Who is the Developer?
Marshall Street Regeneration Limited (MSR), a consortium comprising Resolution Property plc and Vinyl Factory Ltd. MSR are wholly committed to the regeneration of the site, as well as involved in encouraging and initiating new creative opportunities for small to medium sized businesses that re-energise and sustain the area. MSR are keen to be a part of the City Council's wider regeneration work through the Soho Action Plan, and create a lasting media heritage for the area.
What will happen next?
Marshall Street Regeneration's contractor ISG will carry out the construction programme before handing the leisure centre, new depot and upgraded car park back to the Council.
What are the key changes since the plans were first exhibited in Autumn 2005?
Leisure Centre
There has been a detailed refinement of the original layout and designs. The leisure centre will be accessible and DDA compliant and many of the key listed features will be retained (e.g. the kiosk).
Depot
Extensive changes have been made to the plans for the replacement cleansing depot since 2005. The key change has been to redesign the site so that all cab driven motorised cleansing vehicles will enter and exit the depot via the Poland Street car park rather than Dufours Place as they currently do. Only street sweepers with handbarrows or small pavement cleaning machines will enter and exit the depot via the entrance in Dufours Place. This is a condition of the planning conditions.
Go to the proposed plans page to view the current plans in detail.
How many new residential units will there be?
52 in total with 30% of these dedicated as affordable housing.
What are the measures to reduce the impact of the depot on local residents?
Noise from cleansing vehicles in Dufours Place was highlighted as a key issue for local residents during consultation. The redesigned depot which redirects all cab driven motorised vehicles through the Poland Street car park rather than Dufours Place should successfully address this key issue. Officers have worked together with the Dufours Place Community Association (DPCA) on an operational statement for the management of the depot, as well as investigating possible methods of reducing noise through the use of upgraded equipment and machinery. Conditions of use of the depot form part of the planning permission in order to protect residents.
What is happening to the Theatre Company?
The Shared Experience Theatre Company will be re housed within the new scheme.
Will the Development retain the historic/listed features?
The development will retain the key historic features of the site including the main marble lined pool and the Marshall Street frontage, whilst restoring and upgrading it for public use in line with the Council's requirement for the site. Unfortunately it is not possible to retain the smaller pool due to its unsuitability for modern dry side leisure activities, which are essential to ensure that the main pool and the leisure centre facilities remain a long term and sustainable public service.
What will happen to the small pool and existing depot building?
The small pool will be demolished and the space used to incorporate new modern dry side facilities including a gym. The existing depot building will also be demolished to create a modern and more efficient street cleansing depot. It is anticipated that this new facility and the stringent management of the depot will impact positively on local residents (especially in Dufours Place) and businesses.
When will work start on site?
Work begun on 11 August and is expected to finish by summer 2010.
How will site traffic be managed?
The contractor (ISG) will prepare a detailed plan setting out how they will manage site construction traffic during the build period. This will be managed in such a way as to minimise any disruption to the local community. Local residents and businesses will be kept informed.
What about the street cleansing whilst the new building is under construction?
Whilst the existing depot is being redeveloped the street cleansing staff and equipment has been relocated in to the Broadwick Street car park opposite the current depot. There are also two small temporary compounds at street level, one in Dufours Place and one in the service area behind the Soho car park.
What about the Soho car park?
The proposed development includes a smaller 200 space Council owned car park, converted from the existing Soho car park. The remainder of this car park will be converted into residential and commercial accommodation. A minimum of 200 car parking spaces will remain open throughout the build period. The Council regrets that it is unable to maintain an area for push bikes to be secured during the build process due to the nature and location of the works. This area will be reinstated on completion of the car park works in 2009.
Can the baths be rented for private use for photo shoots/filming/events?
No the site is under redevelopment with works taking place. Once reopened the leisure centre will be a fully functioning Council run community facility.
How do I find out more about purchasing one of the residential units?
MSRL will be announcing their marketing strategy for selling the units later this year on the website.
When will I be able to swim?
If everything proceeds as anticipated, it is hoped the leisure centre will be open sometime in the first half of 2010.
How can I get in touch with the team?
Contact Us
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