2006 Golden Lane Listed Building Guidelines

Just for interest's sake, here is a copy of the listed building management guidelines for the Golden Lane estate.  Click on the image to see the document, which is a 2006 draft of the final document.

Click the image to read this 2006 draft

Redevelopment of Fann St

An update on the redevelopment of the Fann St. YMCA building by Redrow presented at the Bunyan AGM.  Notes from a meeting with Redrow:

• All planning except external landscaping now agreed;
• 74 homes, called Blake Tower (City didn't like Blackstone), with the marketing suite under Bunyan and a soft launch for Barbican residents only in about a month or so. Design elements by Conran Architects;
• Start on site at the end of April, with construction likely to last 18 months. Asbestos removal will be done prior to that but I get the sense they're still trying to work out how to use the Bunyan yard whilst Beech Gardens remains in full swing;
• The first phases will be the noisiest as they crunch through concrete, but they've built in a number of sound, dust and disturbance limitation measures. They seem genuinely keen to get this bit right with all kinds of acoustic dampeners, monitors, building wrapped in monocled then a second layer, tools that deliberately minimise noise etc etc being put in place. There'll be a resident liaison person on site, a 24 hr noise line etc etc too;
• we 're going to be a bit pushy and ask if some of the 106 contribution Redrow have to make can be used for the internal decs for Bunyan, given that, by the time they finish, we'll have had the builders in for about 3 years tramping through our building and car park ... And they remain very keen to make sure the wildlife garden benefits, a point we always emphasise because we all like it so much.

Anyway, as always with Redrow, it was a very productive meeting. They might create really dodgy ads, but they're good to work with. They listen, respond and try hard ... And you can't say fairer than that.

Not an AGM, but a good meeting

The meeting last night, billed as the AGM, was not quorate.  To quote from the minutes (which you'll find here):

We have 178 members.  To be quorate we need 15% of members present, which is 26.7 people.  We had just 23 people, 3.7 short of our goal.  This meeting was not quorate.

We will have to try again, just like last year.  And like last year I will set up a "Flash AGM" which will cover just the essential items and take just a few minutes.  Details to follow.

AGM This Wednesday, 25th Mar at 19:00

The Ben Jonson House Group

AGM

19:00 on Wednesday 25th March 2015

The residents meeting room (Lilac Room)

Agenda here

Minutes will be here

Where is the Lilac Room?

Many Barbican residents meetings happen in the Lilac Room, but where is it?

It's here

The room is below the podium between the entrance to Lauderdale Tower and the BEO offices.

To enter, head into the Seddon House north stairs (entrance close to the BEO offices) and go down one floor to level 02 and out onto the walkway overlooking Lambert Jones Mews.  Go left along the walkway and the door to the Lilac Room is the first on the left.

Vision Fibre Media- they're ready!

A Ben Jonson House resident sent in this message:

Today I received an email notification from Vision Fibre Media that they're ready for me to sign up, so I assume these are going out to everyone in BJH who registered interest. I found my email in my spam folder, so I thought it might be worth posting on the blog, just so others don't miss theirs.

New concert hall "beside" the Barbican?

Private eye No. 1388, out this week, has an item about the move of Sir Simon Rattle to the LSO (page 17, Music & Musicians).  In particular it says that a feasibility study has been funded to look at building a new world-class concert venue “beside the Barbican”.  Where could it go?

Beside ourselves?

Long term redecoration agreement

From time to time the City sends out proposals to enter long term agreements which may have an impact upon the service charge.  This time they are proposing to enter a long term agreement with a decorations firm to look after the internal and external redecorations.  Read the details here.

The key paragraph.  I've asked the City to send proper PDFs, but they won't.

Bernard Morgan House - The brochure

The City have published a brochure to promote the sale of Bernard Morgan House (here).   This image is taken from the brochure:

It's the pink building.  Click the image to zoom in.

Car Parking & Baggage Store Charges March 2015

From the BEO:

Dear Residents

This is to inform you that during a Barbican Residential Committee it was decided that the following increases (calculated by reference to the Retail Price Index) would take effect from 25 March 2015:-

Car Parking Charges:

Residential

·        Car parking licences increase from £1,183 to £1,210 per annum

·        Daily car and motorcycle parking increases from £9.67 to £9.89

·        Motorcycle parking rental increase from £221 to £226 per annum

·        Administration fees for new car bay and motorcycle bay licences increase from £58 to £59

·        Electrical mobility scooters licences increase from £394 to £403 per annum

·        Bicycle locker licences increase from £83 to £85 per annum

·        Purchase price for a car bay on the estate will increase from £8,405 to £8,598.

(The estimated service charge is currently £925 per  annum)

Commercial (Non-Residential)

·        Car parking licences increases from £5,195 to £5,314 (including VAT) per annum

·        Daily car parking charges from £20 to £20.46 (including VAT).

Baggage Store Charges:

Rental

·        Standard stores will increase from £303 to £310 per annum

·        Transportable stores will increase from £362 to £370 per annum

·        Large stores will increase from £426 to £436 per annum

Purchase

·        Standard stores will increase from £6,500 to £6,650

·        Large stores at Thomas More House £10,000 to £10,230

(The estimated annual service charge for a store is currently £20 per annum)

Transportable stores and the large stores at Brandon Mews remain unavailable for purchase.

Key deposits will also increase from £150 to £160 per lock with effect from 25 March 2015.

If you are interested in a Car Bay/Baggage Store or if you wish to surrender, please call 0207 029 3955 or email barbican.estate@cityoflondon.gov.uk.

Further information about the current prices (before the change on 25 March 2015) and the application forms for the above services can be found on:

http://www.cityoflondon.gov.uk/services/housing-and-council-tax/barbican-estate/resident-information/Pages/Residential-Parking-on-the-Barbican-Estate.aspx

With regards

Barbican Estate Office

Arts Centre Residents' Meeting, Mon 30 Mar

From the arts centre:

Dear Resident

This is a reminder that the Barbican Centre's Bi-Annual Residents' meeting is on Monday 30th March at 6.30pm – if you haven't already confirmed your place and would like to attend, please RSVP to residents@barbican.org.uk : 

Bi-annual residents' meeting
Monday 30th March 2015
6.30–8pm 

The Barbican Centre's next bi-annual residents' meeting will be on Monday 30th March, hosted by the Chairman of the Barbican Centre Board, John Tomlinson.

The meeting will start at 6.30pm and will be held in the Frobisher Rooms 1 & 2 on level 4 of the Barbican Centre, with tea and coffee available from 6.15pm. 

So that we have some indication on the number of attendees, if you would like to attend the meeting please could you confirm by email to residents@barbican.org.uk. We would ask that attendees are limited to 2 people per household. 

We look forward to seeing you then. 

Regards,
Rob Severyn-Kosinski
Managing Director's Office Assistant
Barbican Centre
T: 020 7382 7228
Silk Street, London, EC2Y 8DS
barbican.org.uk

New restaurants in the Arts Centre

From the arts centre press release (full press release here):

Barbican is pleased to announce new catering contracts with restaurant, bar and event specialist Searcys, alongside arts venue and high street brand Benugo. The contracts will start in summer 2015 and will offer visitors to the Centre a range of new eating spaces and dining options.

Extending its 25-year relationship with the Barbican, Searcys will open two new restaurants in the Centre and will also continue to provide a variety of catering and hospitality services across the Barbican’s nineteen flexible and creative event spaces.

Exciting plans are set to be unveiled for the duo of new Barbican eateries, and include a partnership with one of London’s most celebrated chefs. The second floor restaurant will become a contemporary modern bistro, whilst the first floor space is transformed into a premium fast casual dining concept.

Run by Benugo, the Barbican Kitchen on the ground floor will feature a hand built wood fired oven serving organic pizza and the introduction of a ‘kids eat free’ offer for families. Set in the bright open plan space next to the lakeside, it is ideal for families, individuals and large groups visiting the Centre. Benugo will also operate the cinema cafes and foyer coffee points around the Barbican.

Bernard Morgan House for sale

I understand that the police have vacated Bernard Morgan House this weekend, and that the property is now on the market.  Property Week suggests that the price is £17.5 million.

To be revamped or demolished?

Behind and to the left in this image you can see chapel Jewin of the Presbyterian Church of Wales. There is also talk of this being sold. Together these properties make up quite a large patch of land close to Ben Jonson House.

New housing development here?

Update on fibre installation by VFM

From VFM:

Dear Resident,

BROADBAND INSTALLATION – MARCH UPDATE

By popular demand we are increasing our install resources to speed up installations across the Estate. We currently have carried out 170 flat installations and have had over 850 registrations of interest. Our team has connected residents in the following blocks and towers and will continue whilst further resources connects additional blocks around the Estate. We are making sure there is a steady progress to reach everyone as soon as we can.

Live and working – please contact us for Ultra-fast broadband and Telephony services

Shakespeare Tower

Lauderdale Tower

Cromwell Tower

Andrewes House

Defoe House

Next Blocks

Ben Jonson House – please watch out for the sign-up email and follow the link to schedule your FREE installation. Commencing at the end of the Month.

Thomas More House – early April

Gilbert House – mid April

Speed House – end of April

Willoughby House, Seddon House, Breton House and Frobisher Crescent to follow in May with the remaining blocks forecast towards the end of May.

Free Installation extended!

Good news! We have extended the free installation period until the end of May 2015. This will allow more residents to take advantage of our ultra-fast broadband and telephony services.

A quick reminder - if you have already registered your interest, you don't need to do a thing. We will contact you directly via email two weeks before your location is ready for installation with an update. We will then confirm your chosen package and payment details. Once you have confirmed this we can arrange a convenient date and time for your installation to take place.

Not yet registered – please visit www.visionfibremedia.com and enter 1971 as the access code to view our packages and register.

If you have any questions about our service or installations please do not hesitate to contact VFM at:  support@visionfibremedia.com

Frequently asked questions:

What is all this going to cost me?

The original Integrated Reception System (IRS) was installed some 10 years ago in advance of the digital switchover and provided a range of free-to-view channels. Residents are also able to take up Sky TV services at an additional cost paid direct to Sky. Sky offer additional services such as Sky+ which requires a second cable to allow residents to watch one programme whilst taping another. A number of blocks are not able to use this feature as the current IRS system does not support the additional feed. VFM are upgrading the existing IRS to enable this service to be activated. There will be no charge to residents for the upgrade of the current IRS. There will also be no additional costs if you do not make any changes to your current services that you receive however, Vision Fibre Media will offer a wider range of subscription TV and broadband packages that you may wish to subscribe to.

Will the new fibre installation give me reliable Broadband?

The new fibre installation will deliver an internet connection that bypasses the local telephone exchange infrastructure so you will not experience the disruptions or speed degradation as with normal Broadband providers. Using the fibre cable connected directly to the internet backbone will give you stable and super-fast Broadband speeds.

What if I subscribe to something Vision Fibre Media cannot supply? Will they stop me from receiving it?

Vision Fibre Media will offer total network neutrality and will not carry out any inspections of usage. This means that you can take out any service from any provider safe in the knowledge that Vision Holdings will not affect that service.

Will I be able to use wireless broadband in my home?

Yes, you will be able to access your internet wirelessly at home as you currently do. If you do not have wireless internet then you will be able to take up one of the packages on offer and will be provided with a new router.

Do I need a new set top box or television to receive the existing and new TV services?

Existing television services will be accessed in the same way as you currently access them. You may need a new set top box to receive some of the additional services on offer such as High Definition (HD) and 3D. You may also need to upgrade your television to receive these services.

Many thanks,

Vision Fibre Media Support

Tel: 020 3419 0030

Vision Fibre Media ™
97-101

Cleveland Street
London

W1T 6PL

City Healthwatch Care Act events

From City of London Healthwatch:

Have You Heard About the Care Act Yet? 

Find out more about The Act and what it means for you 

How will the new system work? 

The Care Act is a new law about care and support for adults in England that will come into action on 1st April 2015 

Understanding the changes will help you start planning for the future, what support you will need and how you will pay for it 

Join us at one of our free events to find out more

• Monday 30 March 2015, 2pm to 4pm, Artizan Street Library, 1 Artizan Street, London E1 7AF
• Monday 13 April 2015 3 pm to 5 pm, Sir Ralph Perring Club, Golden Lane Estate EC1Y 0SH

If you'd like to attend please contact Janine Aldridge by calling 020 7820 6787 or emailing healthwatchcityoflondon@ageuklondon.org.uk stating which workshop you would like to attend. 

Janine Aldridge
Healthwatch City of London Officer, Healthwatch City of London
www.healthwatchcityoflondon.org.uk 

Age UK London, 1st Floor, 21 St Georges Road, London SE1 6ES
T:020 7820 6787
Email: healthwatchcityoflondon@ageuklondon.org.uk

LFS loading access below ground?

Here is a thought from a resident about the new LFS facility beneath Ben Jonson and Breton houses.  Planning permission for the Film School is due to be submitted any time now, and the window for feedback from residents opens.   Unfortunately feedback is called "objections" in the process, but whatever it's called, it's our chance to let the planning committee know what we think.  This will be discussed at the AGM.

And so, on to that thought ...

...   I had a thought about LFS operations which might be worth developing at this stage.

I came across a draft of the General Filming Guidelines for the Barbican Estate, (I don't know if it is current) but it said under Operational: "Loading to take place at car park level where possible". This got me thinking, that is the reason why residents don't create nuisance to one another when interacting with vehicles, it generally takes place under cover at 02 or 03 level. Why can't LFS use the buildings in the same way?

... I was thinking it might be worth exploring with City Surveyors and the Architect whether this could facilitate loading filming equipment to light vehicles for students/staff of LFS so they don't have to use the Whitecross St yard at street level. This could reduce the need for LFS traffic and activity in the open yard, which is where noise carries to residents and it would be more secure for valuable equipment loads. Presumably LFS would also be renting some car parking bays in Breton CP.

Blooming Barbican Balconies - Sat 11th Apr

From the BEO:

Dear Residents

Blooming Barbican Balconies

A date for your diary! Saturday 11th April 10.30 to 3.00

Please come and join your neighbours for a morning of demonstrations of balcony planting for the beginner. Friends of City Gardens as well as our own City of London Open Spaces team, will all be on hand to offer advice and assistance.

Ahead of this planting day, get your balcony boxes ready to plant up. Horticultural advice is that soil should be replaced approximately every 5 years. Disposal of the soil can be pretty onerous but is definitely worth the effort. To help you we're providing skips from Thursday 2 April to Friday 17 April, on Lauderdale Car Park ramp and Willoughby 01 car park ramp. Please see your nearby Car Park Concierge for access to trolleys to help with this job. The recommended soil in John Innes no. 3. which is very easy to source. The standard off-white oblong planter can be purchased from the BEO at £95. Please contact Sue Brooks on 020 7029 3965 if you need to order some.

We do understand that many people love to plant and garden but just cannot manage heavy work. Many of your neighbours are happy to help with the heavy lifting so please call Helen Davinson on 0207 029 3963 if you need assistance. Conversely, if you've got lots of energy, are handy with a spade, and would be happy to help a neighbour, then please also get in touch with Helen Davinson. Of course if the issue is that you just don't have the time, there are plenty of companies out there who'll replace the soil and plant you boxes up for you.

As an added bonus, the City is donating soil and plants to help encourage residents to plant up their balcony boxes. More details of this will follow soon.

Additionally, our 2 local shops Barbican Fruiters on Goswell Rd and Geranium on Lauderdale Place both stock soil and plants and are happy to take pre-orders and offer advice.

John at Barbican Fruiters 0207 253 2190

Marianna at Geranium 0207 628 5742

North-South Cycle Superhighway construction

From the BEO:

Dear Barbican Residents

http://www.tfl.gov.uk/travel-information/improvements-and-projects/cycle-superhighway-north-south

Please use the link above for information on the North-South Cycle Superhighway construction.  It involves the Farringdon area, which may have an effect on your driving, cycling and bus journeys.

With regards

Barbican Estate Office barbican.estate@cityoflondon.gov.uk

http://www.cityoflondon.gov.uk/services/housing-and-council-tax/barbican-estate/Pages/default.aspx

Social Isolation Research - City of London

From the BEO:

Dear Residents

I have been commissioned by the City of London to undertake a research project looking at loneliness and social isolation amongst older people living in the City of London.

I am looking to interview City residents, including residents of the Barbican about being lonely, such as being alone in their flat, having few or no friends or family living nearby. Not going out much. Feelings that nobody cares about you. Maybe recently bereaved.

I am interested in whether some Barbican residents, perhaps you, or a friend, or a neighbour, are experiencing loneliness and social isolation themselves? Or do you know of any friends or family members living elsewhere in the City who are?
Can you help?

If yes, please contact me with your thoughts and experiences via email and/or arrange a time for me to come and interview you. The interviews are confidential.
Many thanks.
Roger

Dr Roger Green
Senior Research Fellow Community Studies
Director, Centre for Community Engagement Research
Department of Social, Therapeutic and Community Studies
Goldsmiths
University of London
Room 207, 21, St James
New Cross
London SE14 6NW

Email: r.green@gold.ac.uk
Tel. +44 207 717 2591

Barbican Estate Office

YAH Social Event for May 2015

For Young at Heart Members,

THEATRE ROYAL, DRURY LANE

"THROUGH THE STAGE DOOR"

A tragical comical-magical historie of the oldest operating playhouse in the World

We only have 20 tickets for this tour it is scheduled for Tuesday 5th May 2015 

Time of Event is 2:15pm

Cost of £8.50 per ticket (on a first come first served basis)

Assemble inside the Theatre Royal in the Box Office Area just after 2:00pm

(No 4 bus goes very near to the Theatre..)

Please purchase tickets from :-

Leonie Wade

Golden Lane Sport & Fitness

Fann Street

London, EC1Y 0SH 

Regards

Leonie Wade

Sports Development Officer
City of London

Golden Lane Sport & Fitness

Fann Street

London, EC1Y 0SH

T: 020 7250 1464

Twitter: @GoldenLaneSport

www.goldenlanefitness.com

Think before you print to save energy and paper

REMINDER - Dementia Awareness Thu 5th March

From the Barbican Association:

Dear Residents

A Dementia Awareness session is being run for Barbican residents on Thursday 5 March at 3 pm in the Lilac Room*

As part of the local authority's policy of making the City a dementia friendly environment, the Department of Children's and Community Services is running a series of dementia awareness information sessions for anyone who is interested. The Barbican Association has therefore organised this session for Barbican residents on Thursday 5 March.

"The session aims to dispel myths often perpetuated in the media, and by the end participants will have a basic understanding of the five main areas of dementia and how to live well with dementia".

The session lasts 60 minutes and will be interactive, enabling participants to share knowledge and experiences.

If you would like to attend please email chairBA@btinternet.com. Places are limited, so please act soon.

As well as supporting this session – open to all residents – the Barbican Association would like to gauge interest, so if you would like to come to this session but can't make it, or would like to come but can only make an evening session please also let us know. If there is enough interest more sessions will be run.

*Accessed via Seddon House, north, level 02

Jane Smith
Chair, Barbican Association