Newsletter 3rd June 2008

NEWSLETTER JUNE 2008

Dear Chamber member,

This is a form of newsletter from me as the Chair of the Crystal Palace and Norwood Chamber of Commerce - but perhaps more accurately it is a personal letter bringing some very good news.

First an apology

The first thing I would like to share, however, is an apology. Due to a very serious illness, I have not been a very good Chair since taking over from Mervyn. Now that I am on the road to recovery, I thank you all for your understanding during that time and I hope that my determination and enthusiasm to make the Chamber the strong local voice it should be will make up for the shaky start.

This area has, nevertheless, remained a major part of my life as my goal continues to be that of enabling a key contribution to the regeneration of Central South London - the focus of which could, with a new Crystal Palace, be the business community in and around the Crystal Palace Triangle.

The New Crystal Palace

As many members know, through my company New Crystal Palace Ltd., I have for some twelve years now, been advocating the development of a new Crystal Palace on the site of its forebear and thanks to the enormous amount of support the proposal has received from both businesses and the broader community, I think we are getting very close to success. There may soon be a situation when I will be able to demonstrate viability to a welcoming audience.

Many will have seen the personal support expressed in the local press by Stephen Carr, the Leader of Bromley Council (freeholders of Crystal Palace Park). Mike Fisher, the Leader of Croydon Council has also expressed enthusiastic support. This political will together with a ground-swell of public support has brought the vision close to the prospect of being able to become a reality. I trust I will be able to say more later.

If I succeed, as Sue Nagle has often said, 'everything changes'. One observation at the last Business Partnership meeting was that the new Crystal Palace would transform the future for businesses in the Crystal Palace Triangle area - and transform their future for good.

That is my goal – A new Crystal Palace as part of overall regeneration of the District Centre to include the road system, the transport facilities, town improvements and promotion of Crystal Palace as a Heritage Destination and thriving town centre: hence the intended further discussions with officers and councillors from both Croydon and Bromley and then their counterparts in the other three relevant boroughs starting with Lambeth. Other meetings to go into the detail of specific can then follow.

Some more positive news:

The One-way System

I have been in dialogue with Iain Sim at Croydon BC. He is very aware of the concerns of businesses in the Triangle and I am to meet him to discuss improvements in the context of the soon to be decided future of Crystal Palace Park. I may then ask for a special meeting of members to discuss the implications of what may emerge.

Business Partnership

This has been an initiative by Croydon B.C. Organized by Town Centre Manager, Amber Rusk. It has, I believe, in a relatively short period of time, become a valuable forum. Proposals are emerging that may help in the promotion and enhancement of the Triangle businesses and those based nearby. I am pleased to have been able to participate in its recent meetings, as have other Chamber members, and would recommend them to you - the next being on June 11th, starting at 6.30 pm. The venue is a Chamber member - Numidi's restaurant in Westow Hill.

Finally

I would like to take this opportunity to thank you for your ongoing support - because what has at times felt like a huge mountain is, I believe, beginning to move.

Next Meeting

Getting together, talking through issues and exploring what can be achieved has always strengthened our ability to influence events and decisions. I would like to expand our membership and improve our attendance at meetings. Could I suggest therefore that we meet on the 1st July at Il Ponte in Westow Hill at 12 noon till 1 and then every 1st Tuesday of the month thereafter (venue and time to be advised. As sandwiches and coffee/tea will be provided, we would be grateful if you could confirm whether you will be attending so that we can cater for the correct number. e-mail susy.nagle@tiscali.co.uk and thank you in anticipation.

This is a pivotal time for the area and I would urge all our members, whether current, lapsed, disillusioned or disinclined! to come along. At this, my first meeting as Chair, I would like to give you all an update on the very encouraging progress of the New Crystal Palace (sharing with you the strategy that is now in place to make it a reality) hear any concerns about the area and invite suggestions on the most effective way forward for the Chamber.

I trust this is helpful. I am looking forward to meeting with you all on July 1st.

With many blessings

Ray Hall
Chairman