Grainger makes renewed bid for Wards Corner (From Haringey Independent)
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Grainger makes renewed bid for Wards Corner
2:22pm Monday 17th January 2011 in Top Stories By Elizabeth Pears
What do you think? Grainger's vision for Wards Corner
UNPOPULAR plans to redevelop Wards Corner have resurfaced following news the developer has submitted fresh plans.
Grainger Plc had won the backing of Haringey Council's planning committee in 2008 against a backdrop of fierce opposition from the community.
Its visions for Wards Corner — dubbed the gateway to Tottenham — included the demolition of a former Edwardian department store, knocking down a Latin American market and building luxury flats.
However, a High Court ruling later quashed the council's decision after it was found the implication of the development on the area's multi-cultural residents had not been assessed. Under the plans, a public square would have been created with space for business units and a mini-supermarket on the site above Seven Sisters Tube.
It prompted fears the development would drive up rents and put small businesses in West Green Road, Seven Sisters Road and High Road, Tottenham, out of business.
The private homes would also be out of the price range of ordinary people in the area where unemployment currently stands at 6,000 and thousands of families living in temporary accommodation desperate for a permanent home.
In the amendment to the original plans, Grainger Plc has now introduced a more environmentally friendly design which would complement the area's history.
Traders on West Green Road will also benefit from a £250,000 cash pot to help them improve their businesses and attract more visitors to the area.
Council leader Claire Kober said she "welcomed" the new plans.
She said: "Wards Corner acts as a gateway to Tottenham High Road and has a major role to play in the wider regeneration of the area.
"The plans – which were welcomed by members of the planning committee two years ago – have the potential to deliver huge improvements to Tottenham, with revitalised shops and leisure, new housing and an improved environmental landscape."
The application is now open for consultation and the application is expected to be heard in April.
andy bird says...
10:42am Wed 19 Jan 11
Although it would be sad to see the latin markets move, Wards Corner and many parts of our area are uncared for and personally I think the change would attract more young folk into this already business-rich area and would benefit West Green Rd businesses and put Seven Sis on the map as has happened to L'Fields, Stokey… etc in the last 5 years.
Look forward to it.