ATKINSON MORLEY November 2002

An inspiring planning for real exercise was held at the Oberon Pavilion, Lindisfarne Road on 29 -30 November, following the successful walk about on 23 November attracting over 200 people, including Wimbledon Civic Forum Chair (Urban Design) Marcus Beale and London Borough of Merton Head planning officer (plans and projects) Ged Lawrenson.

University of Kingston Landscape Architecture, Landscape and Urban Studies, and Media and Communications courses assisted by tutor Pat Brown, combined to give a multimedia presentation, which included images made by children in oil and water at the the previous weekend's walkabout projected onto the grass, a candle lit entrance, and a wall - sized map of the area, topographical model, context analysis drawings, panels on the history of the area. This formed the backdrop to an informal workshop party - looking at the issues surrounding the development and the possibilities for its renewal. The local residents associations provided drinks and snacks.

A strong desire has emerged amongst local residents and residents associations that the open land forming part of the land of sale should be managed by the community itself - perhaps through a charitable trust or company - which could become a model resource providing recreation, leisure and sport and wildlife habitat.

Many exciting ideas and recollections and remembrances of the site came to the surface. These were recorded by the students of UKLA .

The Wolfson Centre, which currently operates on the site and is set to continue, provides a unique facility for people with disabilities, including gyms, therapy pool, residential and counselling services. The building itself is protected by its Foundation, but its environs are not. It would be good if more interest was taken in the Wolfson’s unique facility and its successful track record in providing leisure facilities for the bravest and most disadvantaged members of our society.

Prevailing winds and water courses were discussed, looking at the lie of the land and its function to collect water and feed to Beverley Brook, and its gently sloping south westerly aspect. The built development around the site was seen for a moment as a carpet which could be wound back to reveal the lie of the land.

Transport and movement systems were explored, the site as a green leaf caught in a web of busyness. Sport and Leisure was seen as the unifying protecting factor in the remnants of Metropolitan Open Land, with the great example of the Wimbledon Common, protected by act of Parliament in 1871 (the year of the siege of Paris) upon which no land can be newly built upon or enclosed....

• Atkinson Morley is protected by its Metropolitan Open Land status - it is like green belt, protected in that the footprint of buildings may not increase, except in specific circumstances such as ancillary buildings for sport.
• Here is an opportunity for the local communities to come together to create a new model of urban wildlife and recreation reflecting the unique characteristics of this site.
• Have your say - contact the Forum’s via the bulletin board!
  

Participants:

Wimbledon Civic Forum
The Wimbledon Society
Residents Association of West Wimbledon
North West Wimbledon Residents Association
University of Kingston Landscape Architecture
London Borough of Merton.

Note: more information on the planning exercise will be avilable at the meeting on 17 March 2003. See what's on for details.