Tale of two bidders in Dickens Yard (From Ealing Times)

Tale of two bidders in Dickens Yard

9:29am Friday 9th December 2005 in News By Benedict Moore Bridger

COMMUNITY leaders fear their concerns about safety and traffic problems have been overidden in favour of a higher price offer in the race for the development of Dickens Yard.

The council gave its backing to developers St George, despite opposition from Christ Church School and the Church of Christ the Saviour. They both threw their weight behind runner-up Helical Exemplar, who they say listened to them more.

A weighting system introduced by the council in the latest bidding stages which put most emphasis on the money being paid for the land swung the decision in favour of St George.

Score points were multipled by four in that category. This allowed St George to inch ahead, even though the school and the church's favourite came tops in most of the categories.

Mark Sheard, chairman of governors at Christ Church junior school on New Broadway, next to the site remains cautiously optimistic.

He said: "Clearly there has been plenty of weighting towards the financial offer.

"If St George are not able to accommodate any of the school's concerns, it will be hard to avoid the conclusion the council have gone for the most lucrative offer irrespective of community concerns."

There are fears that play space will be lost and an explosion in traffic leading to dangerous roads around the school are major worries.

He said: "We have a number of concerns which are not negotiable, such as maintaining the amount of play space we have."

He added: "The proof of the pudding will be in the next 30 days.

"We shall have to wait and see."

Father Andrew Davis, of the Church of Christ the Saviour said: "We are disappointed at this stage because of the amount of detailed work we had done with Helical Exemplar. But all is not lost."

Liberal Democrat Cllr Jon Ball, who sat on the committee that looked at options, said: "They are picking it solely for short-term financial reasons."

But Ealing Council insists the result must be put in context.

It said there were 11 categories which were weighted, and the decision was based on advice from their professional property consultants, and were not unique to Ealing.

The school and church had, however, been working very closely with Helical Exemplar who they say had "gone further than any other developer" to accommodate their concerns.

As things stand, the school's already limited open space will be cut, and problems with bad drop-off facilities look set to get worse.

The school said the St George plan was "not clear" about improved access and drop-off to the school site, which needs parking spaces for staff and visitors for up to 20 vehicles.

It also needs room for up to two coaches essential for school trips, swimming pool trips, and other sports. Safety around parking was another worry for the school.

Helical Exemplar's proposal had factored in an underground car park facility whereas the succesful St George bid did not. In a report presented to cabinet members Mr Sheard said: "We have real concerns about maintaining the advantages that the school currently enjoys in not being overlooked, enjoying excellent access to natural light and, because of its current self-contained state, being a relatively secure site."

Now the council and St George will work with the school and church to try and improve the proposal before the final contract is signed.

If this does not happen, the council may fall back to one of the runner-up developers.

Cllr Will Brooks (Con), said: "The council holds all the aces. For once we can have our cake and eat it but we really would be missing a trick if we went with just one proposal at this point in time."

But Cllr Ray Wall (Lab) warned against starting a "Dutch auction" between the bidders, which he said would "muddy the waters".

Council leader Leo Thomson added: "I know the school and church will be disappointed but we will do everything to make sure they are involved.

"We have to make sure we get a nigh on perfect scheme for Ealing."

Hopes are high to include cafes, restaurants, and a new square in the construction, which could get underway as early as 2007