April 03 1999: A row about traffic jams dominated debate on plans to build a £7million arts centre in North Finchley.
Green Party campaigner Ashley Gunstock told the Finchley Forum recently that plans to convert the old Gaumont Cinema site at Tally Ho would suck traffic into an already congested area.
Proposals for the site will not be finalised until December, but less than 100 parking spaces are expected to serve what will be a combined arts centre, shopping mall and residential block.
Tory councillor Brian Salinger said planning permission for the scheme would have to be delayed to allow consultation on plans to pedestrianise neighbouring Ballards Lane.
For Labour, Councillor Kathy McGuirk said the scheme could proceed with or without pedestrianisation and was a much-needed boost for the arts.
"It is a major development, not just for North Finchley, not just for Barnet but for London," she said.
A private developer will be selected for the scheme in July and building work is expected to take about 18 months once it begins in August next year.
July 31, 2001 16:35
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