SAVE THE STUDIO CAMPAIGN

Replies to This Discussion

Permalink Reply by Tracie Anderson on August 12, 2010 at 15:46

Please come along this evening to the Civic Centre Main Chamber and support this extremely worthy cause. After all it is you that it will hopefully benefit x

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Permalink Reply by Cllr John Getgood, Penge & Cator ward on August 14, 2010 at 0:30

The Planning Committee deferred a decision:
1) To seek amended plans to show a more glass-based design for the lift enclosure;
2) To seek an artists impression of the development proposed;
3) To seek further details of the structural alterations, including details of the steel beams.

Cllr John Getgood
Penge & Cator

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Permalink Reply by Tracie Anderson on August 17, 2010 at 11:11

Hi Zoe

Please feel free to delete this if you like after reading. Not sure what your objective was when you first began this discussion e.g. whether just to keep people who know you or/and are interested in the Studiio's progress (?) or to keep Beckenham's community updated. As I know you it was easy to find this thread from one of your website's however when I forgot which website that was and tried to find it through various searches I couldn't. I had to go back to my history. It then struck me that the whole community cannot see this AND I also came across a 'Studio' blog that hasn't been updated recently which is more accessible. Not terribly familiar with the site but would a 'group' be good idea? If indeed this was to keep the Save The Studio group informed, should we keep this going AND start another more accessible/different use group in tandem? Just a thought x

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Permalink Reply by Cliff Watkins on August 17, 2010 at 12:44

I agree with Tracie. The situation is so very sad. We urgently need a real face to face discussion among those who have used and do care about having a Community Arts facility in Beckenham. At present the alternatives are church halls or Mytime. The latter cares nothing about voluntary groups. It was set up Bromley LB and now is mega rich and has turned over £millions. But it cares nothing for arts, crafts, dance, theatre etc. Yet it was founded by, and it reports to, BromleyLB. The council are aways cagey about why Mytime should not be told to look after these sorts of Community needs. Is there a hidden agenda? I gather the tone of last week's council meeting was for planning committee memners to yawn, and be totally disinterested. No local councillors put in an appearance. Nor were Citygate represented. Is this the start of another six years wait and see until the Studio building crumbles. Cliff Watkins 1.45pm 17.8.2010

Tracie Anderson said:

Hi Zoe

Please feel free to delete this if you like after reading. Not sure what your objective was when you first began this discussion e.g. whether just to keep people who know you or/and are interested in the Studiio's progress (?) or to keep Beckenham's community updated. As I know you it was easy to find this thread from one of your website's however when I forgot which website that was and tried to find it through various searches I couldn't. I had to go back to my history. It then struck me that the whole community cannot see this AND I also came across a 'Studio' blog that hasn't been updated recently which is more accessible. Not terribly familiar with the site but would a 'group' be good idea? If indeed this was to keep the Save The Studio group informed, should we keep this going AND start another more accessible/different use group in tandem? Just a thought x

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Permalink Reply by Tracie Anderson on August 17, 2010 at 18:03

Hi Cliff

Actually the meeting last week ended in a deferment (if that's a word) re the design of the disabled lift. The planning aplication is kind of in 2 parts, one which deals with the lift and the other the internal adjustments. Therefore there was no point discussing the second point re the deferment on the first. I recently had a very interesting conversation with the Chief Executive and with Zoe. I think, like Zoe, that we need an arts person on the board of mytime to represent those interests as the Chief Executive admitted there has been no cash for the maintenance of this building for the past 5 years so there defnately won't be now we are in a recession. They are not legally bound, apparently, to maintain the building so it appears it is more of a gentleman's agreement. It is tragic and it breaks my heart but there is no good us flogging a dead horse as in the meantime this building, as you say, continues to deteriorate. Already because of the flooding in the basement at £50,000 job will now cost hundreds of thousands (figures from my Father who has been in the trade here and abroad all his life & based on the inspection report compiled by Mr Frost, Mr Hunter & Mr Lees) We need to expediate matters by really getting to the root of why there are no representatives for the arts of the board of My Time or approaching the Arts Council or the like who have the power and the financial means to really help us.

Cliff Watkins said:

I agree with Tracie. The situation is so very sad. We urgently need a real face to face discussion among those who have used and do care about having a Community Arts facility in Beckenham. At present the alternatives are church halls or Mytime. The latter cares nothing about voluntary groups. It was set up Bromley LB and now is mega rich and has turned over £millions. But it cares nothing for arts, crafts, dance, theatre etc. Yet it was founded by, and it reports to, BromleyLB. The council are aways cagey about why Mytime should not be told to look after these sorts of Community needs. Is there a hidden agenda? I gather the tone of last week's council meeting was for planning committee memners to yawn, and be totally disinterested. No local councillors put in an appearance. Nor were Citygate represented. Is this the start of another six years wait and see until the Studio building crumbles. Cliff Watkins 1.45pm 17.8.2010

Tracie Anderson said:

Hi Zoe

Please feel free to delete this if you like after reading. Not sure what your objective was when you first began this discussion e.g. whether just to keep people who know you or/and are interested in the Studiio's progress (?) or to keep Beckenham's community updated. As I know you it was easy to find this thread from one of your website's however when I forgot which website that was and tried to find it through various searches I couldn't. I had to go back to my history. It then struck me that the whole community cannot see this AND I also came across a 'Studio' blog that hasn't been updated recently which is more accessible. Not terribly familiar with the site but would a 'group' be good idea? If indeed this was to keep the Save The Studio group informed, should we keep this going AND start another more accessible/different use group in tandem? Just a thought x

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Permalink Reply by Roderick Andrew Reed on September 7, 2010 at 22:05

Dear Cllr.Getgood and interested parties,

There is a missing ingredient in the current proposals for the study and that is essentially one of heritage. The building should attract Heritag Lottery funding to create space for a local Museum and one that celebrates Beckenham's rich history.
Ther is also in existence a large photographic collection of pictures of the area which deserves a public venue and another strong local theme is the Enid Blyton connection.
Council officers and Portfolio Holders have been urged for several years to draw up a bid but have totally ignored all approaches on the subject.
I would strongly urge local Councilors to promote a renaissance of this neglected part of the Boorugh and support a Lottery bid and actively seek private financing support for the venture.
Bromley Council will only promote the arts and heritage in Beckenham under duress and I feel that the long term solution will be for this part of the Borough to form its own Council free from Bromley's procrastination and lack of imagination.
The Borough's Museum policy is supposed to encourage access for all residents yet the only Council run Museum is in Orpington which is difficult for some groups to get to and in no way reflects this area's past.

Citygate's proposals may be part of the solution but they appear not to reflect the wide range of art and history that should be found in a community centre of this importance.

I have contacted the local M.P. Bob Stewart and invited his support for the Museum idea and I would encourage all readers of this email to lobby their elected representatives.

Rod Reed former Councillor Lbb.

Cllr John Getgood, Penge & Cator ward said:

I asked the council for a repsonse to residents' concerns. (These should be read in the context that we wanted the building retained by the council for community use but the costs were not acceptable to the majority party):

I have become aware that there is some concern from the community. However, I have only heard about this indirectly. I understand the concerns are being raised by the Save the Studio Group, but they have not raised these with me or asked me anything about the current position, hence I am not entirely clear about the nature of the concerns.

Since the decision to accept Citygate’s bid on 20th May, I have met with Citygate (Chris Hammond) on 5 occasions and good progress is being made, albeit this is being made at a slower pace than hoped.

Citygate has been busy developing its proposals for the refurbishment. It initially sent in a draft schedule of works to the LBB Heritage team for comment. There has been feedback on this and I subsequently arranged a meeting on site to go through the proposals room by room. There is now a clear understanding of the work that is going to be undertaken by Citygate. Citygate’s architect has now undertaken a measured survey to produce floor plans and elevation drawings and this will enable Citygate to submit an application for Listed Building Consent. The target for this was originally the 18th September, but this has now slipped into October.

English Heritage has also recently inspected the building because it is on the “At Risk Register”. I have arranged for further clearance of the rain water goods and have given assurances to E H that we are maintaining the building satisfactorily. I have also arranged for renewal of the lightning conductor which was damaged during HJA’s tenure. No further deterioration of the building has occurred since we had the roof repaired last autumn.

Citygate is intending to commence work before Christmas. Its latest outline programme shows that it is planning to complete Stage 1 of the works by Easter. This will enable the building to reopen.

Citygate has no intention of doing this and clauses are included in the draft documentation to prevent this.

I think you can report that steady progress is being made. However, because of the nature of this building (i.e. its listed status), the community needs to understand that the due statutory process has to be complied with and therefore a degree of patience is required.

I hope this is helpful

Cllr John Getgood
Penge & Cator
Penge Farmers' Market: Maple Road, Penge. Every Saturday 10 am to 3 pm

• ▶ Reply

Permalink Reply by Cllr John Getgood, Penge & Cator ward on September 8, 2010 at 7:55

Dear Rod,

If you can organise a group that would put in a Heitage Lottery Bid, that of course would be a great way forward. No such proposal has come from the community before and I fear it may be too late. The council show no interets in the building and i believe in any case it is not allowed to apply directly for Lottery grants. I look forward to updates on your progress.

Cllr John Getgood
Penge & Cator

Roderick Andrew Reed said:

Dear Cllr.Getgood and interested parties,

There is a missing ingredient in the current proposals for the study and that is essentially one of heritage. The building should attract Heritag Lottery funding to create space for a local Museum and one that celebrates Beckenham's rich history.
Ther is also in existence a large photographic collection of pictures of the area which deserves a public venue and another strong local theme is the Enid Blyton connection.
Council officers and Portfolio Holders have been urged for several years to draw up a bid but have totally ignored all approaches on the subject.
I would strongly urge local Councilors to promote a renaissance of this neglected part of the Boorugh and support a Lottery bid and actively seek private financing support for the venture.
Bromley Council will only promote the arts and heritage in Beckenham under duress and I feel that the long term solution will be for this part of the Borough to form its own Council free from Bromley's procrastination and lack of imagination.
The Borough's Museum policy is supposed to encourage access for all residents yet the only Council run Museum is in Orpington which is difficult for some groups to get to and in no way reflects this area's past.

Citygate's proposals may be part of the solution but they appear not to reflect the wide range of art and history that should be found in a community centre of this importance.

I have contacted the local M.P. Bob Stewart and invited his support for the Museum idea and I would encourage all readers of this email to lobby their elected representatives.

Rod Reed former Councillor Lbb.

Cllr John Getgood, Penge & Cator ward said:

I asked the council for a repsonse to residents' concerns. (These should be read in the context that we wanted the building retained by the council for community use but the costs were not acceptable to the majority party):

I have become aware that there is some concern from the community. However, I have only heard about this indirectly. I understand the concerns are being raised by the Save the Studio Group, but they have not raised these with me or asked me anything about the current position, hence I am not entirely clear about the nature of the concerns.

Since the decision to accept Citygate’s bid on 20th May, I have met with Citygate (Chris Hammond) on 5 occasions and good progress is being made, albeit this is being made at a slower pace than hoped.

Citygate has been busy developing its proposals for the refurbishment. It initially sent in a draft schedule of works to the LBB Heritage team for comment. There has been feedback on this and I subsequently arranged a meeting on site to go through the proposals room by room. There is now a clear understanding of the work that is going to be undertaken by Citygate. Citygate’s architect has now undertaken a measured survey to produce floor plans and elevation drawings and this will enable Citygate to submit an application for Listed Building Consent. The target for this was originally the 18th September, but this has now slipped into October.

English Heritage has also recently inspected the building because it is on the “At Risk Register”. I have arranged for further clearance of the rain water goods and have given assurances to E H that we are maintaining the building satisfactorily. I have also arranged for renewal of the lightning conductor which was damaged during HJA’s tenure. No further deterioration of the building has occurred since we had the roof repaired last autumn.

Citygate is intending to commence work before Christmas. Its latest outline programme shows that it is planning to complete Stage 1 of the works by Easter. This will enable the building to reopen.

Citygate has no intention of doing this and clauses are included in the draft documentation to prevent this.

I think you can report that steady progress is being made. However, because of the nature of this building (i.e. its listed status), the community needs to understand that the due statutory process has to be complied with and therefore a degree of patience is required.

I hope this is helpful

Cllr John Getgood
Penge & Cator
Penge Farmers' Market: Maple Road, Penge. Every Saturday 10 am to 3 pm

• ▶ Reply

Permalink Reply by Cliff Watkins on September 8, 2010 at 10:28

Cllr John Getgood, Penge & Cator ward said:

Dear Rod,

If you can organise a group that would put in a Heitage Lottery Bid, that of course would be a great way forward. No such proposal has come from the community before and I fear it may be too late. The council show no interets in the building and i believe in any case it is not allowed to apply directly for Lottery grants. I look forward to updates on your progress.

Cllr John Getgood
Penge & Cator

Roderick Andrew Reed said:

Dear Cllr.Getgood and interested parties,

There is a missing ingredient in the current proposals for the study and that is essentially one of heritage. The building should attract Heritag Lottery funding to create space for a local Museum and one that celebrates Beckenham's rich history.
Ther is also in existence a large photographic collection of pictures of the area which deserves a public venue and another strong local theme is the Enid Blyton connection.
Council officers and Portfolio Holders have been urged for several years to draw up a bid but have totally ignored all approaches on the subject.
I would strongly urge local Councilors to promote a renaissance of this neglected part of the Boorugh and support a Lottery bid and actively seek private financing support for the venture.
Bromley Council will only promote the arts and heritage in Beckenham under duress and I feel that the long term solution will be for this part of the Borough to form its own Council free from Bromley's procrastination and lack of imagination.
The Borough's Museum policy is supposed to encourage access for all residents yet the only Council run Museum is in Orpington which is difficult for some groups to get to and in no way reflects this area's past.

Citygate's proposals may be part of the solution but they appear not to reflect the wide range of art and history that should be found in a community centre of this importance.

I have contacted the local M.P. Bob Stewart and invited his support for the Museum idea and I would encourage all readers of this email to lobby their elected representatives.

Rod Reed former Councillor Lbb.

Cllr John Getgood, Penge & Cator ward said:

I asked the council for a repsonse to residents' concerns. (These should be read in the context that we wanted the building retained by the council for community use but the costs were not acceptable to the majority party):

I have become aware that there is some concern from the community. However, I have only heard about this indirectly. I understand the concerns are being raised by the Save the Studio Group, but they have not raised these with me or asked me anything about the current position, hence I am not entirely clear about the nature of the concerns.

Since the decision to accept Citygate’s bid on 20th May, I have met with Citygate (Chris Hammond) on 5 occasions and good progress is being made, albeit this is being made at a slower pace than hoped.

Citygate has been busy developing its proposals for the refurbishment. It initially sent in a draft schedule of works to the LBB Heritage team for comment. There has been feedback on this and I subsequently arranged a meeting on site to go through the proposals room by room. There is now a clear understanding of the work that is going to be undertaken by Citygate. Citygate’s architect has now undertaken a measured survey to produce floor plans and elevation drawings and this will enable Citygate to submit an application for Listed Building Consent. The target for this was originally the 18th September, but this has now slipped into October.

English Heritage has also recently inspected the building because it is on the “At Risk Register”. I have arranged for further clearance of the rain water goods and have given assurances to E H that we are maintaining the building satisfactorily. I have also arranged for renewal of the lightning conductor which was damaged during HJA’s tenure. No further deterioration of the building has occurred since we had the roof repaired last autumn.

Citygate is intending to commence work before Christmas. Its latest outline programme shows that it is planning to complete Stage 1 of the works by Easter. This will enable the building to reopen.

Citygate has no intention of doing this and clauses are included in the draft documentation to prevent this.

I think you can report that steady progress is being made. However, because of the nature of this building (i.e. its listed status), the community needs to understand that the due statutory process has to be complied with and therefore a degree of patience is required.

I hope this is helpful

Cllr John Getgood
Penge & Cator
Penge Farmers' Market: Maple Road, Penge. Every Saturday 10 am to 3 pm

• ▶ Reply

Permalink Reply by Cliff Watkins on September 8, 2010 at 10:32

While The Studio crumbles, Bromley Council have opened talks with the Heritage Lottery Fund about asking for £2.5 milion to restore and expand the Bromley Museum in Orpington. It is not enough for people to swop messages on this site, a meeting is needed here in Beckenham.

Cliff Watkins said:

Cllr John Getgood, Penge & Cator ward said:

Dear Rod,

If you can organise a group that would put in a Heitage Lottery Bid, that of course would be a great way forward. No such proposal has come from the community before and I fear it may be too late. The council show no interets in the building and i believe in any case it is not allowed to apply directly for Lottery grants. I look forward to updates on your progress.

Cllr John Getgood
Penge & Cator

Roderick Andrew Reed said:

Dear Cllr.Getgood and interested parties,

There is a missing ingredient in the current proposals for the study and that is essentially one of heritage. The building should attract Heritag Lottery funding to create space for a local Museum and one that celebrates Beckenham's rich history.
Ther is also in existence a large photographic collection of pictures of the area which deserves a public venue and another strong local theme is the Enid Blyton connection.
Council officers and Portfolio Holders have been urged for several years to draw up a bid but have totally ignored all approaches on the subject.
I would strongly urge local Councilors to promote a renaissance of this neglected part of the Boorugh and support a Lottery bid and actively seek private financing support for the venture.
Bromley Council will only promote the arts and heritage in Beckenham under duress and I feel that the long term solution will be for this part of the Borough to form its own Council free from Bromley's procrastination and lack of imagination.
The Borough's Museum policy is supposed to encourage access for all residents yet the only Council run Museum is in Orpington which is difficult for some groups to get to and in no way reflects this area's past.

Citygate's proposals may be part of the solution but they appear not to reflect the wide range of art and history that should be found in a community centre of this importance.

I have contacted the local M.P. Bob Stewart and invited his support for the Museum idea and I would encourage all readers of this email to lobby their elected representatives.

Rod Reed former Councillor Lbb.

Cllr John Getgood, Penge & Cator ward said:

I asked the council for a repsonse to residents' concerns. (These should be read in the context that we wanted the building retained by the council for community use but the costs were not acceptable to the majority party):

I have become aware that there is some concern from the community. However, I have only heard about this indirectly. I understand the concerns are being raised by the Save the Studio Group, but they have not raised these with me or asked me anything about the current position, hence I am not entirely clear about the nature of the concerns.

Since the decision to accept Citygate’s bid on 20th May, I have met with Citygate (Chris Hammond) on 5 occasions and good progress is being made, albeit this is being made at a slower pace than hoped.

Citygate has been busy developing its proposals for the refurbishment. It initially sent in a draft schedule of works to the LBB Heritage team for comment. There has been feedback on this and I subsequently arranged a meeting on site to go through the proposals room by room. There is now a clear understanding of the work that is going to be undertaken by Citygate. Citygate’s architect has now undertaken a measured survey to produce floor plans and elevation drawings and this will enable Citygate to submit an application for Listed Building Consent. The target for this was originally the 18th September, but this has now slipped into October.

English Heritage has also recently inspected the building because it is on the “At Risk Register”. I have arranged for further clearance of the rain water goods and have given assurances to E H that we are maintaining the building satisfactorily. I have also arranged for renewal of the lightning conductor which was damaged during HJA’s tenure. No further deterioration of the building has occurred since we had the roof repaired last autumn.

Citygate is intending to commence work before Christmas. Its latest outline programme shows that it is planning to complete Stage 1 of the works by Easter. This will enable the building to reopen.

Citygate has no intention of doing this and clauses are included in the draft documentation to prevent this.

I think you can report that steady progress is being made. However, because of the nature of this building (i.e. its listed status), the community needs to understand that the due statutory process has to be complied with and therefore a degree of patience is required.

I hope this is helpful

Cllr John Getgood
Penge & Cator
Penge Farmers' Market: Maple Road, Penge. Every Saturday 10 am to 3 pm

• ▶ Reply

Permalink Reply by Jon Clarke on September 8, 2010 at 11:38

I quite like the idea of a local museum. Not only does Beckenham have rich history going back to the Doomsday Book, and even earlier, there are notable individuals throughout its history especially John Cator in the 18th century who did so much for the town. It isn't all old history eiether as there a number of cultural icons in its history such as Enid Blyton, AL Baker, Betty Box, David Bowie, Bob Monkhouse, Julie Andrews, Nigel Benn, and even current World heavyweight boxing champion David Hayes who have lived or are associated with Beckenham amongst many others and should be part of the experience. Major sporting links with football and cricket clubs and others coudl be explored and celebrated too. An in-house drama, technical and arts group could use it to produce the exhibits, shows, etc too.

Now that would be a boon to the local community, schools and economy. It could be revenue generating not perhaps through admission, but a small fee might be acceptable, the revenue coming from paid-for interactive elements, venue hire, merchandise, shows.

Any one elses thoughts?

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Permalink Reply by Tracie Anderson on September 8, 2010 at 16:49

A museum? Have you not heard about all the problems with the Orpington Museum of late? It was nearly closed down. With all due respect I think you guys are living in fairy land. I had a conversation quite recently to clarify e few things that were said at a council meeting with the Chief Executive who admitted there is no money to even keep up basic maintenance. This is contrary to information givin within the meeting but at least someone was prepared to give it to me straight. He advised me that the best thing for the council would be to sell it as a pub and restaurant privately but that some members were against this.He also informed me that the council is not legally bound to do anything with this building. I understand that Mr Frost of the Save The Studio campaign has been in contact with National Heritage who are not exactly jumping up and down to help either. Meanwhile, as Mr Watkins rightly says whilst we all combat burineaucracy and red tape this beautiful building crumbles. The water damage alone would have cost in the £50,000 mark to begin with 8 years ago and now we are talking hundreds of thousands and this figure is not plucked out of thin air but estimated by my father who has been in the trade all his life and has been site manager for at least 2 BFPO peace keeping camps in the Sinai. We need a public meeting with a representative from all involved parties and we need an art representative on the board of MyTime which has long been an issue that is still not resolved. If Citygate can meet the specifications and guarantee under NO circumstances to have any religious activities at the centre then I am sure we would all be happy to see the centre up and running. But I ask you, what is their motive/objective in running the centre then and why have 3 counselling rooms attached? What has counselling, and I am a counsellor myself, got to do with an art & education centre? Something needs to be done and at great haste before een the sad sight of this beautiful building surrounding by horadings is no more.

• ▶ Reply

Permalink Reply by Roderick Andrew Reed on September 8, 2010 at 19:56

Dear Jon,

I was truly shocked to see that whilst the Studio crumbles, Bromley Council prefers instead to put in a Heritage Lottery bid for the Orpington Museum. This is not only poor asset manaement of The Studio but it clearly reveals where the Council's interest lies. Readers should lobby for a change of policy and a new bid based on Beckenham's new arts and heritage centre.
A meeting as suggested by some of the contributors would be welcome.

Regards,

Rod Reed

Jon Clarke said:

I quite like the idea of a local museum. Not only does Beckenham have rich history going back to the Doomsday Book, and even earlier, there are notable individuals throughout its history especially John Cator in the 18th century who did so much for the town. It isn't all old history eiether as there a number of cultural icons in its history such as Enid Blyton, AL Baker, Betty Box, David Bowie, Bob Monkhouse, Julie Andrews, Nigel Benn, and even current World heavyweight boxing champion David Hayes who have lived or are associated with Beckenham amongst many others and should be part of the experience. Major sporting links with football and cricket clubs and others coudl be explored and celebrated too. An in-house drama, technical and arts group could use it to produce the exhibits, shows, etc too.

Now that would be a boon to the local community, schools and economy. It could be revenue generating not perhaps through admission, but a small fee might be acceptable, the revenue coming from paid-for interactive elements, venue hire, merchandise, shows.

Any one elses thoughts?

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