A planning application (14/AP/1407) has been submitted for the demolition of the now-closed Clipper pub in Rotherhithe Street and its replacement with a block of six flats in a four-storey building.
Blue Anchor Library closure extended for two weeks
Blue Anchor Library closure period for refurbishment has been extended by 2 weeks – will now reopen 12 May 2014. Apologies for inconvenience
— Southwark Libraries (@SouthwarkLibs) April 24, 2014
New book about old Bermondsey
Get involved in this year’s Bermondsey Carnival
Southwark Council is calling on local organisations, traders or performers to get in touch and be a part of 2014’s Bermondsey Carnival. Whether you are a charity, food and drink specialist, dancer or musician – Southwark wants to hear from you.
Last year more than 6,000 people attended the free event to celebrate the summer in Southwark and all it has to offer. This year’s event will take place on Saturday 28 June at Southwark Park, and with live music, a funfair and entertainment for all the family – this year’s event is set to be another great day out.
A council spokesperson said: “The carnival is an amazing opportunity for local groups, traders and entertainers to show people what they do. It is a platform like no other, so we would really encourage everyone to get involved this year, even if it’s offering an extra pair of hands on the day, and help us make 2014 one to remember.”
Southwark events like Bermondsey Carnival can only happen with the help of local volunteers, so whether you have volunteered before in a similar event or not, the carnival is a great opportunity to get involved and have a fun and rewarding day out at the same time. Volunteer opportunities include assisting artists and performers, stewarding parades, setting up event areas and stage managing.
So if you have a fun and exciting idea for this year, or want to put yourself forward as a volunteer – get in touch with the events team and take part in this year’s carnival. http://www.southwark.gov.uk/bermondseycarnival
More details of new Southwark Park Athletics Track
Southwark Council has revealed more details of the proposed revamp of the athletics track at Southwark Park.
The proposals to be put forward will include reinstating the athletics track and creating a grassed central pitch to enable, for the first time, a full programme of athletics activities to be delivered for people of all abilities.
Activities will include:
- Six lane Athletics Track with eight lane 100m straight
- Long/Triple Jump
- High jump
- Pole Vault
- Hammer/Discus cage
- Shot put
- Javelin
The proposal also includes plans to amend the boundary of the sports facility to provide additional land for users of the park.
Funding has also been confirmed for the refurbishment of the park’s pavilion. A public consultation and design development will take place over the next few months.
Councillor Veronica Ward, Cabinet Member for Culture, Leisure, Sport and Volunteering said: “This is a really exciting step for Southwark, and especially for users of Southwark Park and local athletes as a part of our Olympic and Paralympic Legacy. We also hope that the refurbished pavilion will provide facilities to support the athletics development, as well as changing rooms, toilets and refreshment facilities for the benefit of park users.”
Last month the new London City Athletics Club held its launch event – a 10k run – in the park.
Sainsbury’s Local coming to Bermondsey Spa
You may have heard the rumours … and it seems they are true.
Sainsbury’s Local is to open a store in Spa Road as part of The Exchange development.
The new convenience store will form part of the development on the site of the Bermondsey One-Stop Shop, between the old library and the former municipal offices.
See the licensing application for further details.
Bosco Centre ‘requires improvement’ says Ofsted
The Bosco Centre – which runs programmes and traineeships for learners aged 16 to 19 – was inspected by Ofsted in February and the report has now been published.
The centre’s rating has been downgraded from ‘2 – good’ to ‘3 – requires improvement’.
Sellar teams up with Notting Hill for Decathlon site redevelopment
Work will begin this autumn on the development of more than 1,000 homes on the Decathlon site at Canada Water.
Southwark councillors approved the plans for the development – which includes a 40-storey tower – at the end of last year.
Now the developer Sellar has signed an agreement with Notting Hill Housing to work together on the scheme which will provide:
- 453 homes for private sale
- 346 home for private rent
- 69 shared ownership homes
- 162 homes to be let at ‘Affordable Rent’
Kate Davies, Chief Executive of Notting Hill Housing, said: “Following a detailed discussion process, we are pleased to confirm that contracts have now been signed and Notting Hill Housing will work with Sellar Design & Development to deliver over 1,000 homes through an exciting new partnership.
“The project at Canada Water will not only introduce properties to buy in Southwark, but it will also provide a much-needed boost to the rental options in the area.
“It marks a significant move in our ambition to create more quality new homes across central London and, in particular, to expand our ‘open market rent’ portfolio.
“This scheme will represent our largest ever development of new rental homes and will increase our exciting offering by almost 50 per cent.”
James Sellar, chief executive of Sellar Design & Development and son of Shard developer Irivine, added: “We are delighted to be working in partnership with the Notting Hill Housing; a leading provider of rented homes in the capital. The scheme will provide a truly striking development in the heart of a previously overlooked part of London as well as creating a new town centre for Canada Water.
“Over the past three years we have worked closely with local residents and Southwark Council to meet everyone’s aspirations for the site and to provide a focal point for both the existing community and the new residents that will be attracted to Canada Water over the next five years or so.”
New principal for Compass ‘free school’
The Compass secondary ‘free school’ on the former Southwark College Bermondsey campus has appointed Lauren Thorpe as its new principal.
She has been interim principal since the departure of Tony Searle at the end of last term.
In a letter to parents, chair of governors Dale Bassett wrote:
Following a full, open recruitment process, we are absolutely confident that we have selected the right person to lead Compass School on the next stage of its journey.
I know that you will trust that we have made the best decision in the interests of the school and your children, and I am pleased that this presents an opportunity to draw a line under the disruption of the past few months and focus on the future.
Lauren and I are very excited to build on the school’s successes this year as we look forward to growing in September.
Tributes to Snowy Davoll
Tributes have been paid to Revd Snowy Davoll who was known to many people in Bermondsey and Rotherhithe.
‘Snowy Davoll was an example, friend, pastor, supporter and teacher to thousands of Bermondsey young people and their families,” said Simon Hughes MP.
“Snowy and Sybil Davoll came to Cambridge University Mission and to Bermondsey, gave us a huge part of their lives and won enormous love, respect and admiration. And they changed so many lives for good. Sybil, Andrew, David and their families know that many, many people are sharing their loss.”
Adrian Greenwood has written an appreciation which can be read here.
A Memorial Service will take place at St James Church Thurland Road SE16 on Saturday 5 April at 12 noon. All are welcome.
Se also www.snowydavoll.com