One Response: Preparing for the Turner Contemporary Opening

From: Arlington House Resident's Association:c/o vakinuk@hotmail.com

Subject: FW: Preparing for the Turner Contemporary Opening
Date: Sat, 25 Sep 2010 13:58:09 +0100

We have just read the recent press release (24/9/10) from Cheryl Pendry at Thanet District Council and wish to respond as follows:

 
It seems to be the case that some Councillors and Officers are unaware of the fact that the Arlington Site is already fenced off and there are already "hoardings installed around empty shops" - albeit that many of them have been allowed to be decorated with graffiti.  Does anyone really think that Freshwater will do anything to improve the aesthetics of the site, given that it has done nothing for years unless pressured by the Resident's Association?  Proposals to have attractive paintings by local artists or children on the front hoardings have been ignored in the past.  We believe that the front of the Arlington site (the Marine Terrace frontage) will remain  boarded up, as  Freshwater is only going to apply for outline planning consent and will not build anything there in the near future.

The car park at  Arlington House has been fenced off for some months now, after years of ourselves, the Arlington residents, complaining to Freshwater and the Council that it should not have been left open to anyone who wanted to dump cars , illegal builders' waste and holiday makers leaving their rubbish before they go back home.

Why couldn't the fencing have been of a better standard than the temporary "animal pen" fencing that we have now?  We have been trying for months to get all the parties concerned  to talk about what is going to happen to the outside of Arlington House (and the rest of the site) ready for the opening of the Turner Centre.

We all know that in reality, Arlington House tower will not be touched by next year.  Freshwater is already months late on its initial promises to file a planning application.  

The Arlington House Residents' Association has given the Council suggested details of what the Arlington tower could look like.  Have we had any feedback?  No.  Have we had any subsequent meetings?  No.  Have any plans been put forward by Freshwater?  No.  Has the council come up with any specific ideas?  No.

Residents have "come together" for years, but have learned that their opinions are given little credence  The Council has a direct involvement in the Arlington site as they are the  freeholders of the site as well as landlord to Freshwater.  As such, the Council has to give "Landlords Consent" to any alterations to any part of the site in accordance with the provisions of the lease between the Council and Freshwater.  This is in addition to the Council's role as planning authority.

Why is it that no one wants to take the lead and speak about Arlington House?  We, the residents have done all we can to help.  It's about time someone with the authority started the ball rolling and stuck their head above the parapet wall they are hiding behind - a wall which apparently obscures their view of existing conditions! 

This is the "one off opportunity" for the outside of Arlington House to become the iconic gateway to Margate that the Council aspires to be seen by the new wave of visitors that will be attracted to the town by the Turner Contemporary and the Dreamland Heritage site.  This opportunity needs to be firmly grasped rather than allowed to slip through our fingers.  The Arlington tower is the first thing you see as you enter Margate and first impressions do count.  The Arlington tower is also the last thing you see as you leave Margate and lasting impressions are also paramount.
 

Surely the best compromise that can be reached in the current circumstances would be for realistic artists' impressions of what the finished redevelopment will look like to be illustrated on the front of the proposed new hoarding?  This will at least give an indication that the plans and intentions are at a progressive stage and that both the Council and Freshwater have agreed what the end result will look like.

 
This is something that affects all the residents and businesses in Margate and therefore it imperative that the finished product creates the right impression.  We believe that the aspirations of the town's Council Tax and Business Rate payers and the views other groups and organisations that represent the area need to be heard and considered by the Council.

Ron Greene
Chair
Arlington House Residents' Association

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----- Original Message -----

From: Cheryl Pendry

Sent: Friday, September 24, 2010 2:15 PM

Subject: PLANS IN PLACE FOR TURNER OPENING

PLANS IN PLACE FOR TURNER OPENING

The Fort Road Hotel, Arcadian and Arlington Square are amongst key sites to be targeted over the next few months, as Margate prepares for the opening of Turner Contemporary.             

An action plan, agreed last night (Thursday 23 September) by Cabinet Members, puts a top 10 list of priority projects at the heart of work over the next few months.

The Fort Road Hotel and Arcadian sites will be tidied and cleared, with decorative hoardings or screening erected. The council is working with the owners to try and bring forward rebuilding plans, but has started compulsory purchase order proceedings as a back-up. With Arlington Square, decorative hoarding will be installed around empty shops and the landowner will be asked to secure the lower car park. Plans for a major redevelopment are expected in autumn 2010 and could begin on site as early as spring 2011.

Cllr. Martin Wise, Cabinet Member for Environmental Services, said: “Anyone looking at Margate at the moment knows there is still work to do. With the opening of Turner Contemporary in just a few months’ time, we’re determined to tackle the key problem areas. In particular, we’re focusing on seafront properties lying vacant and derelict. When visitors arrive in the town for the new gallery, we want them to get the best possible impression of Margate. After all, we all want people to spread the word about what a great place Margate is to visit. As well as tackling those eyesores, we also want to build pride over the next few months in the town. It’s easy to knock Margate, but that’s not what the town needs right now. It needs everyone to come together and support it, as we approach the opening of Turner Contemporary.”

The work will be funded by £100,000 from the government’s Seaside Fund. Other entries on the top 10 list include:

·         Landscaping work to Margate station’s forecourt and car park.

·         A series of pop-up shops in Marine Drive, along the seafront, for empty properties.

·         Repairs to the Sturgeon lights, repainting seating and the shelter, replacing litter bins and improving signs.

·         A deep clean of shopfronts and pavements along the High Street and the seafront.

Also included in the countdown to 2011 plan is a media and communications campaign, aiming to promote the town and initiatives for local businesses. This will include training ambassadors for Margate, a small grant scheme for business improvements, training in areas such as customer excellence and promoting improvements in visitor accommodation.

ENDS

Cheryl Pendry
Press and Media Manager
Thanet District Council
www.thanet.gov.uk

Tel: 01843 577 034
Fax: 01843 295 343

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