To say EQRA is enthusiastic about the prospect of improvements to Burgess Park is an understatement. The majority of our members were really impressed with the thorough and imaginative document produced by LDA Design.The various visions presented in the Masterplan seem sensitive and in places inspirational. They are the product of a wide-ranging series of consultations that has included many of our own members and the whole process appears to have been very democratic.
Whilst we have put a list of questions and concerns to LDA / Southwark Council regarding their plans, we welcome the idea of a grand new scheme for Burgess Park. Recent objections refer to many piecemeal provisions that were never conceived with a bigger vision in mind. As such, we don’t see their removal as necessarily destructive or negative.
Burgess Park from St. Georges Way
Residents along the south side of Burgess Park (not just EQRA members) have spoken repeatedly of the need for improvements to the St George’s Way strip, which is currently felt to be uninviting, unkempt and ugly – even threatening. Since safety and security is a huge issue for users of the park, the plan for a formal flower garden and the removal of many of the most overgrown, neglected patches along this stretch is extremely popular.
Through the consultation events, members have also been able to stress their desperate need for a decent play area for older children. For years the lack of such a playground has been a local scandal and a source of frustration and anger, not only to parents. Thanks to the consultation, individuals and groups such as ours have been able to insist that a new playground is an absolute priority and should be achieved in Phase 1 of the redevelopment.
Several of our members have questioned the wisdom of turning over a proportion of the park to communal growing areas. Parkland is precious and turning it into allotments is not seen as ideal by all, not least because of issues surrounding how the plots will be managed.
Burgess Park : artist's impression
Much has been made recently of a proposed amphitheatre for large music festivals. Nothing in the plans refers to increasing the number of festivals (believe me, we don’t want that either): they simply acknowledge that festivals are a part of Burgess Park’s remit and that the space for them should be better designed.
EQRA broadly supports the Masterplan and it is our view that to raise a long list of objections at this late stage in the proceedings is counter-productive and risks throwing the baby out with the bathwater. We can’t wait for work to begin.
Meriam Soopee. Chair, Evolution Quarter Residents’ Association
Southwark Council is holding a series of consultation events this month on the plans for the park.
The first event at Burgess Park was last night, with lots of feedback.
We’d like to urge anyone with an interest to come to the remaining ones – details on our facebook page: http://www.facebook.com/burgesspark