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search for private sector development
The prospect of further regeneration in Erith, which will bring new homes and new jobs to the area, has taken a significant step forward with the launch of a search for private sector development partners for Erith Western Gateway.
The Western Gateway is an area of the town containing a number of Council-owned sites. Bexley Council working with English Partnerships, the national regeneration agency, is seeking applications from developers of outstanding quality to work up detailed plans.
“This is a very exciting time for Erith, where there is a real opportunity to create a new riverside community,” said Cllr John Waters, Cabinet Member for Regeneration and Housing. “Developers who want to work with us will need to reflect excellent design and the highest environmental standards, with the latest energy saving technology and provide a mix of uses, including new homes, a hotel, employment, retail and leisure.
“We will be ensuring that local people have every opportunity to see what is being proposed and to comment on the developers’ ideas.”
Phil Dibsdale, English Partnerships’ Area Director said: “English Partnerships and Bexley Council are looking for development partners who share our collaborative approach to regeneration. Erith Western Gateway represents a fantastic opportunity to bring lasting improvements to the local community through the delivery of a mixed use development that is economically, socially and environmentally sustainable. The regeneration of Erith Western Gateway should become an exemplar mixed use development within the Thames Gateway region.”
At this stage, developers are being asked to submit details of their financial standing and that of any other organisations they would work with, together with examples of successful schemes they have delivered. They are also being asked to outline their approach to a number of key issues, such as community engagement and the ‘buy to let’ market.
Council officers will work with English Partnerships to shortlist six developers who will be asked to come forward with detailed designs. During this second stage of the process, there will be consultation with local people about possible plans and the Council is very keen to achieve a high level of engagement with the community.
The deadline for expressions of interest is 13th June.
“TRAGIC DEATH WAS PREVENTABLE”
John Austin, MP for Erith and Thamesmead has called for a full inquiry following the death of his constituent, Glyn Hall, who died from serious injuries following a fall, believed to be suicide, from a tower block in Thamesmead.
John Austin said: “This death could have been foreseen and was preventable. It appears to show a complete breakdown in the care services.”
Glyn Hall is the son of John Austin’s next-door neighbours and was known to the MP. John Austin added: “Glyn’s mother had approached me some weeks ago as she was concerned about Glyn’s mental health. He was depressed after recovering from a life threatening illness and she feared he might take his own life by jumping from his balcony where he lived in Thamesmead. I had been in contact with Gallions Housing to try to get the family rehoused to ground floor accommodation. In the meantime, Glyn had been staying much of the time with his parents.
“Glyn appears to have made several suicide attempts. A week ago, he drove his car into the sculpture at Erith roundabout. He had also attempted to throw himself under a bus. I am told that the police had been involved on several occasions and that they had taken him to Oxleas Mental Health Trust but that on each occasion he was discharged.
“On Wednesday of last week, Glyn’s father spoke to me about concerns for his son and the lack of response by Oxleas Trust. He felt they were not taking Glyn’s case seriously, did not believe he had serious mental health problems and that he was merely attention seeking. He told me he had written a long letter of complaint to Oxleas and I offered to take the matter up. Within forty-eight hours, Glyn was dead.”
John Austin has written to both Oxleas Trust and the police asking for a full account of their involvement with Glyn and for an inquiry into his diagnosis and treatment. He has also written to the Secretary of State for Health expressing his concerns.
“This tragic death was preventable”, said John Austin, “Now a wife has lost her husband, children have lost their father and the parents have lost a son due to the apparent inaction of the appropriate authorities. A full Inquiry is needed.”
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