Ward Notes
Dear Queens Quay resident
I wanted to update you on two matters concerning our Ward. First, updates from my Queenhithe Walkabouts over the summer and also relevant details from the recent Police Cluster Meeting concerning Queenhithe.
(A) Queenhithe Walkabouts
I am writing to you all to give an update on items discussed during the three Queenhithe Walkabouts I ran for residents in July this year.
On these Queenhithe Walkabouts, we were joined by three members of the City of London Corporation: Melanie Charalambous (Policy and Projects), Leila Ben-Hassel (Project Manager) and Emmanuel Ojugo (Planning Officer- projects), so we could hear directly from the Corporation on its progress, plans and intentions.
Works outside the Westin Hotel, Little Trinity Lane & the Green Space outside St James Garlickhythe
The resurfacing works directly outside the Westin Hotel and on Little Trinity Lane have been divided into four phases, this is to allow continued access to residents and workers. Phase 1 is now complete. Phase 2 has begun and due to be finished by the end of November. Phases 3 & 4 will be completed at the end of December and the end of February respectively.
The renovation of the green space outside St James Garlickhythe church has been paused pending a review on budgets. If the outcome of the review is positive the design and works are likely to commence next year.
Riverside Walkway under Globe View
The works for the river walkway under Globe View are delayed, but nearing completion. Metalwork and lighting are being installed. We do expect an update shortly. A funding bid is in place for art panels in the walkway - designs will be chosen in consultation with residents. I am happy to hear any suggestions for these panels that you may have to pass on to the City of London Corporation. An opening event will be planned once a completion date is given.
Millennium Bridge House construction
The completion of the modernisation of Millennium Bridge House is still over 18 months away. The City of London Corporation believes that the developer is on course to open this project in 2024.
(B) Police Cluster Meeting
Last month, the City of London Police held a Cluster Panel Meeting which covered matters in Queenhithe. Various members of the City Police spoke to residents, City of London council members and local businesses.
A summary of the messages:
· The City of London Police will see an increasing number of new recruits in coming months
· Phone snatching incidents have been rising.
· The police gave details of their special projects, such as Operation Luscombe, aimed at aggressive begging in the City and Operation Reframe, aimed at improving safety in the City, particularly for women and girls.
· Residents were asked to familiarise themselves with the anti-cybercrime initiatives contained in the Cyber Griffin website – this supports businesses and individuals in the Square Mile to protect themselves from cybercrime: https://cybergriffin.police.uk/
· Residents voiced their concerns on rough sleeping, begging and undocked bikes/scooters. The police were aware of each of these issues and would take action.
(C) Next Steps
In Spring 2023 I will be doing another series of Queenhithe Walkabouts so if you have not already given me your email address, please do so that I can keep you informed. My email address is ak@naisbittking.com or you can email my colleague Sophia Mooney sm@naisbittking.com.
In the meantime, please do not hesitate to contact me with any issues that you may have or would like to see raised further.
With best wishes as ever,
Alderman and Sheriff Alastair King DL
212 Queen’s Quay
58 Upper Thames Street
London EC4V 3EJ