Minutes:
The update concerning building materials was given by Mr Julian Lewis from East Architects. Mr Lewis gave a recap of the main objectives of the Major Scheme, and of the materials that could be used. The materials that could be used for parking areas, kerbs and pedestrian areas were passed around for examination of texture and colour.
Mr Lewis explained that all kerbs were going to be replaced and all footways would be changed; lighting would be upgraded. New seats would be provided, pedestrian crossing points would be improved, and a general decluttering process would take place. It was anticipated that the improvements would bring about a better traffic flow. It was suggested that the kerbs should remain as granite, and the pink colour seemed to be a favourite with the Group. The alternate colour for the kerbs was silver. The existing paving on the footways was going to be replaced. Mr Goy questioned why the footways should be replaced as he was of the opinion that they were not going to fail and were adequate in their current condition.
Mr Munnelly expressed the view that transformation was key, and that aspirations should not be limited; he encouraged the Group to utilise the available funding. Marsha Berg raised the issue of cleaning chewing gum off pavements, and Mr Lewis commented that this was a genuine problem. The Chairman stated that it would be good if samples of the proposed new paving were available for the Group to sample; Mr Lewis thought that this was a good idea. Mr Goy commented that whatever new paving was going to be used, it should be able to be easily replaced; Mr Lewis responded that all of the proposed materials were widely used.
Gail Low (Guide Dogs for the Blind) informed the Committee that new guidance had recently been drafted by the Department for Transport concerning tactile paving—this had gone for consultation. Chris Cole stated that plans would need to progress based on the current situation, and that there was not time to wait for the guidance to change. Ms Jean Appleton stated that she favoured audible and rotating lights at crossings, and that the corner of Rectory Road was a particularly difficult place to cross. There was discussion amongst the Group concerning the colour of kerbs and paving, with a variety of opinions expressed. Ms Low pointed out that a change in colour between pavements and kerbs helped blind people with orientation. Chloe Jane Ross stated that she preferred the use of brown and red paving, and that when changes were made to paving in Sydenham, no one noticed as the paving was grey.
Mr Lewis expressed the view that trees could be enhanced by light, and that it may be possible to put lights in the trees at Beckenham Green, and seating “perches” next to the Odeon. Mr McConnell informed the group that he was familiar with all of these materials, having worked with them previously—this included lighting schemes. Marsha Berg stated that she would like to see the maximum use of light on buildings. Chloe-Jane Ross expressed the view that it was important in the public realm improvement to create a step free access environment.
It was RECOMMENDED that the Major Scheme should seek to maximise the use of lightings on buildings.