Forum topic: Regenerating Palmers Green town centre

Thanks for sharing, I'll have a read through these and come back to the question of forming a public interest group.

Its incredible to flick through that list and see such lovely architecture in the borough, and so much of it in Palmers Green.

Re earlier, Ibrar, sounds good. Will be in touch.

Wow the transformation of Leyton high street is astonishing, and really shows what is possible. Palmers Green high street looks unattractive, grim and unloved, but has so much potential. Just wish we had as much support and investment as other areas so that it's a pleasure, not chore, to shop in.

Attached the 2014 Public Realm consultation mentioned in posts. Note the comment that 70% of PG locals were in favour of the proposed Cycle Lanes. Who would have guessed.
The 2012 survey, and the much typing it involved, was me supported, by a few other keen locals (I take all blame for typing). Working with FLDRA and GLBA over a long period and following presentations (under the then Conservative administration) to two Area Forums with 100+ attendees in each case, the concept was to look at positive points of PG high street, eg some of the architecture, and the not so good, eg traffic congestion, difficulty in crossing the roads, absence of green and so forth. Then look at options to improve the position for all stakeholders.
After about 3 years work, and under the new Labour administration, the work had been picked up and some background analysis carried out by the Council. A commitment was made to PG and talk included eg grants to help shopkeepers remove ugly metal shutters, paint upper floors and much more (this before the swinging budget cuts).
The survey – which had about 150+ respondees – was a latter part of the evidence gathering and took input through numerous channels mostly based on open questions, “what do you like/ not like / want to improve … ”) sort of thing.
And then on the wrapping it all up walk about with senior Councillors and Officers - and all based on 3+ years work - he whole exercise was hijacked and everyone ended up in Lodge Drive car park, because that was the answer to all PG’s problems it seemed.
And that was that. Strategy undermined, work undermined, collaboration undermined and opportunity shot.
I’ll give background to any group that chooses to form but won’t be spending more time on this one, once is enough. And all I still hear and read is that parking is the answer to the worlds woes.