.

.
Click above for what became the consented plan, plus Transport page.

2011-05-31

'The Property Network': Meet the Hammerson Big Cheese!

Link to 'The Property Network'

"The annual LCCI Property & Construction Summer Reception continues to attract senior players within the property & construction industry. This premier event promises high-level networking for senior decision makers and an ideal opportuntiy to make new business contacts.

INCLUDING: David Atkins, CEO, Hammerson!"

Time: June 21, 2011 from 6pm to 8:30pm
Location: Haberdashers' Hall, EC1A
Street: West Smithfield Street
City/Town: City of London
Phone: 020 7203 1944

2011-05-26

Barnet Times: "West Hendon redevelopment scheme could see huge cut in affordable housing to make it pay"

Link to Barnet Times

"Residents waiting for the ongoing West Hendon Estate regeneration have been told developers Barratt Metropolitan need to cut the total affordable housing from 680 to 543.

"However, of these, just 290 units will be provided for current rented tenants there, with the rest allocated on shared-ownership schemes."

Challenging the North London Waste Authority on Freedom of Information Act requests


Driftwood (struggling to read the fine print): It says the, uh, "The party of the first part shall be known in this contract as the party of the first part." How do you like that? That's pretty neat, eh?
Fiorello: No, it's no good.
Driftwood: What's the matter with it?
Fiorello: I don't know. Let's hear it again.
Driftwood: It says the, uh, "The party of the first part shall be known in this contract as the party of the first part."
Fiorello (pausing): That sounds a little better this time.
Driftwood: Well, it grows on ya. Would you like to hear it once more?
Fiorello: Uh, just the first part.
Driftwood: What do you mean? The party of the first part?
Fiorello: No, the first part of the party of the first part.
Driftwood: All right. It says the, uh, "The first part of the party of the first part shall be known in this contract as the first part of the party of the first part shall be known in this contract" - look, why should we quarrel about a thing like this? We'll take it right out, eh?



Bestway Holdings Ltd

Complaint under s.50 of the Freedom of Information Act 2000 and under reg. 18 of the Environmental Information Regulations 2004

ATTACHMENT TO COMPLAINT

Background

1. Bestway Cash & Carry Limited is a wholly-owned subsidiary of Bestway (Holdings) Limited (“Bestway”), the complainant. Their interests in the information are coincident and mutual.

2. Bestway Cash & Carry Limited and Bestway together own a freehold interest in property at Geron Way off the Edgware Road, London (“the Bestway Site”). The Bestway Site is located within the London Borough of Barnet (“LB Barnet”).The location of the Bestway Site is shown coloured green on the plan at Tab 1. Bestway has for many years carried on a cash-and-carry business at the Bestway Site, with a current turnover at that site of in excess of £50 million p.a. The Bestway Site provides a wholesale facility for local small businesses and it has more than 3,000 regular customers.

3. The North London Waste Authority (“NLWA”) is a waste disposal authority that arranges the disposal of waste collected in the seven London boroughs of Barnet, Camden, Enfield, Hackney, Haringey, Islington and Waltham Forest. The NLWA arranges the transport and disposal of waste collected by the seven north London boroughs.

4. According to the NWLA’s web-site:
“The NLWA works hard to ensure residents are kept informed about waste issues and are given the opportunity to input into decisions. Residents have and will be consulted where appropriate in relation to waste and waste planning.”
5. The North London Joint Waste Strategy (“NLJWS”) provides the strategic framework for municipal waste management in North London for the period 2004 - 2020. The NLJWS sets out the targets for reducing, reusing and recovering a greater proportion of the municipal waste which is generated in the North London Waste Authority area and for reducing the amount which is sent for disposal to landfill. The NLJWS completed the process of adoption by all eight partners (Barnet, Camden, Enfield, Hackney, Haringey, Islington, Waltham Forest and the NLWA) in February 2009. A summary of the strategy appears at this link. A complete copy of the strategy appears at this link.

6. As part of the NLJWS, the NLWA operates a waste transfer facility at Hendon (“Hendon Transfer Station”) which is in LB Barnet. Waste from the eight north London Boroughs is transported out of London by rail through the Hendon Transfer Station.

7. The Brent Cross Shopping Centre (“Brent Cross”) is within LB Barnet. The Hendon Transfer Station is opposite the Bestway Site, on the other side of the railway tracks to the east of the Bestway Site. Its location is shown coloured pink on the plan at Tab 1. LB Barnet produced a Unitary Development Plan which included a section dealing with the creation of a new town centre by the proposed expansion of Brent Cross: for details click. This was also dealt with in Supplementary Planning Guidance document to the UDP.

8. On 26 March 2008 a group called “The Brent Cross Cricklewood Development Partners” (“the Developers”) submitted an outline planning application to LB Barnet for the comprehensive regeneration of Brent Cross and the adjacent Cricklewood area (Application Number C/17559/08) (“the Development Proposal”). The Development Proposal covers an area of approximately 151 acres, which is defined to the west by the Edgware Road (A5) and the Midland mainline railway line and to the east by the A41, and is bisected east to west by the A406 North Circular Road. It is adjacent to Junction 1 of the M1 (Staples Corner) and includes Brent Cross and the bus station to the north of the North Circular as well as the existing Sturgess Park. It would involve the transformation of Brent Cross, the creation of up to 7,500 new homes, a substantial new commercial district, and a new high street with parks and some open spaces.

9. The Development Proposal proposes to relocate the Hendon Transfer Station — which is within the 151 acres of the Development Proposal — to the Bestway Site. In order to achieve this, LB Barnet would need to use its compulsory acquisition powers. LB Barnet has not, as yet, made any of the necessary resolutions needed to effect a compulsory acquisition.

2011-05-25

Brent Cross Shopping Centre: Opening Hours

Monday-Friday:  10am - 8pm

Saturday:  9am - 7pm

Sunday:  12noon - 6pm

That's all. Carry on. 


North London Waste Plan cock-up on advertising

North London Waste Plan – consultation dates have been revised

"I recently wrote to you about a consultation running on the proposed submission version of the North London Waste Plan. Due to circumstances beyond our control, one of the advertisements in the local press about the North London Waste Plan was not published at the correct time.

As a result, the six week period for representations now runs from 27 May to 8 July.

However, all representations that have been submitted since the original start date of 11 May will be accepted, along with all those received up to 8 July.

For your convenience, I include the information about the consultation contained in my previous letter/email to you, with amended dates, in its entirety, below.


Publication of the 
North London Waste Plan

Councils in Barnet, Camden, Enfield, Hackney, Haringey, Islington and Waltham Forest have been developing the North London Waste Plan. When adopted, the Plan will form part of each council’s Local Development Framework.

I am writing to let you know that, following the consultation on the preferred options for the Plan in October 2009, the seven boroughs have published the proposed submission version of the Plan. The consultation period on the document runs from 27 May to 8 July 2011.

The boroughs have considered the all the comments from the previous consultation stages and have used them in preparing the latest version of the document. The North London Waste Plan identifies a range of suitable sites for the management of all north London’s waste up to 2027 and sets out policies and guidelines for determining planning applications for waste developments.

How to view the plan

The plan is available to view from 27th May at www.nlwp.net, and during opening hours in the councils’ planning offices and at any one of the councils’ libraries. At the same locations you will also be able to see related reports on previous consultation, habitats, equalities and sustainability and the technical evidence behind the plan.

How to comment on the plan

Your comments should be made in writing using the specific proposed submission representation form. We have produced a guidance note which explains how to make your comments using the form. You can download forms and notes from the website, or they are available from council planning offices or by contacting Archie Onslow (details below). Please note, at this stage your comments must relate to the ‘soundness’ and/or legal compliance of the documents.

You can send your responses in a number of ways:

All responses must be returned by 8 July 2011.

More information

For more information visit www.nlwp.net or contact Archie Onslow on feedback@nlwp.net or 020 7974 5916

What happens next?

When the consultation closes on 8 July, the boroughs will collate all the responses received and submit them, together with the submission documents, to an independent Planning Inspector. This submission is programmed for October, and will mark the beginning of the examination of the Plan. A public hearing is expected in early 2012. At the end of the examination, the Inspector writes a report for the boroughs.

The boroughs will keep you informed at these various stages about the progress of the Plan.

Yours sincerely,
Archie Onslow
Programme Manager"

'Many a Mickle makes a Muckle': Simon Melliss, Hammerson Financial Director, has re-invested 85 shares

Link to the news

"Simon Melliss, Financial Director, has re-invested 85 shares in the company on the 13th May 2011, at a price of 473.10p. 

"The Director now holds 215,990 shares."

2011-05-24

Hammerson's Brent Cross Development slammed by Roger Tichborne

Link to 'Barnet Eye'

"As the Barnet Eye does not have a vote in the Barnet Tory Leadership election, we feel that it is only right and proper that we use our considerable influence to throw our full weight behind the 'Brian Coleman for Leader' campaign.

"... Brian Coleman has also stated publicly that he will return to the committee system and abandon the disastrous cabinet system. On top of this, Coleman has publicly stated that he opposes the Brent Cross redevelopment, as out of character with the rest of Barnet. This blog wholeheartedly backs his opposition to this horrible scheme."

Retail Gazette: " Shopping centre development pipeline to stay dry"

Link to Retail Gazette

"Total UK shopping centre stock rose at its slowest pace for 16 years in 2010, a report has revealed.

"Over the course of this year, around 260,000 sq m of centre space is due to be opened but 176,500 sq m of that is represented by the new Westfield Stratford development in the east of London, construction of which started before the recent recession."

Hammerson - v - The World

INVITATION:

National Planning Policy Framework (NPPF)

A Friends of the Earth / Town and Country Planning Association seminar

Thursday 26 May, 12-6pm
at TCPA, Carlton House Terrace, London, SW1Y 5AS

This is a seminar on the Government's new National Planning Policy Framework (NPPF) - at this meeting we shall be sharing ideas with a range of coalition colleagues and putting together our initial response to the draft NPPF.

The NPPF is the key document setting overall planning policy. Its contents will be a test of whether the Government is championing sustainable development (SD) in its planning reforms and plans for economic recovery, or if SD and environmental issues are to play second-fiddle to business-as-usual economic growth.

Contact Charlotte Chan (020 7566 1650 charlotte.chan@foe.co.uk) if you wish to attend.

This roundtable is to formulate a second response to the Government’s proposals to reform national planning policy for town and country planning in England.

This national planning policy does not include the National Policy Statements, but will mean the reform of the existing planning policy statements on sustainable development, renewable energy, retail and economy. We know that the Government has a strong pro-growth agenda, and that they have already made announcements to the effect that the planning system is to be used to deliver economic development.

Outcome: The aim of the roundtable is to share views, discuss policies, and gather evidence for the submission of a second response, and to inform the Rights & Justice team’s continuing work on the NPPF, which we hope to develop into a counter-publication to the Government’s publication of the draft NPPF in early July 2011.

Attendees: Local and Regional Campaigners; Climate, Energy, Transport, Food and Resource Use Campaigners, Local Groups, Community Groups.

Brent Green Fair, just up the road from Brent Cross

Sarah Teather MP answers questions from residents posed by Ian Saville
Barry Gardiner MP meets a polar bear threatened by loss of habitat
(Barry is the one on the right)
Photos: Jon Goldberg

2011-05-23

Evening Standard: "Ryan Giggs named as footballer in gagging row over alleged affair with model Imogen Thomas" - and the Brent Cross connection

Link to Evening Standard.

Never mind all that. Here's the Brent Cross connection.


'The Lawyer': Hammerson general counsel Sarah Booth is after greater clarity

Link to 'The Lawyer'

"Hammerson general counsel Sarah Booth is ­putting together the company’s first formal panel of external legal advisers, with firms currently tendering for places.

"She said she was formalising the panel to give greater clarity."


We say: Yes, it's clearer now.
Much clearer.
Well, it wasn't very clear before, was it?
No, it's fine now.

2011-05-22

'In the Night Garden': Igglepiggle and Barnet Council want 29,000 extra car journeys every day; Upsy Daisy backs burning domestic waste from Pinkham Way and Edmonton ...

'The Pinky Ponk Show'
or 
'The Ninky Nonk Show' ?
 Link to 'In the Night Garden' tickets

Bit of an image problem for Brent Cross - twice in one day!

Click above for more

" 'If places like Dress Circle disappear, Covent Garden will be useless to the upmarket visitor it currently attracts. It may as well be an outdoor Brent Cross,' says Griff Rhys Jones."


Click above for more, and pictures

"Imogen Thomas stepped out yesterday for some retail therapy as she hit the shops in Brent Cross shopping centre with a friend. Wearing a tight denim dress and brown wedges, Miss Thomas kept her face hidden behind a huge pair of sunglasses, as she and her friend strolled along arm-in-arm."



Hammerson 0, Westfield 5

The Guardian: "Inside Westfield Stratford City: Europe's largest shopping centre"

Link to The Guardian

"In just four months' time the first tills will be ringing in the rather grandly titled 'Westfield Stratford City' – the £1.45bn shopping complex which will be the largest urban shopping centre in Europe, as well as the gateway to London's Olympic Park.

"What is being described as the UK's last 'mega mall' is a crucial part of the Olympic 'legacy' development. built to provide housing and other facilities for the longer term on former industrial wasteland in east London."

2011-05-20

Number 10: "Independent review into the future of the High Street"

Link to number 10

"Mary Portas has been appointed to lead an independent review into the future of the High Street, The Prime Minister and Deputy Prime Minister announced today.

"As part of her review, Mary Portas will advise on how Government, businesses and shoppers can address the problems of vacant shops, adopt new business models, prevent the proliferation of clone towns and increase the number of small and independent retailers."

Hammerson in for boom times, or shopping centre bubble?

Link to web site
" 'Leeds is in a period of transition,' Edward Ziff of Town Centre Securities says. 'It is the only top 10 city with no major development for the past 10 years.'

"He says that this is about to change with the Trinity Leeds scheme on site, and Hammerson’s planning application in for an improved £800m scheme at Eastgate Quarters, which will feature John Lewis and Marks & Spencer as anchor tenants."

2011-05-19

Bestway (subject to Compulsory Purchase Order at Brent Cross) tries to 'stir it'

To: FCC Skanska (Formento de Construcciones y Contratas SA and
Skanska Infrastructure Development UK Ltd) (consortium)
[and two others on the NLWA shortlist]
and
To: Covanta Energy Ltd. (UK) [and two others on the other shortlist]

North London Waste – (Treatment & Fuel Use Contract)

We understand that your consortium is one of the three remaining bidders that has been chosen to develop solutions to provide modern sustainable
waste facilities for long term waste / fuel services 
or
energy generation from the use of a solid recovered fuel (SRF) 
for the North London Waste Authority (NLWA) and we are aware that any bidder in your position will want to secure such a contract, by demonstrating how to deliver the required services, in a compliant and lawful manner, and for the lowest price.

To achieve the above, you will need to become the NLWA’s preferred bidder, and to demonstrate your credentials to achieve this milestone.

We hope that you don’t mind, but we have attached information and background that should guide your approach to a very important aspect of this process, namely, avoiding the inevitable and serious issue of trying to acquire the Bestway site. Everyone knows that this will be difficult and expensive at best, with delays to your delivery programme, and at worst, simply impossible to achieve.

At best, it will involve cost and serious delay, and I can assure you that at worst, this site will never be secured, as we will do everything possible to achieve the latter.

We trust you will consider this matter with the importance it deserves, and will no doubt concur that there are better, more practical, deliverable, and operationally preferable site options, within the NLWA area (than our site on the western boundary).

Bestway operate a highly successful cash and carry depot currently at Geron Way [Brent Cross] and this is one of the most profitable within the group, as part of what is nearly £2.3bn of turnover.

We have absolutely no reason to move from our current Geron Way site, and we continue to challenge the NLWA and the recently published NL Waste Plan which promotes our site as appropriate to replace the Hendon Rail Transfer Station. It is totally perverse that this site has been chosen and still pursued, contrary to the technically flawed selection being exposed some time ago, and put on public record.

We have a team of planning, waste, transport, environmental, and other technical experts, supported by our respective solicitors and QC’s to fully support our work.

Stretton’s Chartered Surveyors have been working with us on site finding and analysis of suitable waste facility sites in the NLWA area,, and we have found several more suitable and appropriate sites on which we are undertaking more detailed analysis, based on extensive information and context. To illustrate this, we enclose a copy of a schedule of all potential alternative sites for a waste facility.

We would urge you to study these sites. We stress that the extensive information we have behind this work illustrates that the Geron Way site is not viable or appropriate, in the context of the large number of suitable and appropriate sites we have identified. We will be happy to share this information with you in the context of any proposals you are preparing.

We have further work to do regarding this matter, and we will be bringing all this information to bear during the current NLWP consultation process, and will demonstrate that the site selection is clearly unsound. We will take this through to public examination before an Inspector.

Map 2: All Identified Potential Waste Sites
  1. Solar Way, Enfield, EN3 7XY
  2. Bilton Way, Ponders End, EN3 6EW
  3. Oakleigh Road South, New Southgate, N11 1HJ
  4. Great Cambridge Road, Waltham Cross, EN8 8DY
  5. Regis Road, Kentish Town, NW5 3ED
  6. Clarendon Road, Wood Green, N22 6XJ
  7. Albert Road, East Barnet, EN4 9SH
  8. Argall Avenue, Leyton, E10 7QP
  9. Markfield Road, Tottenham, N15 4QA
  10. White Hart Goods Yard, White Hart Lane, Tottenham, N17 8DP
  11. Highgate Road, Gospel Oak, NW5 1TN
  12. Bridge Road, Wood Green, N22 7SN
  13. Cranbourne Road Industrial Estate, Cranborne Road, Potters Bar EN6 3JN*
  14. Lea Interchange, 151 Ruckholt Road, E15 2EN
  15. Kenninghall Road, Edmonton, N18 2PD
  16. 37a Pemberton Terrace, N19 5RR. Bush Ind Est, Station Road, N19 5UN
  17. Cranford Way Industrial Estate, Tottenham Lane, N8 9DG
  18. London Gateway Services via Ellesmere Avenue, Mill Hill, NW7 3HB
  19. Hannah Close, Wembley*
  20. Picketts Lock Lane, Edmonton
  21. G Park, Mollison Avenue, Enfield
  22. JVC site Harp View Business Park, Priestley Way, Hendon*
  23. View 406, Advent Way, Edmonton
  24. Former Gas Holders, Leeside Road, Edmonton
  25. Leeside Industrial Estate, Leeside Road, Edmonton
  26. Edmonton Eco Park, Advent Way, Edmonton
  27. Greenstar MRF, Lee Park Way, Edmonton
  28. Rigg Approach, Leyton
  29. Camden Plant, Lower Hall Lane, Advent Way, Edmonton
  30. Martinbridge Industrial Estate, Lincoln Way, Enfield
  31. Navigation Park, Morson Road, Enfield
  32. Garrick Industrial Estate, Garrick Road, Colindale
  33. Leeside Trading Estate, Garman Road, Edmonton
  34. Mowlem Trading Estate, Leeside Road, Edmonton
  35. Angel Works, Advent Way, Edmonton
  36. Aerodrome Road, Colindale
  37. Victory Park, Cricklewood
  38. Kynoch Road, Edmonton
  39. Nobel Road, Edmonton
  40. Marsh Lane, Tottenham
  41. Willesden Euroterminal, Old Oak Common, Willesden*
  42. ex-Eurostar North Star depot, Scrubs Lane, North Kensington*
* Not in NLWA area

This evidence, including extensive further background, clearly indicates that it is neither in your or the public interest to pursue the Geron Way site, and it should be ruled out now, well in advance of any CPO consideration.

In summary, the tendering process puts the onus on you to deal with such delivery issues, not the NLWA, which is just backing up its now outdated Outline Business Case. We therefore strongly suggest that, when you are preparing your strategy for delivery, you seriously consider the above, and promptly withdraw our site from any further consideration.

Yours sincerely, BESTWAY

2011-05-17

Recycling tragedy - Sob, it brings a tear to your eye

BBC: "Report urges caution over recycling reward schemes"

Link to BBC web site

"Reward schemes work well at first but it is unclear whether they lead to long-term changes in behaviour, a London Assembly report said.

"Julian Kirby, resource use campaigner for Friends of the Earth, said:

"The evidence is quite clear that for behaviour change to be sustainable it has to come from inside and from a sense of people's own values. What is crucial is that people understand that recycling does save councils a lot of money, which does saves the tax-payer a lot of money."

Click for the London Assembly report.

2011-05-12

Ham & High, Barnet Press (2) and Barnet Times (Brent Cross Incinerator and Pinkham Wood Incinerator-fuel Plants!)



 (Click to enlarge the images, and usually again to magnify)

The web site reference below should say www.nlwp.NET.






Yorkshire Post: Hammerson's Andrew Hilston talks up environmental measures

Link to web site
The Eastgate scheme, which is being considered by Leeds City Council, will transform the 6.9 hectare brownfield site. Plans for the scheme include a two-level shopping arcade, a new civic square, the largest shopper car park in the city, and offices.

"Hammerson said it could reduce carbon emissions for the development and surrounding area by 25-30 per cent. Mr Hilston said Hammerson had received 'strong feedback' on the revised proposals."

2011-05-11

Barnet Council: "Final chance to comment on waste plan for North London" (Yes, FINAL!)

"The North London Waste Plan is being published for final comments by the seven North London boroughs of Barnet, Camden, Enfield, Hackney, Haringey, Islington and Waltham Forest. The plan identifies the sites which the seven councils consider to be the most suitable for new waste facilities and sets out planning policies to guide all future waste developments. The plan protects all existing waste facilities.

"Communities are now required to take more responsibility for their waste, and this means managing, recycling and treating more waste in the areas where it is produced. As a result, new waste facilities are needed in North London. The plan suggests that most but not all of the new facilities needed can be accommodated on sites which are currently used for dealing with waste, including the Edmonton EcoPark in Enfield. However, some additional sites will be needed and the plan identifies two new sites for waste facilities, which has been chosen following a rigorous assessment process. These are:
  • Site on Edgware Road and Geron Way Barnet [BRENT CROSS]
  • Friern Barnet Sewage Treatment Works (Pinkham Way) Haringey.


Speaking generally about the North London Waste Plan, Cllr Richard Cornelius, Cabinet Member for Housing, Planning and Regeneration, recognises the scale of the challenge which the plan faces:
"Waste facilities have, historically, been unpopular but modern well-designed facilities can bring many benefits and opportunities.

We think we have found the right sites and put in place the right policies to help ensure that the new waste facilities we need will be well designed, good neighbours, fit for purpose, and create opportunities for new jobs, new types of green industries and for local heat and energy systems that can help in the fight against climate change."
Turning to the Pinkham Way site, Councillor Cornelius said:
"Waste has to be dealt with and processed somewhere. The Pinkham way site is very close to the North Circular and used to be a sewage works. As a group of North London councils, we have been required to find land that can be used to handle the rubbish that our residents chuck out. My concerns are to make sure that this facility minimises traffic impact and controls pollution as promised. These and other matters raised by local residents must govern what the Haringey Planning Committee allows to be built so close to Barnet and Enfield."
The plan (the proposed submission version) is available to download from the project website (www.nlwp.net) from 11 May 2011. Copies of the waste plan will be available to view in the Council’s planning offices and in local libraries.

Comments need to be returned by 22nd June.

For more information, visit www.nlwp.net or contact Archie Onslow on feedback@nlwp.net or 020 7974 5916



(We believe that the Councillor may have been 'helped' to string together the above sentences.)

2011-05-10

Hammerson cannot possibly fail not to disagree with anti-cynical environmental moves less, or, not indeed, more

Link to Daily Telegraph

"In a letter to the Prime Minister signed by the chief executives of British Land, Land Securities, and Hammerson, the property industry warns that without a 'level playing field' the green credentials of buildings will never be improved.

"Unfortunately, a voluntary approach to take up in the private sector will not work, because without that level playing field, there is a reputational risk for those businesses that voluntarily adopt certification and achieve poor ratings."

United Bloggers of Barnet urge council to "pause and reconsider" privatisation (including of Planning)

Link to the statement, on 'Mr Mustard' web site
"Millions of pounds of public money has already been spent on consultants, with no discernible savings achieved, and the losses could well be multiplied many fold, going forward. Residents and Barnet council staff are increasingly anxious about the future of Barnet council services. Councillors should be too."

Meanwhile, in the neighbouring London Borough of Brent, a Green Fair is planned...

2011-05-09

North London Waste Plan: The Full Monty!

Link to the documents

"The Proposed Submission version of the Plan has now been published. Download it from the Document Centre. We now want to hear your views before we submit the Plan to a Planning Inspector for an independent examination. 

"You can make representations up to 22nd June 2011, by clicking here."

707,645,467 Hammerson shares, 707,645,468, 707,645,469, ... Stop that! Now I've lost my place! One, Two, Three, ...

HAMMERSON plc

Voting rights and capital

Hammerson plc ("the Company") announces, in compliance with the Disclosure and Transparency Rules, that the Company's total issued share capital at 28 April 2011 comprises 707,645,469 ordinary shares of 25 pence each with one voting right per share, of which 400,000 shares are held in treasury.

The total number of voting rights in Hammerson plc is therefore 707,245,469, which figure may be used by shareholders as the denominator for the calculations by which they will determine if they are required to notify their interest in, or a change to their interest in, the Company under the Disclosure and Transparency Rules.

Developer Hammerson offers consultation with the public! (but only in Leeds)

Link to The Guardian

"The one million square foot retail-led Eastgate Quarters scheme will feature a two-level shopping arcade, a new civic square; the restoration of historic buildings; the largest shoppers' car park in the city with around 2,500 spaces; refurbished offices, and the pedestrianisation of all the streets within the scheme, including Eastgate.

"Project director of the Eastgate scheme, Andrew Hilston, has agreed to answer questions and queries from Guardian Leeds readers. Your questions can be on any topic related to the Eastgate Quarters development."

2011-05-07

'Sociable Surveyors': Win an Internship at Hammerson, says Leonie Rumble. (Maybe work on the Brent Cross Project of Doom?)


"Students are invited to post pieces to camera, explaining why they want to win a week’s work experience in a surveyor’s or developer’s office, either here or overseas, at a cost of £10 per pitch."

"Leonie Rumble, Hammerson’s human resources adviser, was enthusiastic. After consultation with the Hammerson directors, she offered a student a week in the [London and] Paris offices, and also obtained £2,000 in sponsorship.

"Hammerson’s chief executive, David Atkins, will address 50 of the hopeful candidates in July, at Cass Business School in the City of London."



Bad first day at the Hammerson office:

2011-05-06

BBC: "Climate e-mail reviews 'leave science sound'."

Link to BBC web site

"Reviews, headed by Lord Oxburgh and Sir Muir Russell, found that the [University of East Anglia] episode did raise questions about the conduct of climate science, and about universities' compliance with Freedom of Information Act legislation.

"But, they said, individual researchers had not tried to subvert the scientific process, and the fundamental picture of a planet warming under the impact of fossil-fuel burning was basically unchallenged.

"The government agrees, saying: 'we find no evidence to question the scientific basis of human influence on the climate'."

'North London Waste Plan' submission version announced (we are meant to 'submit')


"Councils in Barnet, Camden, Enfield, Hackney, Haringey, Islington and Waltham Forest have been developing the North London Waste Plan. When adopted, the Plan will form part of each council’s Local Development Framework.

"I am writing to let you know that, following the consultation on the preferred options for the Plan in October 2009, the seven boroughs have published the proposed submission version of the Plan. The consultation period on the document runs from 11th May to 22nd June 2011.

"The boroughs have considered the all the comments from the previous consultation stages, and have used them in preparing the latest version of the document. The North London Waste Plan identifies a range of suitable sites for the management of all north London’s waste up to 2027, and sets out policies and guidelines for determining planning applications for waste developments.

How to view the plan

"The plan is available to view from 11 May at www.nlwp.net, in the councils’ planning offices and at any one of the councils’ libraries. At the same locations, you will also be able to see related reports on previous consultation, habitats, equalities and sustainability and the technical evidence behind the plan.

How to comment on the plan

"Your comments should be made in writing, using the specific proposed submission representation form. We have produced a guidance note, which explains how to make your comments using the form. You can download forms and notes from the website, or they are available from council planning offices or by contacting Archie Onslow (details below).  

"Please note, at this stage, your comments must relate to the ‘soundness’ and/or legal compliance of the documents. [our emphasis]

"You can send your responses in a number of ways:
  • · in writing to Archie Onslow at North London Waste Plan, Camden Town Hall, Argyle Street, London WC1H 8EQ.
"All responses must be returned by 22nd June 2011.

More information

"For more information, visit www.nlwp.net or contact Archie Onslow on feedback@nlwp.net or 020 7974 5916.

What happens next?

"When the consultation closes on 22nd June, the boroughs will collate all the responses received, and submit them, together with the submission documents, to an independent Planning Inspector.

"This submission is programmed for October, and will mark the beginning of the examination of the Plan. A public hearing is expected in early 2012. At the end of the examination, the Inspector writes a report for the boroughs.

"The boroughs will keep you informed at these various stages about the progress of the Plan."

Archie Onslow, Programme Manager
North London Waste Plan, Camden Town Hall,
Argyle Street, London WC1H 8EQ
tel: 020 7974 5916  fax: 020 7974 1930
web: www.nlwp.net

Fighting Hammerson in Leeds

Link to opposition web site

"Leeds Kirkgate Market is immediately south of the proposed massive retail development by developer Hammerson, branded as 'Eastgate Quarters'.

"According to Hammerson and the Council, the Eastgate development will bring lots of new jobs to Leeds, transform a derelict area, and increase tourism. But we think that Eastgate will come at a major cost. First, it will mean the demolition of most of the existing Eastgate Terraces and iconic buildings like the Lyons Works Factory. The scheme has already decimated Leeds’ small Chinatown area, and caused misery for some small businesses affected by Compulsory Purchase Orders. Second, the proposed changes to the city’s transport system, plus the design and scale of Eastgate, pose a major threat to the future of the market."

Barnet Times: "Saracens' plans for Mill Hill's Copthall stadium criticised in Mayor's report"

Link to web site

"In a stage one ruling by the Mayor - on the Copthall proposals to develop the 1960s athletics stadium into a 10,000-seater venue - the officers say there is too much car parking, and that it threatens the Green Belt."


Comment by Barnet blogger ("the Finchley fishwife") Mrs Angry:
Ah, so: to sum up the position of London Tories:
Brent X Cricklewood, Labour area + loads of extra traffic, etc. = good.

Saracens Copthall, Tory area, GLA election = bad.

2011-05-05

Yet another Hammerson employee is "delighted" at something

Link to web site
(Number 23 in a series)

"Hammerson plc announces the successful syndication and signing of a £505 million five-year revolving credit facility. The facility carries a margin of 150 basis points over LIBOR. It will be used for general corporate purposes.

"Following this, the total medium-term committed financing available to Hammerson is approximately £2.7 billion. Simon Melliss, Chief Financial Officer of Hammerson, said:
"I am delighted with the excellent response we have received from our bankers for this facility, which provides flexibility going forward."

2011-05-04

Expansion of light-rail: Possible routes (no, it's not at Hammerson's Brent Cross)


Click above to expand the route map, 
or below for 'Future of the DLR' web page.

LB of Camden: "Final chance to have your say on the North London Waste Plan" (Final?)

 4 May 2011:
Residents are invited to share 
their comments on the waste 
plan for north London

Communities are now required to take more responsibility for their waste, and this means managing, recycling and treating more waste in the areas where it is produced. As a result, new waste facilities are needed in North London.

A new plan which identifies the sites which the seven North London councils consider to be the most suitable for new waste facilities has now been published for final comments. It also sets out planning policies to guide all future waste developments.

According to the plan most of the new waste facilities needed can be accommodated on existing sites, including the Edmonton EcoPark in Enfield.

However, some additional sites will be needed, and the plan identifies two new sites for waste facilities on Edgware Road/Geron Way in Barnet and in Pinkham Way in Haringey.

Cllr Sue Vincent, Camden Council’s Cabinet Member for Environment, said:
"Modern well-designed waste facilities can bring many benefits and opportunities. We think we have found the right sites, and put in place the right policies, to help ensure any new waste facilities we need will be well designed, good neighbours, and provide more sustainable and environmentally friendly forms of waste disposal."
Anyone can view the plan online at www.nlwp.net from 11 May. Camden residents [and we presume, anyone else] will also be able to view a copy at the Council’s planning offices at Camden Town Hall, 5th Floor Reception, Argyle Street, London, WC1H 8EQ.

Comments need to be returned 
by Wednesday 22 June

Barnet Times: " Two leading Barnet Tory politicians oppose Saracens Copthall plans"

Link to Barnet Times
"Last night around 300 residents, many against the proposals by the Premiership club, packed out Copthall School's hall for a meeting, chaired by Hendon MP Matthew Offord to gauge public opinion.

"The plans were set to go before a planning committee in June, but Councillor Coleman, who is in charge of transport and the environment in the borough, said he had been told here were problems and vowed: 'I will not put in a controlled parking zone'."

(We say: As opposed to CPZs in the Brent Cross area!)

2011-05-03

Hammerson's Resolution fails (not to mention Courage, Fortitude, Perseverance, Resolve, Tenacity, ...)

"Hammerson shock vote loss"
Link to 'Manifest' web site
"Pity poor Hammerson plc, who last week became the first FTSE 100 company in many years to lose a routine resolution, because it failed to achieve the necessary majority. We say 'routine' because, for UK shareholders at least, calling EGMs on 14 days notice is completely non-contentious."