Council listening to residents' Northern Line Extension concerns

Lambeth Council have appointed tunnelling experts Ramboll as independent technical consultants to examine Transport for London's plans for the Northern Line Extension, which are are progressing quickly.

At an exhaustive three hour meeting this evening, chaired by London Assembly Member Val Shawcross, experts from Ramboll listened to the detailed concerns that residents have about the construction and operation of the Northern Line Extension.

Issues included:
- the exact location of the construction shaft in Radcot Street (not yet decided)
- the effect on adjacent properties
- air quality next to the shaft
- parking during construction (the gin distillery was suggested as a possible site for parking)
- traffic circulation through 'Methravia' during construction
- size and quality of the construction vehicles
- hours of construction work
- noise - construction of tunnels and operation of the trains
- capacity of Kennington station - for additional trains and additional passenger interchange
- boundary issues - discussions with Southwark
- process for monitoring any settlement or damage caused by tunnelling
- the need for maximum noise mitigation around the 'Kennington Loop' - where the NLE will meet the existing track and be at its most shallow - and the need for the existing track on the Loop to be upgraded to reduce noise disruption.
- how to manage Kennington Park during construction, reproviding the dog exercise area and ensuring community projects aren't forced to close.
- which shaft site has been decided for Kennington Green - the distillery is preferred and residents want the trees protected
- the proposed permanent shaft at Claylands Green which is fiercely opposed by local residents there and TfL are now examining whether other options are possible.
- what noise and effect the permanent ventilation shafts will have.

There was a clear consensus from residents and councillors that
- Lambeth Council must demand the minimal construction disruption to residents possible.
- Lambeth Council must insist on the highest possible noise mitigation work for the operation of the trains.
- Lambeth Council must specify construction techniques which are least noisy and least disruptive to residents.
- Ramboll need to examine TfL's plans in great detail and not be afraid to challenge them to improve the project's effects on Lambeth's residents.

Councillor Mark Harrison said 'the meeting was a really useful and detailed airing of all the many concerns that Lambeth residents have about the Northern Line Extension. Now independent experts Ramboll can go away and examine TfL's plans in detail and get answers to the questions raised'.

Northern Line Extension Update

Transport for London have updated us on plans for the extension of the Northern Line, from Kennington to Battersea.

The main benefit of the NLE is that it will provide the necessary transport capacity for Battersea Power Station to be fully redeveloped. It will also provide a new station at Nine Elms (next to Sainsbury) which will take pressure off Vauxhall tube station.

The developer of Battersea Power Station had been leading the NLE project, but they went into administration at the end of last year, so TfL confirmed its intention to take forward the Northern line extension project to Transport Works Act Order (TWAO) stage. This is the legislation needed to start work on a major transport project.

A preferred bidder has been chosen for the development of the Battersea Power station site and TfL will be working with them to take forward plans for a proposed extension of the Northern Line.

The wider work necessary in advance of submitting a TWAO continues and this week TfL are updating residents and stakeholders on the progress of their plans. Over 40,000 households and businesses along the route of the proposed extension will receive a leaflet. This will be followed by further local consultations to refine some of the details of the scheme over the coming months with a final consultation on proposals planned for the Autumn.

To construct the NLE there will need to be a temporary construction shaft in the Radcot/ Stannary Street area, and permanent ventilation shafts on Kennington Green and Kennington Park. You can find out more, and view a detailed map of the plans, on TfL's website.

Vauxhall Nine Elms Battersea Open Days

Come and find out more about the largest area of central riverside redevelopment in London:

At Market Towers, 1 Nine Elms Lane, Vauxhall, SW8 5NQ

On Thursday 24 November 2011, 3pm to 8pm and Friday 25 November 2011, 8am to 6pm


What to expect:

· The latest information about the Vauxhall Nine Elms Battersea (VNEB) redevelopments.

· An update on the Northern line extension that will link the whole area to the tube network.

· A chance to know more about proposed improvements for pedestrians, cyclists and local public transport users.

· Information about planned improvements to existing streets and a new linear park.

· A 3D model of the whole VNEB area.

· An opportunity to discuss proposals with the VNEB strategy board.


For more information visit: www.lambeth.gov.uk/vneb or www.wandsworth.gov.uk/nineelms

Labour launches manifesto for VNEB project

New community funds, better public services, parks and transport schemes are planned.

Lambeth’s Labour Councillors have unveiled our plans to transform the Vauxhall-Nine Elms-Battersea area to ensure local residents get the maximum benefit from the regeneration proposals.

In a draft manifesto, Labour has pledged that we 'will ensure that the necessary infrastructure and public services will be provided for local residents affected by the developments.'

One of the highlights is the plan to develop a new ‘Community Endowment Fund’ of at least £1million which will provide an annual pot of money for local groups to ensure that the benefits of the regeneration continue after the building has finished. In addition, funding that comes from new developments for improving the community will be ring fenced so it can’t be used to subsidise any overspend on the planned Northern Line Extension.

Labour’s Leader in Lambeth, and Co-chair of the VNEB Strategy Board, Cllr Steve Reed said:'We are getting ahead of the curve in announcing these pledges for local people – the first political party to set out a manifesto for Vauxhall Nine Elms. With 16,000 new homes coming to the area we need to be sure that our public services meet the demands of our existing and new residents. We will be engaging with our communities, so they can tell us what they want.'

The draft manifesto will go out for consultation over the next two months. Labour Councillors will be discussing the plans with local people, community groups, residents’ associations, and other key stakeholders.

To improve transport, Labour pledges to support:
· An extended Northern line to run from Kennington to Nine Elms and Battersea· New bus services along Wandsworth Road and Nine Elms Lane.
· A cycle bridge at Pimlico, new boat services, walkways and improved access to the river.
· The extension of the TFL bike hire scheme further South
· Traffic calming measures and improvements to prevent ‘rat runs’ through residential areas.

To improve our open spaces, Labour pledges to:
· Preserve and improve Vauxhall Park, Spring Gardens and Larkhall Park.
· Lobby TfL to remove the Vauxhall gyratory to improve the area for pedestrians and cyclists.
· Ensure that any new tall buildings do not significantly overshadow parks and homes.

In public services and culture, Labour pledges to:
· Create extra school places, doctors, and ensure hospital services are not adversely affected. · Ensure police are not diverted by protecting the new US Embassy.
· Develop new cultural provision in the area, provide extra sports pitches and leisure centres

To support local businesses and jobs, Labour pledges to:
· Ensure developers offer apprenticeships for young residents and the unemployed.
· Work to provide new spaces for retail outlets and street markets.

The consultation on the draft manifesto will run until 15 November.

To download the manifesto, click here.

To comment on the plans, you can email vnebmanifesto@gmail.com

Swimming pool and student housing for South Lambeth Road

Our colleagues in Oval have already drawn attention to this exhibition, which will be of interest to many Prince's ward residents:

Plans are being brought forward for a mixed-use development to transform 30-60 South Lambeth Road, Vauxhall, currently waste ground adjacent to the railway lines. Property developer Downing is holding a Public Exhibition on the proposals at the Vauxhall Christian Centre, 105 Tyers Street, Vauxhall, SE11 5HS on:

Thursday 8 September, 4pm – 8pm
Saturday 10 September, 11am – 4pm

This is an important opportunity for you to give your views on our plans before a planning application is submitted to Lambeth Council this autumn, so please come along if you can.

Downing’s proposed Student Housing and Leisure Centre is being designed by award-winning architects Feilden Clegg Bradley Studios and seeks to maximise the potential of this under-used site. Included in the proposals are a swimming pool and leisure centre, which local residents will be able to use. The swimming pool will be at lower ground-level and will be visible from South Lambeth Road, creating an animated street-scene. The student housing on the upper floors includes internal and external amenity space for the students and a TfL “Boris bike” stand will be provided.

For more information in the meantime, you can visit the scheme blog - http://www.downingvauxhall.blogspot.com/, email vauxhall@downing.com, call 0207 323 3544 or write to Downing, c/o 7 Bayley Street, London WC1B 3HB

Council Leader walkabout in Vauxhall and Albert Embankment

On Friday afternoon, in glorious sunny weather, Leader of Lambeth Council Steve Reed was shown round the areas of Prince's ward which will be affected by the Vauxhall- Nine Elms- Battersea redevelopment project.

Steve is now chairing the Strategy Board which will guide the redevelopment of the area, so local councillors Mark Harrison and Lorna Campbell wanted to show Steve how the changes will affect things on the ground.

Important issues discussed included ensuring local parks are improved - particularly Vauxhall Pleasure Gardens which has a redevelopment masterplan which needs funding fully. Supporting cultural activities and businesses will be important, as will improving Albert Embankment for pedestrians. Links and connections need to be improved through the railway viaduct, and across the gyratory system to Vauxhall station.

Most importantly the existing residents of estates bordering the area - Vauxhall Gardens, Whitgift, and Ethelred - need to see real benefits to their environment from the huge changes to the area.

VNEB Community Forum

Yesterday evening saw a second well-attended Lambeth Community Forum for the Vauxhall-Nine Elms- Battersea project.

The Forum is the place for Lambeth community groups and residents to engage with the work of the VNEB Strategy Board, which is coordinating the redevelopment of the area stretching from Lambeth Bridge to Battersea Bridge.

Cllr Steve Reed, Leader of Lambeth Council, introduced the event. He is now representing Lambeth on the Strategy Board, ensuring the Lambeth point of view is represented as strongly as possible.

There was a presentation on the proposed extension to the Northern Line. A consultation is underway - events will be held for residents at the following times:

- Friday 20 and Saturday 21 May from 10am to 6pm at The Long Room, The
Oval, SE11 5SS
- Thursday 26 and Friday 27 May from 10am to 6pm at Sainsbury’s Nine Elms,
62 Wandsworth Road, SW8 2LF
The discussion about the Northern Line Extension was lively. The biggest concern is that money from new Lambeth developments will be siphoned off into the NLE, instead of paying for vital infrastructure needed at Vauxhall Cross. Councillors present confirmed they were well aware of this issue and were continuing to press Lambeth's case in negotiations.

Next VNEB Community Forum

Please note that the next Vauxhall Nine Elms Battersea (VNEB) community forum event will be held at:

The Lost Theatre,
208 Wandsworth Road
SW8 2UP

on 17 May 2011 from 6.30 pm – 8.30pm.

This will build on the work of the first meeting in January.

The Forum is the place for Lambeth community groups and residents to engage with the work of the VNEB Strategy Board, which is coordinating the redevelopment of the area stretching from Lambeth Bridge to Battersea Bridge.

The draft agenda is as follows:
1. Opening remarks about VNEB
2. Update from officers on Nine Elms (VNEB) Strategy Board
3. Proposal for community engagement
4. News in Lambeth / current proposals
5. Update on the business improvement district for Vauxhall
6. Information about the Northern Line Extension Consultation

Get in touch with your councillors for more information.

Community groups keen to engage with Vauxhall Nine Elms development plans

Over 70 representatives of local community groups from areas between Lambeth Bridge and Clapham Town gathered at the Lost Theatre on Wandsworth Road to discuss the major redevelopment of the Vauxhall- Nine Elms- Battersea area.

The Vauxhall Nine Elms and Battersea Opportunity Area stetches from Lambeth Bridge to Battersea Power Station, and has been earmarked by London's Mayor for major redevelopment - including 16000 new homes and 25000 new jobs. Major investment in infrastructure will be required to make the plan a reality. A Strategy Board for the project has recently been set up, consisting of the Greater London Authority, Transport for London, Lambeth Council, Wandsworth Council, and major Nine Elms landowners.

The focus of the meeting was how community groups would interract with the new Strategy Board. It was agreed that a Lambeth Community Forum should be set up, involving all local groups, with the opportunity for those with special interests in particular areas like transport and housing to work in more detailed sub-groups which will work closely with officers delivering the project.

If your community group has an interest in the redevelopment of the area and you would like to be involved in the Forum please get in touch with your councillor.

Pictured: an audience of 70 community activists and local councillors listen to Maureen Johnston (KOV Forum), Sue Foster (Executive Director at Lambeth Council), Cllr Sally Prentice (Cabinet Member responsible for Planning), and Zbig Blonski (Planner at Lambeth Council).

Community engagement meeting on Vauxhall Nine Elms Battersea Opportunity Area

Lambeth Council are seeking the views of the local community on future developments within the Vauxhall Nine Elms and Battersea Opportunity Area, and are inviting representatives of local organisations to an initial community engagement meeting.

The meeting is taking place on Wednesday 12 January 2011 from 6.30pm until 8.30pm. If you a representative of a community group who would like to attend please get in touch with your councillors.

The purpose of this meeting is to decide how the voice of Lambeth's communities affected by proposed developments in the Vauxhall, Nine Elms, Battersea development area can be heard, and how local community in put into future development and change can be most effectively made.

The Vauxhall Nine Elms and Battersea Opportunity Area stetches from Lambeth Bridge to Battersea Power Station, and has been earmarked by London's Mayor for major redevelopment - including 16000 new homes and 25000 new jobs. Major investment in infrastructure will be required to make the plan a reality. A Strategy Board for the project has recently been set up, consisting of the Greater London Authority, Transport for London, Lambeth Council, Wandsworth Council, and major Nine Elms landowners.

Belated KOV Forum update

The SE11 Lurker has been doing an excellent job writing very detailed updates from last week's KOV Forum, but we thought we had better summarise the main issues from what what was a packed meeting.

Network Rail explained their plans to renovate Vauxhall Railway Station, making it more accessible to people with disabilities and hinting at a possible supermarket in one of the arches.

Brian Dickens from the Sports Action Zone updated the meeting on the activities happening on the Old Lilian Baylis site, and the fact that SAZ have the prospect of accessing around £2M from Communitybuilders funding. The Council's cabinet will be considering a proposal to split the site, handing over ownership of the sports facilities to a trust which will be able to bid for these grants. The split would leave the listed school buildings in the Council's hands.

An officer from Lambeth Council spoke about the Cooperative Council programme. The Cooperative Council Commission is finishing its evidence gathering and will be writing its report about how cooperative principles migth be applied in practice to Lambeth Council. It will report in the New Year, 12 pilot schemes will begin in February, and the Council will formally respond in May.

There was an introduction to the idea of setting up a Business Improvement District for Vauxhall. Currently businesses in Vauxhall are being consulted on the proposal, which would see every business in the area paying a levy to fund additional works and services to make the area better for business. BIDs currently operate in Waterloo and Bankside, as well as many other places across the country.

Finally Councillor Mark Harrison updated the meeting on the Vauxhall Nine Elms Battersea Opportunity Area. The area from Lambeth Bridge to Battersea Power Station has been designated an opportunity area for major development by the Mayor of London. 16000 homes and 25000 new jobs are earmarked for the area. The latest news is that a Strategy Board has been set up to coordinate the project, consisting of the Greater London Authority, Transport for London, Wandsworth Council, Lambeth Council and major Nine Elms landowners. A detailed study into the infrastructure needed by the development, and the amount of money that can be raised from developers, has concluded that the scheme is viable, including the proposal to extend the Northern line to Battersea. Mark asked the meeting how local community groups would want to engage with the new Strategy Board over the coming years.

Pictured: Vauxhall Gardens Community Centre, where the meeting took place.