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YOUR QUESTIONS ANSWERED
A number of questions were raised during the Goldington Safety Forum Meeting which was held in the community centre at Church Lane on the 21st April, 2008 regarding the redevelopment of the Church Lane Neighbourhood Centre. The answers have been provided below to enable all stakeholders to understand the current situation: Queston Will the redevelopment be completed on time and on budget? Answer The highway works were completed on time and on budget. Phase One, the building of a new 17,000 sq ft Aldi store plus a new carpark, is underway and is due to complete in March 2010. Queston Will the current financial "credit crunch" affect the housing development on the redevelopment plans? Answer There is no doubt that over the last eighteen months there has been a significant downturn in the economy, which has been mainly driven by the global credit crisis among the financial institutions. This has had a resultant knock on effect on the housing market. As a result of this, the Phase One element of the project will now consist of construction of a supermarket, as this is one of the sectors which is still capable of funding new developments. Queston Has the basketball court site been finally resolved? If so, please confirm the definite location. Answer A site for the existing basketball court has yet to be identified. It is therefore likely that there will be no basketball facility for a period of time, although Bedford Borough Council are actively seeking a suitable site to ensure this facility will be replaced as soon as possible. Queston When will the pub be demolished? Answer The pub was demolished in June 2008. Queston Can you guarantee consistency of CCTV coverage during the entire development? Answer Once the development has been completed a comprehensive CCTV system will be installed on site. During the construction period all efforts will be made to ensure that the existing CCTV system is retained. Queston Will you be able to increase site security as there has been increasing reporting of ASB and criminal damage and litter? Can bottle banks and other recycling units remain during redevelopment? Answer The contractors currently on site have 24 hour site security, although it is not always possible to prevent ASB on the site, and close liaison with the police is vital. In regard to general management of the site, the site is currently owned and managed by Bedford Borough Council so we are unable to comment. During the redevelopment, so long as it is practiable, the bottle banks will be retained. Queston Can you provide a more detailed time plan of work starting on site? Answer As mentioned previously a number of agreements will need to be secured prior to starting the main phase. We anticipate that works on Phase 1 will commence by Spring 2009. and the entire redevelopment will take approx 2 years. Queston Can we have a point of contact at Bedford Borough Council who can keep partners regularly updated at local meetings? Answer The redevelopment of Church Lane is being promoted by the Borough's regeneration team. This unit is run by Mr Trevor Roff, who is assisted by Mr Dan Hickman. Queston Will rubbish be removed from site immediately once demolition starts in order to reduce chances of criminal damage to community buildings and local houses and can materials for building works be securely stored after working hours. Answer It is intended that, where possible, materials from demolition activities will be reused on site and will be securely stored. If any materials are not to be used on site they will be taken away from site as soon as is possible. |
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