Questions about access
February 20th, 2009
For the last couple of weeks access to Abbey Gardens has been denied by works to the new station. No one has informed us prior to the works and it now emerged that it will remain blocked for the next couple of weeks. ??? If you are planning a trip down to the garden be warned that you might have to climb the fence.
There is also some mystery surrounding the final design of the station and especially the access to it. The consultation for the new station has been lauded and apparently affected the final design. Especailly local concerns to have the main access from Abbey Road and not from bakers Row. Here is an extract from the Inspectors Report by the Department of Transport “The design process has absorbed the results of the public consultation exercise, for example in the modification to the entrance to the station at Abbey Road to reflect concerns expressed by residents of Bakers Row.“
However the DLR website seems to state otherwise. ““Abbey Road – This station will consist of side platforms to the north of Abbey Road. The station main access point will be from Bakers Row with a secondary acess onto Abbey Road at bridge level facilitated by two lifts and stairs.”
We are waiting for clarification and Skanska promised to forward the planning application drawings to us which they have submitted to Newham Council on January 20th, 2009.
Some bad news though about the promised improvements to the street which should have gone hand in hand with the station development. “Unfortunately there is no success for Abbey Rd DLR area for these two bids. The TfL money was not forthcoming with a general reduction across London on such funding for improvements around stations. The OPTEMs bid will not include this station.”
This will affect the public space towards the end of the street which is integral to the final design of the garden. Its a long way ahead though – for now all focus is on the Harvest Garden.