KHOODEELAAR! No to 'Crossrail hole plot' CAMPAIGN ACTION ARCHIVE 9 January 2006

Monday, January 09, 2006

CROSSRAIL threatens stress for even well-off backers
This item [reproduced in full texts, below] has been incldued in this KHOODEELAAR news Update site on Monday 9 January 2006 COURTESY of ICwharf


CROSSRAIL THREAT TO WHARF BOAT VENUES Jan 6 2006




By Tan Parsons


THE CONTROVERSIAL Crossrail project could spell seven years of stress for water-bound Wharfers, according to a report published this month.

If, as expected, royal assent for the Crossrail Act is granted in 2007, construction will start in 2008.

West India Quay is an area likely to be particularly affected, with several long-term moored boats already marked for removal. The route would run underneath the quay itself and a station is planned in the middle.

Ian Rathbone, Crossrail media manager, said: "I can confirm that we are proposing the removal of St Peter's Barge. The Crossrail project is definitely going ahead and Crossrail is scheduled to open in 2015."

Although St Peter's Barge - a floating church - has been focused on as a potential casualty, other organisations in the area have been quick to voice their concerns.




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David Spence, director of Museum in Docklands, said: "We have two tugs in front of the museum at the moment and we are aware that if Crossrail does go ahead they would have to be removed while the dock is drained.


"It's going to be very disruptive for our visitors in the meantime while the construction is taking place."


However, Mr Spence acknowledges that in the longer term Crossrail could actually benefit the museum.


"We believe the improved infrastructure will allow more visitors from outside Canary Wharf to come and visit," he said.


"It's an inconvenience, but in the long term one that's worth paying."


David Kampfner, project director of the SS Robin Trust, which is also based in West India Quay with a gallery on board a boat, said: "Crossrail could be a truly great project, but in the meantime there may be a lot of pain in terms of getting there.


"You have to be prepared to live with construction in Canary Wharf. We want to minimise disruption, but of course we are realistic."


However, on the possibility of relocation, Mr Kampfner is remaining optimistic. "All the indications at this stage are that the best plan for everybody involved would be for us to stay put," he said. "It's really very early days at the moment - it's too early to make a call on it."


On plans affecting West India Dock, Mr Rathbone added: "If people want to object at this stage then they should contact the local MP, Jim Fitzpatrick.


"There is a system of compensation for when organisations are affected by the project, and the exact compensation in individual cases will be thrashed out by the select committee."