I went to the consultation on Saturday and spoke to quite a few people there. The general consensus was quite positive. Considerable changes to the previous consultation had been made and concerns taken note of. They've moved it back, have enclosed it fully (they said it will be fully airconditioned and won't be a sauna in the summer - suggested visiting their Paddington one to see what it's like) and the hope is that , not only will people come in the evening, but it will bring them in to Putney during the day too,and hopefully they'll visit other shops and improve the day time economy. Why everyone seems to think that they'll be a lot of inebriated people leaving the venue is interesting. Food is served with alchohol. No bars. No live music. Just background music. As far as I can tell it's those who've been drinking in the bars who cause problems late at night, not those who've been eating in restaurants. Licensing to be until 11pm, with closing at 11.30. Three different 'pop up' restaurants to offer food at any time, and the three can and probably will change fairly regularly. Different kinds of seating from the bench type like Wagamama have, booths, and small tables. The hope is that people will come on public transport and not by car. Obviously no one can guarantee this.... It may be that some night time parking restrictions will be brought in should more cars than expected come in to Putney. On the whole the people I spoke to were all fairly positive and said that they thought it should be given a go. If there are problems then the Council will have to act smartish and should there be an application the Council should put in proviso's for licensing hours and noise in particular. To me, personally, it looked as if a serious effort had been made to move things around and improve it. I'll expect to be shot down in flames........ :-)
Victoria Diamond ● 2914d