the polls open in the Mayoral contest it is not possible for Mr Johnson and his team to look at each such issue that is raised with him and the team. Boris also can't comment on the specific project as it may well end up being passed to the Mayor's office for a formal decision. I do urge you to get in touch after May 1st when Boris may be able to look into the matter in more detail. If there is anything else you would like to bring to our attention, please do not hesitate to get back in contact with us. It is vital that we hear from Londoners about the issues that matter to them.
Yours sincerely
The Policy Team"
Ken was able to give an opinion on it!
The Real Scandal of The Arena
This comment has just been posted on Croydon Is Crap.
I would be very grateful if the person who posted it could get in touch with me.
Thanks.
"My company were the originators of the Stanhope Schroder scheme having secured options on the site in 1976 in open competition. The site was originally due to be developed as a Millennium Site with completion in 2000 - what a joke.
After years of frustration the Council became seduced by an individual promoting an Arena as a so called expert. This same individual has tried unsuccessfully in other UK towns and been thrown out of most of them. To this day, he has no experience of building or running an Arena.
We fully investigated the Arena concept and had it potentially valued by one of the world's top consultants. In a nutshell, the Arena would cost £80m to build (ex land cost) and be worth £5m. on completion. There is no possibility of a privately funded Arena being built in a town centre anywhere in the UK - all others in Europe have had public funding and/or free land. American Arenas are supported by Ice Hockey which is their national sport.
It is arguable that through their intransigence Croydon Council have cost borough residents (of whom I am one) £millions in lost revenue from business rates on this site.
After spending £2m. and seven years on this site, we sold to Stanhope/Schroder as we were 'losing the will to live'."
I would be very grateful if the person who posted it could get in touch with me.
Thanks.
"My company were the originators of the Stanhope Schroder scheme having secured options on the site in 1976 in open competition. The site was originally due to be developed as a Millennium Site with completion in 2000 - what a joke.
After years of frustration the Council became seduced by an individual promoting an Arena as a so called expert. This same individual has tried unsuccessfully in other UK towns and been thrown out of most of them. To this day, he has no experience of building or running an Arena.
We fully investigated the Arena concept and had it potentially valued by one of the world's top consultants. In a nutshell, the Arena would cost £80m to build (ex land cost) and be worth £5m. on completion. There is no possibility of a privately funded Arena being built in a town centre anywhere in the UK - all others in Europe have had public funding and/or free land. American Arenas are supported by Ice Hockey which is their national sport.
It is arguable that through their intransigence Croydon Council have cost borough residents (of whom I am one) £millions in lost revenue from business rates on this site.
After spending £2m. and seven years on this site, we sold to Stanhope/Schroder as we were 'losing the will to live'."
Friday, 18 April 2008
Thanks Boris
My thanks to Boris Johnson for stepping in to give Hazel Blears a nudge re her non reply to my letter of the 28th February:
"The Rt Hon Hazel Blears MP
Secretary of State
Dept. for Communities & Local Government
Eland House, Bressenden Place
London SW1E 5DU 18th April, 2008
Dear Hazel,
Ken Frost
****
Ken Frost has asked me to point out that he has had no reply to his letter to you dated 28th February, 2008, a copy of which I enclose. Could I ask, in the absence of his own MP, that you reply to him directly at ***.
Yours sincerely,
BORIS JOHNSON"
"The Rt Hon Hazel Blears MP
Secretary of State
Dept. for Communities & Local Government
Eland House, Bressenden Place
London SW1E 5DU 18th April, 2008
Dear Hazel,
Ken Frost
****
Ken Frost has asked me to point out that he has had no reply to his letter to you dated 28th February, 2008, a copy of which I enclose. Could I ask, in the absence of his own MP, that you reply to him directly at ***.
Yours sincerely,
BORIS JOHNSON"
Tuesday, 15 April 2008
Ken Blasts Arena Plans II
Ken Livingstone asked:
"Who needs an arena which will often be empty. Does anyone seriously believe that the Rolling Stones will come and perform in an arena that small?"
Source Croydon Guardian.
"Who needs an arena which will often be empty. Does anyone seriously believe that the Rolling Stones will come and perform in an arena that small?"
Source Croydon Guardian.
Friday, 11 April 2008
Ken Blasts Arena Plans
Ken Livingstone spoke at the Croydon Business/BID Candidate hustings, and included a section on the Arena.
He said that the Arena was a wasted opportunity for Croydon, and a waste of a fantastic site for jobs and homes without all the transport problems.
Ken then went on to blame Croydon council, both the current administration and the previous one, for its obsession with this unwanted development.
I couldn't agree with him more!
He said that the Arena was a wasted opportunity for Croydon, and a waste of a fantastic site for jobs and homes without all the transport problems.
Ken then went on to blame Croydon council, both the current administration and the previous one, for its obsession with this unwanted development.
I couldn't agree with him more!
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