Community
OUT AND ABOUT COUNCILLORS’ LETTER
with Grosvenor’s
Dear residents
Giles Clarke
The autumn has started with a busy and the traffic calming at Wilton
round of meetings, although planning, Crescent/Place was due to be installed
licensing and other committees have this month. A feasibility study into the
For many in the business never stopped being a great been meeting weekly as usual. playground for older people with the
community, the beginning of place to live. Chelsea Barracks in the Churchill Royal Parks is now on to the next
the year was undeniably As summer draws to a close, Ward is now back on the agenda and stage.
challenging. From a property what next? At the time of residents are being consulted on There are one or two other projects
owner’s perspective office rents writing, the stock market is behalf of Project Blue (Guernsey) Ltd including conversion of single lines to
tumbled, residential values climbing and people are by Soundings, a specialist consultation double yellow lines in specific locations
were on the slide and investors smiling more – which is always advisor. Information on the company in Knightsbridge. By the time Belgravia
were bearish. a good thing. But the nation (tel 0800 027 6069) and future goes to press, it is hoped that all
But as spring passed and the remains over-borrowed, banks consultation plans can be found at agreed projects will have been
summer holidays approached, have not yet recovered from www.chelseabarrackspartnership.com. planned.
more confidence and sunshine over-lending and the majority Events culminate in December with a A major restructuring model for the
seemed to emerge – both of the population have no masterplan approach for the site that city council is underway aimed at
market indices and property savings. In other words, there will continue into the new year. providing better services at a lower
transaction volumes improved. are still strong headwinds Final proposals for the ward budgets cost. It is proposed that the new model
Values for the best flats and pushing against an early are due to be agreed as soon as will result in a reduction of around 270
houses stabilised and, in some recovery of the economy. possible in order for them to be posts. More details will be available
cases, increased, businesses The only certainty at the implemented by March 2010. Some later in the year following the cabinet
began committing to relocation moment is uncertainty. Autumn existing projects are complete and meeting at the end of this month.
decisions and started renting is likely to be a crucial period others are awaiting comments from We hope that you had a good
offices again. (Largely overseas) in which we will either see residents or consultations and final summer and we are always available to
investors started to buy. greater depth to the recent design proposals. listen and act on concerns from
What seems to have flurry of confidence, a retreat Current or completed projects for residents.
happened is that, in the face of to pessimism, or a realisation Knightsbridge and Belgravia include Our website www.westminster.gov.uk
global adversity, London has that things will get better – but the Belgrave Place traffic crossing; the has recently been revised and updated
stayed at the top of investors’ slowly and only if we dig deep inner Belgravia traffic study, which was to provide a lot more easily accessible
shopping lists. I have little into our resolve to repair the completed in May and awaits information.
doubt this is helped by underlying economic factors. comments from residents; music Your councillors can also be
currency exchange rates, but Whether the recent buyers or workshops; and a contribution to the contacted by email or through the
it’s mainly because of London’s sellers come out on top remains now reinstated Rutland Gate Garden members’ secretary Elaine Furness on
global positioning and its ability to be seen and many will be railings. 020 7641 2322.
to attract the best watching to see where the The transportation department is Frances Blois fblois@westminster.gov.uk
entrepreneurs, business leaders markets go next. covering the cost of the traffic crossing Tony Devenish
and those with an ability to Grosvenor’s view? That would in West Halkin Street (design is tdevenish@westminster.gov.uk
inspire innovation. Also, it has be telling. ongoing and consultation has started) Philippa Roe proe@westminster.gov.uk
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