Streatham Action and the Streatham Hub development - what, exactly, is up?

Imagine you’re an alien from a far galaxy that’s happened to look like us and have crash landed in the area. You might be surprised to learn that long ago (so to speak), in a town hall far, far away, Streatham was promised a new signature town centre development that would re-develop the southern edges of the area and bring prosperity and jobs. All would be fantastic. If you read closely you’ll see it will open in 2010. Apparently…

Well, it’s now 2010, so let’s see what the situation is…

Interestingly, there is no shiny new development. Why? Glad you asked. For those interested, several (but mainly Brian Bloice of the Streatham Society) have amassed a “short” history of the Streatham Hub development from inception to the present from various sources including living memory, newspaper extracts and website documentation including crucial source material from the SISAG website. Please feel free to have a read.

As far as we can see, Tesco doesn’t appear to have the least intention of lifting a finger to begin work in Streatham, and the council have painted themselves into a corner by:

1. Falling into the trap of assuming their officers can negotiate with what’s arguably the most profitable multinational corporation in Europe.
2. Because of “1” above, the council is in a position in which they are dependent upon Tesco to deliver its development but Tescos is not obligated to do so (OK, planning permission runs out shortly, but Tesco, who owns the Ice Rink and the Bus Garage can always land bank the assets until a more amenable council comes along).
3. Tescos owns the Ice Rink and has done since they exercised an option sold to them by the previous owner, Eddie Wright, in the 1980’s. The council doesn’t own the ice rink and has never owned the ice rink. Thus the influence the council has over what happens to the ice rink is limited to moral suasion, and potential Section 106 requirements after development starts.
4. The reason the council is deeply involved in the development is two-fold:
   • The development includes a land-swap, which includes, amongst other things, the land on which the leisure centre stands, in exchange for binding commitments on Tesco to complete the redevelopment of community amenities before building their shop.
   • Several community groups, including possibly the best organised and best known - the Streatham Ice Skating Action Group - lobbied the council and the gov’t to ensure the existence and continuity of ice skating provision in Streatham.

I, personally, have been involved in local consultations on the Hub development (before it was, unfortunately, and inelegantly, named that) since 1998. Nothing, at all, with the inglorious exception of a lot of talking, has happened since. Given this timeline, and this sad state of affairs, it’s fair for Streatham Action and local residents to draw the conclusion that the blame for the lack of action on the part of Tesco can be equally shared by Lambeth council and Tesco PLC.

We’re protesting for Tesco to build their shop. I know, I know, it’s an ironic protest: “Whadda we want?” “Tesco to build their development!!” “When do we…. hang on a second - you want what?!?” It isn’t an easy concept to articulate in the long history of simple protests, we do max out the Wittgensteinian scales, we know. But it actually does boil down to a simple message in the weltanschauung of a country boy from the Tennessee, umm, streets:

“Tesco: fish, or cut bait!” Either build the damn thing or piss off and let someone else do it! It’s as simple as that.

So, as long as necessary, we at Streatham Action, and friends, intend to:

1. Get Tesco’s attention
2. Create as much embarrassing PR as necessary to get Tesco’s attention
3. Urge them to start the development, or sell up to someone that will be happy to do a similar development there (we can recommend some good potential suitors should the need arise).

What would we like from the community? Easy:

1. Join our email list. We’ll keep you up-to-date on what’s going on (so you can tell others - see #3 below).
2. Friend us, and follow our campaigns, on social networks (if you use them).
3. Tell others about our campaigns!
4. Join us on the front lines when we take action. Sign up on the email list and we’ll let you know when.

The important thing to remember is that it’s only in Hollywood movies that the lone stranger, through sheer will of mind and determination, wins through over the baddies. Here in the real world, we can win through too, but it takes all of us, united and in a co-ordinated effort. But we can and we will. Together.

So, come on, join us!

Those who wish to can write the Tesco board and chief executive:

Sir Terry Leahy

Tesco PLC

New Tesco House

Delamare Road

Cheshunt, EN8 9SL

or email to: terry.leahy@uk.tesco.com