The public consultation over Crossrail 2’s “Chelsea West” option has given a
fascinating insight into the motives of those in charge at the Royal Borough of
Kensington and Chelsea (RBKC): it is now clear that
all talk of “redevelopment” for
the Cremorne and World’s End estates is
down to them – and perhaps also
London’s occasional Mayor Alexander Boris de Pfeffel Johnson.
What is equally clear is that, even if a station were to be
provided at that location, there would be no need to demolish even one flat.
Not one. Not that the representatives of RBKC are admitting this, though: there
is a flat refusal to rule out demolition on their part, although the Council
leader has played down talk of knocking down entire estates as a “scare story”. So who’s saying what?
World's End Estate, with Cremorne Estate at top right
The Council View:
while the Council leader is making a great show of denying all the stories
suggesting the Cremorne Estate, and at least part of World’s End, would be
demolished were Chelsea West to go ahead, the transport spokesman cannot rule
it out, admitting that part of both estates may have to go. Space requirements
for station entrances were quoted in square feet (so bigger and more scary
numbers).
Clapham South: all the space needed for a station entrance. Chelsea West would need two of these
The Network Rail (NR)
View: my information is that NR has concluded that there need not be any demolition. The station would
be deep underground: all that would be needed are two entrances on the surface,
each needing no more than a space of 20 metres square. For a guide, I’ve
included a photo of Clapham South on the Northern Line, a single entrance late
1920s station. Entrance, ticket hall and escalator shaft – that is all that is
needed (but twice in the case of Chelsea West).
Look who else may be involved. What a surprise (not)
The City Hall View:
I’m told that Bozza may come up with some money towards costs, although whether
than means the station, or part of some future redevelopment, is not clear. The
Mayor may look to raise money from the value of the land after the station is
completed (which suggests redevelopment).
The MP’s View:
there wasn’t one. Greg Hands has, once again, been absent elsewhere. He has, as
far as is known, made no statement other than to urge residents to attend the
consultation.
Conclusion:
residents of both Cremorne and World’s End estates have good reason to be
worried about the motives of their Council and the Mayor of London. There
appears to be no reason why there should be any demolition, even if the Chelsea
West station option is chosen. Once again, Crossrail 2 seems to be being used
as a cover for another of London’s money-spinning redevelopments.
That conclusion has only been reinforced by what has been fed
back from the consultation. Of course, RBKC, Boris Johnson and Greg Hands could
assure residents that this is not the intention. So why don’t they do that, and do it now?
3 comments:
Has Dame Shirley Porter been consulted?
A case of a girl going too far? To Crewe?
Oh no , it was "Oh! Mr Porter" the plebs version ..........
Similarities with Crewe...
here HS2 was the excuse for the Council Leader's plan to demolish the existing station, ruin half the businesses in the area and put thousands of residents outside of walking distance of the replacement. But HS2 were ahppily doing their own consultation based on using the existing station and were then conned into going along with the Kim-Il-Jones plan later. And of course Edward Timpson, MP for Nantwich/ part time photo op for Crewe, kept his head down until it was a done deal. At least RBKC are going through the motions of a public consultation.
A representative of TfL said the work site would need to be between 3,000 and 5,000sqm. You work it out.
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