London Assembly members Caroline Pidgeon (Lib Dem) and Val Shawcross (Labour) said today that the £60 million of public money to be spent on the Garden Bridge between the South Bank and Victoria Embankment would be better spent on the proposed ‘Brunel Bridge’ between Rotherhithe and Canary Wharf
Deputy mayor opens affordable housing development at Chambers Wharf
Last week London’s deputy mayor for housing & land Richard Blakeway joined representatives of St James, Southwark Council and Peabody to formally open the doors to the new development of 182 shared ownership and social rented homes at Chambers Wharf.
The homes, to the south of Chambers Street, have been built in advance of the linked private homes between Chambers Street and the river.
The second phase of development will have to wait for the controversial Thames Water ‘super sewer’ to be completed. 
Spread across seven buildings, ranging from 10 to 14 storeys in height, a total of 587 homes will eventually be built at Chambers Wharf.
Sean Ellis, chairman of developer St James, said: “Chambers Wharf represents a pioneering approach to affordable housing provision in the capital. We wanted to raise the bar and showcase what can be achieved within a short timeframe. It’s tenure blind in a prime location, creating 182 contemporary, affordable homes that residents can be proud of.”
Cllr Mark Williams, Southwark’s cabinet member for regeneration and new homes, said: “In Southwark we are tackling the housing crisis head on and are doing all we can to build the quality affordable homes our residents so desperately need. This development delivers affordable homes at social rent, while also helping local residents get onto the property ladder with shared ownership homes.”
One of the first residents of Chambers Wharf is Ingrid Thomas. Previously living in a two bedroom apartment, she has moved into a four bedroom townhouse with her three boys and eight-month old daughter: “We now have the space and facilities to function as a proper family. I’m blown away by the high quality and design of the home. The outdoor space is also wonderful and it has already started bringing residents together. The children are also really excited about the play area which is currently being built!
“I couldn’t be happier right now; it’s the new start I’d been waiting for. The fact that my children love their new home makes me even more appreciative of living in this life changing new development.”
Stephen Howlett, chief executive of the Peabody Group, added: “Peabody has been at the heart of Southwark for almost 150 years and we want to extend our mission to as many people as possible.
“Chambers Wharf is an example of how strong partnerships can help deliver high-quality affordable homes, jobs, community facilities and amenities both for the residents and the wider community.”
Historic local charity plans ‘ 21st-century almshouse’ in Southwark Park Road
United St Saviour’s Charity has revealed its plans to create an ‘almshouse for the 21st century’ at the site of the former Southwark Park Nursing Home in Southwark Park Road.
The project is funded by developer Delancey in lieu of providing any affordable housing in their scheme at 185 Park Street, next to Tate Modern.
Canada Water parking zone consultation
The council has launched a consultation on possible new parking controls in three areas north, west and east of Canada Water.
Barry Albin-Dyer’s illness worsens
Barry Albin-Dyer’s sons Simon and Jon have posted an update on their father’s health on the website of the family firm FA Albin & Sons.
Galleywall to be included in name of new City-backed Bermondsey primary school
The new City of London-backed primary school opening next year in the former Galleywall School building will incorporate ‘Galleywall’ in its name.
According to the minutes of last month’s meeting of the City of London Corporation’s education board:
The Education and Early Years Manager briefed members that the new City of London Primary Academy in Southwark would incorporate Galleywall into its name. This would resonate with the local community given it was the name of the longstanding school that stood on the site. In addition, the name referred the longer history of the site given it dated from a temporary fortification constructed in the area during the 11th century.
The minutes also include this rather pointed note:
The Chairman noted that the Education Board’s responsibility for the free school application at Galleywall Road in Southwark – and over other applications – needed to be asserted to prevent confusion over ‘ownership’ of the application. At present there was a risk that other bodies such as existing academy governing bodies would regard themselves as responsible for what were ultimately City of London Corporation applications. This situation reflected deficiencies in the way in which the City’s academies were now constituted, which needed addressing.
New roles for Rotherhithe councillors
Rotherhithe councillor Kath Whittam was appointed as Southwark’s Deputy Mayor at the annual council meeting held at Southwark Cathedral on Saturday.
She will deputise for the Mayor – Cllr Dora Dixon-Fyle – at civic events during the year ahead.
The new Mayor of Southwark Cllr Dora Dixon-Fyle and Deputy Mayor Cllr Kath Whittam http://t.co/bSHnXBVeNh pic.twitter.com/WXqaVktYYu
— Southwark Council (@lb_southwark) May 16, 2015
Her fellow Rotherhithe councillor Stephanie Cryan has joined Southwark’s cabinet with responsibility for adult care and financial inclusion.
Salter Statues Campaign & other SE16 locals celebrated at Southwark Civic Awards
The Salter Statues Campaign – which led the efforts to restore the stolen statue of Dr Alfred Salter and commission a new statue of Ada Salter on Bermondsey Wall East – was named ‘organisation of the year’ at the Southwark Civic Awards on Saturday.
The Honorary Liberty of the Old Metropolitan Borough of Bermondsey was awarded to the following:
- Paul Charter for 30 years’ service as a school governor.
- Georgina Cronin for voluntary activity on the Keeton’s Estate.
- Sue Heath-Downey of the Rotherhithe & Bermondsey Choral Society
- Brian Hodge of the Canada Water Consultative Forum & broadband campaign
- Chris Roberts of St James’s Church and School
- John and Marie Skelton of the Salmon Youth Centre
- Hulusi Yuruten of the Southwark Cyprus Turkish Association
- Kaygu Samye Dzong Tibetan Buddhist Centre of Spa Road
A floating swimming pool in Greenland Dock?
There’s a proposal to install a permanent floating swimming pool at Surrey Docks Watersports Centre in Greenland Dock. See the planning application documents here.
‘Bermondsey Works’ – new name for controversial Rotherhithe New Road tower
The controversial 19-storey tower on Rotherhithe New Road approved by Boris Johnson despite Southwark Council’s opposition is to be known as ‘Bermondsey Works’.
The scheme includes new premises for Southwark Free School and a sixth form centre for the City of London Academy as well as “a stylish collection of 148 apartments, penthouses and villas”.
Telford Homes bought the scheme for £19 million last year and will this month put the homes on sale.
Prices start from £342,500 for a one-bedroom apartment. Villas start at £465,000.
Telford says it expects the first residents to move in to Bermondsey Works in summer 2017.