Minutes 6th March 2007

Minutes of Meeting on 6 March 2007

HELD AT 1ST FLOOR, LORENZO'S RESTAURANT, WESTOW HILL

1. Present

Acting Chair - Mary Kennedy – independent business
Honorary Secretary - Andrew Parfitt - resident
Kevin Carleton-Reeves - transport consultant
Ron Davis - Abode
Ray Hall - New Crystal Palace Ltd
Nigel Harris - Railway Consultancy Ltd
Karen Moran - Crystal Palace Foundation
Sue Nagle - Bambino
Amber Rusk - Croydon Enterprise
Shahzad Siddiqui - Abode

2. Apologies

Mervyn Hing - Honorary Chairman - Silk Route Dry Cleaners
Peter Runacres - Thornton Springer

3. Minutes of Previous Meeting

The minutes of the 6 February meeting were formally adopted.

4. Chamber of Commerce Chairman for 2007

Following the motion passed at the 6 February meeting, a vote was taken and Ray Hall was unanimously confirmed as Chairman of the Chamber from April 2007.




5. Lambeth Planning Matters

Ron Davis said that Abode had bought No.1 Westow Hill, the former Tanning Shop, with the aim of moving their business to there. The estate agent’s current premises at No.80 Westow Hill would be taken by a hairdresser’s.

Lambeth Council, however, had not given planning consent for A2 usage because of their concern about the impact on the balance of usages on their side of Westow Hill. Ron Davis said that Abode would appeal against this: there was a need to consider the Triangle as a whole, particularly in view of the large number of vacant premises. Amber Rusk agreed that there was a need for greater coordination across the Triangle.

6. Any Other Business

McDonalds site

Amber said that McDonald’s were considering ten bids from developers for the freehold of their former premises at Nos.15-17 Westow Hill. The A3 usage of the ground floor would be maintained, but it was likely that the property would be rebuilt with two upper storeys of residential accommodation.

Church Road scaffolding

The scaffolding above the premises of the Crystal Pantry Café, discussed at the 6 June 2006 meeting of the Chamber, was still in place. Amber understood that several developers were interested in the site, but that the owner did not want to sell. She recommended that the Chamber should write a formal letter to Croydon Council in complaint about this undermining of the commercial viability of the area, and suggested that progress should be considered at the next meeting of the Chamber.

Church Road advertising hoarding

Amber said that she was unable to obtain documentation that Bromley Council had taken enforcement action against the owners of the hoarding, indeed she had heard that the site was to be sold to a leading advertising company. She did, however, understand that the prospective buyer would accept undertakings to keep the site maintained in a good condition. Sue Nagle said that this was not sufficient and that she would wish the Chamber to send a letter of protest to Bromley.

Crystal Palace Park

Karen Moran and Sue said that they had recently been to a Main Group meeting at which Ray Hall’s scheme for a new Crystal Palace had attracted “huge support” from the wider audience present. Ron noted that the Park needed a unique selling point and that it was essential that the Park as a whole was financially self-supporting. Amber suggested that the Chamber should write to Bromley, asking 1) why there was no ice rink in 2006/07 when the previous year’s ice rink had been so successful; 2) why the Farmers’ Market could not be reinstated.

Capel Manor

As an update to the item at the 6 February meeting, Karen said that a revised planning application would be submitted to Bromley on 12 April.

Upper Norwood Joint Library

Kevin Carleton-Reeves said that he had emailed Bromley to suggest that if the planned closure of the Anerley and Penge libraries proceeded, Bromley could contribute to the Upper Norwood library which would then become a common resource for the three boroughs. The response had been polite but non-committal.

Amber drew attention to the proposal to create a café behind the library. She noted that this would create funding for the library and draw people into the Triangle: she therefore recommended that the Chamber should support the scheme.

Access to Crystal Palace Station

Karen Moran said that the access road to the station would be closed from mid-October to March because of the demolition of the turnstiles and bridge leading to the Crystal Palace Sports Centre.

The meeting ended at 8.15 p.m.

Date of next meeting: Tuesday 3 April at 6.45 for 7 p.m., Lorenzo's Restaurant

Minutes 6th February 2007

Minutes of Meeting on 6 February 2007

CRYSTAL PALACE & NORWOOD CHAMBER OF COMMERCE
HELD AT 1ST FLOOR, LORENZO'S RESTAURANT, WESTOW HILL

1. Present

Honorary Chairman - Mervyn Hing - Silk Route Dry Cleaners
Honorary Secretary - Andrew Parfitt - resident
Kevin Carleton-Reeves - transport consultant
Rosemarie Gill - Safer Neighbourhood Team
Ray Hall - New Crystal Palace Ltd
PC Steve Hall - Safer Neighbourhood Team
Karen Moran - Crystal Palace Foundation
Sue Nagle - Bambino
Dinesh Patel - Centre Page (Budgens)
Andy Stem - Bambino
Lillian Williamson - Safer Neighbourhood Team
Matthew Yates - Transport for London (TfL)

2. Apologies

Mary Kennedy - independent business
Kennex Kanagarajnam – Pizza Express
Frank Lissimore – Amphlett Lissimore
Amber Rusk - Town Centre Manager

3. Minutes of Previous Meeting

The minutes of the 7 November meeting were formally adopted.

4. Matters Arising

Triangle Traders and Chamber of Commerce merger

Mervyn Hing and Sue Nagle confirmed that the two organisations had now merged.



Crystal Palace Fireworks

All present expressed their appreciation of Karen Moran’s organisation of the highly successful fireworks display on 29 November.

Upper Norwood Library

Mervyn said that the Crystal Palace Community Association (CPCA) had contacted him and he had pledged the Chamber’s support for the campaign against the threatened cutbacks to the library’s services.

Annual General Meeting

Mervyn said that, subject to the availability of Geoffrey Gibbs and Peter Runacres, the AGM would be on the 6 March.

5. TfL: Tramlink Overview

At the invitation of Mervyn, Matthew Yates, TfL’s project manager for the extension of the Tramlink to Crystal Palace outlined the plans.

The recent consultation document had set out three options for the section between the Anerley Road bridge and the Crystal Palace bus station:
Option 1: on-street running up Anerley Road and Anerley Hill
Option 2: running alongside the railway in the periphery of Crystal Palace Park;
Option 3: running up Anerley Road, then turning by Crystal Palace station to run alongside the railway in the periphery of Crystal Palace Park.

Option 1 would affect road traffic the most and reduce the availability of parking and loading for businesses in Anerley Road/Hill. There were also fears that the very steep hill would cause operational difficulties.

Option 2 would have much less impact on road traffic and parking/loading. But it would require more property take and go through the park, although TfL would ensure replanting.

Option 3 is a hybrid, which would combine the strengths and weaknesses of the other two options.

Matthew said that TfL were aiming to decide upon a single preferred option by the end of this year, with further consultation in 2008. A submission under the Transport and Works Act (TWA) was planned for early in 2009, accompanied by a full Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA). The CPCA’s intention to oppose the scheme meant that a Public Inquiry would be held. Subject to the outcome of the Inquiry and the Secretary of State’s decision, TfL hoped that the tram extension could open in 2013. A further extension from Crystal Palace to Beckenham Junction was still a possibility.

The economic impacts of the Croydon Tramlink included a 4% increase in house prices in ward served by the tram compared to other wards and a 9% fall in unemployment claims in New Addington. The Economic Impact Report and Business Case for the Crystal Palace extension would be finalised this summer, but emerging findings suggested that the tram would increase employment in the Triangle by 3% to 5%, and increase retail spending in the Upper Norwood area by some £2 million p.a. The tram would be a catalyst for regeneration benefits, including increases in house prices, which would be worth around £150 million over the project’s 60-year appraisal period.

Sue expressed her support for the proposals. She commented, however, that the entrance into the bus station at the Norwood Gate would pose a challenge. Matthew said that experience on the Continent suggested that options such as grass tracking were feasible, but that TfL would work with the London Development Agency (LDA) to ensure that the tram would be in keeping with the park.

Karen welcomed the tram in principle, but did have concerns about its going through the park.

Mervyn asked about the likely duration of works on Anerley Hill if Option 1 were chosen: Matthew said that traffic could be affected for about eight months. Karen Moran said that when she and Sue had visited the Mayor, Ken Livingstone had told them that he favoured an option through the park rather than up Anerley Hill.

Kevin Carleton-Reeves asked whether TfL had considered connecting the tram to the Crystal Palace bus station via an underground travelator from the railway station. Matthew said that they had not looked at a tunnelling proposal, but feared it would be too expensive and pose operational and personal security issues.

Matthew emphasised that strong stakeholder support was vital for the tram’s success, particularly that of business interests. Ray Hall noted that the tram had the potential to help make Crystal Palace a centre for the regeneration of South London and cited the City Growth initiative of the LDA:
http://www.southlondonbusiness.co.uk/citygrowth/citygrowth.php
Ray said that the longer-term aim should be to connect the Dockland Light Railway and Tramlink networks.

Mervyn thanked Matthew for attending the meeting; Matthew said that he would be happy to provide a further update to the Chamber at a future occasion.

6. Safer Neighbourhood Team (SNT)

PC Steve Hall said that the Crystal Palace Triangle SNT had been established for 10 months, and covered the three boroughs of Bromley, Croydon and Lambeth. Representatives of business were on the panel, and the SNT were here to serve the business community.

A shop was being renovated opposite the Police Station on Central Hill and would be in operation as the SNT’s headquarters by the end of March. The SNT were out on the streets in the Triangle and the surrounding area and were also running regular services for young people, such as at Croydon Enterprise in Church Road. Lillian Williamson highlighted the race night that was planned for 30 June at the Phoenix Centre that would raise money for “Sally’s Children” and other charities, including the local community.


Sue said that after being initially sceptical, she was now beginning to appreciate the benefits of the SNT’s activities. She was particularly impressed by the football evenings which PS Spence Ogilvie was running on Wednesday nights at the Salvation Army Hall.

Steve encouraged businesses to take advantage of the CRAC system which, for a small fee, provided automatic CCTV monitoring of suspects and a radio link to Croydon police. Sue said that its introduction had been overshadowed by its coincidence with the imposition of the One-Way System, but that now, if the system could be made slightly cheaper, businesses might be interested in taking it up. Steve said that costs would fall if take-up increased.

Mervyn thanked the SNT members for attending and invited them to provide the contact details of the full team. They are:

PC Spence Ogilvie
PC Grant Bones
PC Steve Hall
PCSO Lillian Williamson
PCSO Andy Haynes
PCSO Rosemarie Gill
PCSO Chris Horyna

Telephone for information regarding Community issues: 0208 721 2906
Email: Crystalpalacetriangle.snt@met.police.uk

NB. in an emergency call 999 or report a Crime call at the local police station.

7. Chamber of Commerce Chairman for 2007

In response to an invitation from Mervyn, Kevin Carleton-Reeves said that he would like to nominate Ray Hall as the next Chairman of the Chamber, in view of his connection with schemes to bring more people to the local area. This was seconded by Karen Moran and the motion was passed unanimously.

Mervyn expressed his thanks to Ray, and said that he considered that his enormous experience and knowledge would be invaluable. Mervyn would chair the next meeting and then look forward to working alongside Ray for the next two or three months.

8. Any Other Business

Capel Manor

http://www.capel.ac.uk/Courses/Crystal_Palace/index.htm

Karen said that six members of the Park Working Group had visited the Capel Manor grounds in Enfield. They had been very impressed and it was clear that if the college were to open in Crystal Palace Park there would be lots of animals, including a breeding programme, with plenty of opportunities for them to be seen by the public.

Sue commented that following an approach from the LDA, Capel Manor had agreed to come to Crystal Palace. However, the college’s initial planning application to Bromley had been unsuccessful. A revised planning application would be submitted in March – there was a marvellous opportunity for the local area here.


The meeting ended at 8.30 p.m.

Date of next meeting: Tuesday 6 March at 6.45 for 7 p.m., Lorenzo's Restaurant

Minutes 7th November 2006

Minutes of Meeting on 7 November 2006

CRYSTAL PALACE & NORWOOD CHAMBER OF COMMERCE
HELD AT 1ST FLOOR, LORENZO'S RESTAURANT, WESTOW HILL

1. Present

Honorary Chairman - Mervyn Hing - Silk Route Dry Cleaners
Honorary Secretary - Andrew Parfitt - resident
John Greatrex - Great Exhibitions Ltd.
Ray Hall - architect
Geoffrey Harding - Bennett Welch
Mary Kennedy - independent business
Karen Moran - Crystal Palace Foundation
Sue Nagle - Bambino
Lorenzo Nargi - Lorenzo's Restaurant
Chris Thomas - The Palace magazine

2. Apologies

none

3. Minutes of Previous Meeting

The minutes of the 3 October meeting were formally adopted.

4. Matters Arising

Christmas meal

It was agreed that the meeting of Tuesday 5 December would take the form of a meal and party upstairs at Lorenzo's.

UNIT meeting

Several of those present had attended a recent meeting of the Upper Norwood Improvement Team, at which much of the discussion had centred around Tramlink. Mervyn Hing noted that Cllr. Pat Ryan (Upper Norwood, Croydon) seemed defiant and unrepentant about the local business downturn as a consequence of the previous Labour controlled Croydon council. After a subsequent but brief discussion with Conservative Councillor George Filbey, Mervyn doubted if the new Conservative councillors have the necessary analytical skills, local knowledge and interest in rectifying the disastrous one-way traffic system.

Sue Nagle said that at a recent meeting with Ken Livingstone, she had put to him that the one-way system had destroyed the town. The original justification for the one-way system was based on the Multiplex but now that this had been scrapped there was no need for its retention. She said that the Mayor was clearly uncomfortable about the situation.

5. Next Year's Officers

It had been agreed at the October meeting that Geoffrey Gibbs would take over the role of Peter Runacres as Honorary Treasurer. Mervyn said that, if need be, he would continue as Honorary Chairman until the next AGM, but urged all members to consider this position - and that of Membership Secretary - and to put forward suggestions and nominations.

6. Tramlink

The proposals for bringing the Tramlink up to the Crystal Palace bus station were discussed. Sue said that 90% of Triangle Traders supported the plans.

Many considered that on-street running on Anerley Hill/Road would cause severe congestion problems. Therefore they felt that the most feasible approach was Option 2 - with the tram running through the edge of Crystal Palace Park. Karen Moran, however, expressed concern about this encroachment on parkland.

Those present supported Option 2 by a majority of six to one. Further details of the consultation, which closes on Monday 18 December, are at:
http://www.tfl.gov.uk/trams/initiatives/tep/index.shtml

7. The Palace magazine

At the invitation of Mervyn, Chris Thomas said that, from late November, a new magazine, The Palace, would be delivered to 10,000 homes in the Crystal Palace and Sydenham area. It would also be available in places such as pubs. Chris, who has lived in the Westwood Hill area for the past six years, was keen to provide an integrated publication for the area in view of its split between five London Boroughs. The magazine would promote local interests, news stories and businesses, and would be funded by advertisements.

The Chamber welcomed the venture and wished it every success.

8. Local Enterprise Growth Initiative (LEGI)

Sue said that a speaker was due to talk about LEGI at a forthcoming Neighbourhood Partnership meeting at the Salvation Army Hall. She said that Sharon Baldwin (LB Croydon) hoped to bring someone along to discuss LEGI at the next meeting of the Chamber.

9. Any Other Business

Fireworks

Karen reminded everyone of the Fireworks Display on 29 November on the top terraces of the Park and said that it would be a spectacular occasion to commemorate the eve of the 70th anniversary of the Crystal Palace's destruction by fire.

Ice Rink

Karen said that this was due to open on 25 November. [Subsequently, the Crystal Palace Foundation website notes that this has been cancelled by the LDA - apparently because of lack of funds]: http://www.crystalpalacefoundation.org.uk/Events/




Crystal Palace project

Ray Hall said that he was planning to talk to the Park dialogue group about his proposals at a meeting on 24 November. Sue said that the traders were 100% behind the project and that she would encourage them to come along to give support

The meeting ended at 8.20 p.m.

Date of next meeting: Tuesday 5 December at 6.45 for 7 p.m., Lorenzo's Restaurant (Christmas party)

then Tuesday 6 February 2007.