How the WCC would like Wards Corner to look

Alternative vision for the future of Wards Corner

by Flora Drury Friday, June 22, 2012
7:00 AM

An alternative vision of what Wards Corner could be has been submitted by grass roots campaign group.

Wards Corner Community Coalition’s (WCC) proposals are billed as “the plan for the community” and involve renovating the existing Victorian buildings, enlarging the indoor market and encouraging more businesses, as well as artists and musicians, to use the space.

The WCC claims its designs would take just two years to rejuvenate the area, as opposed to developer Grainger’s proposals for a completely new complex comprising 197 homes, a public square, shops and a market, which could take up to five years.

WCC member Candy Amsden argues the plans are a viable alternative, saying Grainger’s scheme will give South Tottenham an identikit town centre similar to those all over the country.

She said: “With our restoration, we are going to have a unique town centre. It will inspire people to move in.”

But even if approved, WCC’s plans won’t become reality unless the landowner adopts them - a fact pointed out by Grainger’s development director David Walters.

He said: “The WCC have talked about an alternative plan for over four years, and during that time they have provided no evidence to demonstrate how their plans can be viably delivered. Furthermore they do not own the land in order to deliver it.

“The timing of this submission is a clear attempt by the Coalition to disrupt the planning committee on Monday evening. We hope our application will be considered on its own merits as is expected, not only by ourselves but by members of the local community.”

- See the WCC plans by visiting http://wardscorner.wikispaces.com.