Big Screen Controversy

Re: Big Screen Controversy

The Times Article says:

"The London Olympic Organising Committee is supplying the screens but local authorities will be responsible for maintenance costs. The BBC will provide the content. The project received ?2.6 million of National Lottery funds but the total cost is believed to be ?45 million, covered by sponsorship from BT and Lloyds TSB. "

Therefore the obvious question is, did we pay for our screen or get it for free from the Olympic Committee? If not, did we waste a lot of Growth Point funding which was designed for regeneration, on a project which we could have bid for separately?

And if it was for free, did the re-paving of the square (which looks very similar to what went before it) and the car park screening, really swallow the entire ?3.5M budget?

Thanks

Re: Big Screen Controversy

David, as you are aware the works at Wharf Green, including the Big Screen, were funded by Growth Points funding, some ?3 million. The article you refer to is about new screens. Wharf Green was specifically designed to provide Swindon town centre with a public open space that can be utilised for events, some associated with the screen, other community and sporting activity as well as providing a space people can just spend time in.

The article in the Times again refers to areas in city centre where screens have been retro fitted.

Re: Big Screen Controversy

It's a good development but should be reserved for cultutural events, I am not sure what the value of playing BBC programmes will be when there is no sound. I think there is too much TV especially for the young generation already.

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We seem to be having a few gremlins with the screen at the moment. It is being dealt with. On the cultural side, we are in the process of organising Proms on the Green, 13th September. More details to follow. TNSC

Re: Big Screen Controversy

http://www.propertyweek.com/story.asp?sectioncode=38&storycode=3118426

This makes an interesting read - is there anything to suggest the economic viability of the Modus development is not equally compromised by the current retail woes? Are they changing the scheme to make it anymore viable, i.e. the art gallery is already gone (which made sense), could the removal of the tabernacle stones follow?

At what point would say there's no going back for Modus as I understand a development contract is in no way binding?

Regarding the Big Screen - I like it and the Wharf Green area. It'll take time for it to become a valued and 'well used' part of the town, but it's a huge improvement. It's a victim of this dreadful 'summer' - a public square is never going to realise it's potential in the wind and rain - who want's to sit outside in this weather? I'd hope the paving layout was carried on down the whole of 'Canal Walk' in due course.

Rob

Re: Big Screen Controversy

I was amused initially by the construction boards that told me Wharf Green would be a place where people could 'sit' and 'stroll' and 'chat' etc ? all activities that could equally take place in a barren wasteland! Interested to know ? given that the area has in recent years been associated as a meeting point for wino's and 'undesirable yoofs', quite adept at the aforementioned activities, whether developers don't fear that the addition of a wide-screen telly might quickly turn Wharf Green into a slightly intimidating outdoor lounge?

Re: Big Screen Controversy

*Re-sent blog entry due to deletion (I did not keep a copy of the original but this is roughly what it said)*

Thanks for the reply to my comments. The screen is a definite improvement although I still think there is insufficient seating to encourage people to use it as a true public square/arena. A food/coffee stall would also help (which I thought was on the original plan).

Rob makes a valid point about the Modus scheme. The article in Property Week highlights that the majority of new schemes which have not started construction are in trouble. As many as 70% are being moth-balled, and the rest are facing major re-designs. Most (including Regent Place) included 300+ flats in the design and these will clearly will not sell in the current climate. Coupled with slack demand for retail, it's clear that the financials no longer stack up on these schemes.

We have been told that the minor details of the Development Agreement are being finalised since March. Every time it is delayed and delayed. Surely there are major design issues being re-considered now, not just the minor detailing. Can the NSC just be honest and admit that the scheme, in its current form, is dead in the water? I'd be delighted to be proved wrong but the continuing delays suggest otherwise!

Thanks

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David, I think we need to come to terms with the fact that these schemes just will not happen - disappointing tho that is. In the late 80?s a similar scheme received planning permission for a major development in the same part of town. The Recession shortly followed, the scheme didn?t happen ? end of.

The NSC can?t force developers to push on with these developments and the developers won?t do so unless it makes financial sense for them to do so ? that?s fair enough. I don?t know the complexity involved but I don?t believe the developers (experts, professionals) would have got involved if they didn?t believe the schemes were deliverable and deliverable in a shorter timescale than we?re now seeing.

Only the parties involved know why things have taken as long as they have, and why deals were not done before the economy killed them off. Personally I believe the scheme should have been far more advanced by now and that someone along the way pushed for a better deal, developers or Council, and that?s scuppered the whole thing.

I imagine that it would be counter-productive and potentially in breach of contract / damaging to future relations for the NSC to confirm that these schemes are dead in the water. I think the fact that comments saying as much are being posted on the comments page are confirmation enough.

Bottom line, suggest you try and do what I?m doing and just forget this whole thing ? saves a lot of disappointment!

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This has been an interesting blog with a number of valid posts. Some I agree with, others less so.

Firstly yes perhaps a trick was missed with the TV screen and in not taking advantage of the Olympic funding.

As I previously posted I do believe the developments will still go ahead but I think developers and URC's will be cautious in their builds ? looking to build versatile retail units and pre-let Office accommodation. That can only be achieved by raising the profile of the town and encouraging investment. You arrive at Swindon station and you would never know anything about Swindon?s regeneration plans. Arrive in Bristol and they literally have an advert asking for investment.

Swindon has never been very good at promoting itself particularly in the Tourism industry. With BBC currently so local in Bristol I have always been surprised we have never done more to encourage filming in the town. We need to shake off the perceptions people have of the town - media can achieve this.

I do agree with the comments of a more informative approach by the NSC but understand how this is not always possible. However I would like to know an idea for a timeline ? what happens once development agreement is signed? What?s the next hurdle? When will the cranes arrive?

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It's good to see some healthy debate on this board, and hopefully this might encourage the NSC to make a statement on the Modus and Regent Circus schemes in the not-too-distant future.

Whilst I understand your comments, Richard, you clearly are still interested in the regeneration or you wouldn't be posting on ths forum! We may all have to forget about the projects for now, but let's not forget that the NSC is, ultimately, funded by you and me. Whether it's the SW RDA, Swindon BC or central government funding - it's still taxpayers' money. Hence I feel we have a right to be kept informed (as much as possible) by the NSC. It's not good enough to name dates and never meet them (e.g. the Development Agreements).

Like many, I've got more than a passing interest in this because I was one of many (suckers perhaps) who bought a property in central Swindon on the promises of regeneration. That was over 7 years ago, and in reality nothing has changed. If anything, with the boarded-up shops and binge drinking quarter, it is even worse!

So maybe things are not looking rosy but NSC please keep us informed as much as possible.If Peter and the team just gave us an inkling of what's going on, say once a month in a regular post, it would avoid the need for us all to keep writing in all the time!

Peter, over to you....

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As a way of keeping better informed could I propose an idea of an 'open house' meeting say once every quarter?

This could be where those of us interested could come in discuss latest developments, meet the team and its also a chance for you to get valuable feedback.

I would be interested to know what the other regular posters think of this idea?

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As a regular reader but first time contributor I think a 'forum' sounds like a great idea.