FN Newsletter 05-09-2023
Contrary to what some (or most) of our readers think, I do try to seek out “good news” stories to publish. In this issue I am pleased to report the re-opening of the Holcroft Court children’s nursery. It will have space for 40 children and add to the 38 spaces that are available at the Whitfield Street nursery which opened last year. There are also around 200 children attending All Souls Primary School in Foley Street, and of the 8,000 people living in Fitzrovia, about 500 are 14-years-old or younger.
In a densely-packed neighbourhood like ours it is important to have public open space that provides access to nature and shade, especially when temperatures are forecast to reach 30 degrees C or more this week. The only public park in Fitzrovia that meets this criteria is Crabtree Fields on the corner of Colville Place and Whitfield Street. For the past four years I’ve been part of a small team of volunteers planting trees and wildflowers, and trimming the vines that provide the much needed shade and biodiversity we need. But this heavily used park needs regular, professional maintenance from Camden Council. But instead of spending money on sweeping, litter picking, and garden maintenance, Camden would rather waste hundreds of thousands of pounds on redesigning the public space and removing greenery — just as they did elsewhere. There’s a public meeting on Monday 11 September to discuss the future of Crabtree Fields.
Despite the climate emergency property developers are still hell bent on demolish and rebuild. There is an important planning application at Museum Street that should be opposed. Redevelopment of Selkirk House, 166 High Holborn and 1 Museum Street; part-demolition and refurbishment to 10-12 Museum Street, 35-41 New Oxford Street, and 16A-18 West Central Street. To comment, email: planning@camden.gov.uk with Reference: 2023/2510/P and 2023/2653/L and cc David.Fowler@camden.gov.uk and cc SaveMuseumStreet@CoventGarden.org.uk
Covid-19 remains a major threat and infections and hospital admissions are again rising. Over one million people are estimated to be currently infected. You can protect yourself and others by wearing a face mask in crowded indoor places. Please follow NHS advice to avoid catching and spreading the virus.
If you want to get in touch with us to tell us what you think of our reporting, have a question, or would like to contribute to Fitzrovia News please email us at news@fitzrovianews.com
— Linus Rees, editor
The latest on our website
Nursery at Holcroft Court to open again under new management
Meeting on future of Crabtree Fields public open space
Westminster Council to create 220 e-bike and e-scooter parking bays
Westminster City Council has detailed its plans to enforce new rules on dockless e-bikes, in a bid to stop them being dumped on pavements, writes Noah Vickers, Local Democracy Reporter.
Public consultations
Licensing application: Petite Cafe, 102 Great Portland Street
Licensing application: Platform, 106 New Oxford Street
Platform Soho Limited has applied to Camden Council for a new premises licence for a competitive socialising bar for gamers on the ground and basement of 106 New Oxford Street, writes Julia Gregory, Local Democracy Reporter.
Licensing application: Heal’s, 196 Tottenham Court Road
Heal’s is seeking a new premises licence for its flagship store at 196 Tottenham Court Road.
Licensing application: The Greene Man, 383 Euston Road
Tell Camden what you think about its recycling, rubbish and street cleaning services
Planning applications in Bloomsbury and Fitzrovia East, August 2023
Planning applications in Fitzrovia West, August 2023
Printed newspapers
Our September printed newspaper is available from outside Fitzrovia Community Centre, 2 Foley Street, along with the weekly Camden New Journal and the Westminster Extra. See the newspaper archive for back issues of Fitzrovia News.