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Wigram House, 84-99 Ashley Gardens, Public Exhibition

UPDATE - APRIL 2017 Following the public consultation, a second planning application for the conversion to flats will be submitted in due course.

For many years, Wigram House has been owned by the University of Westminster and was used as a hall of residence until 2016. However the building is no longer fit for purpose and too costly for the University to refurbish. Therefore, the University wishes to dispose of the property. Reversion to Wigram House’s original use as apartments would reinforce the Cathedral Area’s residential nature.

To explain the proposals, a public exhibition took place on Wednesday 19th April 2017 in the Community Room, 20 Francis Street, London SW1P. Representatives from the University and its advisors were on hand to explain the proposals and answer questions.

61-71 Victoria Street

MARCH 2017

We object to the proposed remodelling and extension of this building on the grounds that it will detract from the only remaining block on Victoria Street that contains a significant late-Victorian building, Artillery Mansions. The existing building compliments Artillery Mansions well, with the robust articulation of the façade, the bold corner turret feature, and a similar height. All these will be lost with the new scheme.

Follow this link to Westminster City Council to view details, documents and drawings. Click here - Ref. 17/02123/FULL

Thorney Tales (11) - The Abbey Garden

It is a little known fact to most people that the oldest garden in the country is located at the back of Westminster Abbey and is open to the public several days a week. It is an oasis of tranquility at the heart of one of the busiest cities in the world.

WCC say "No" (AGAIN!) to proposed sculpture outside Westminster Central Hall

UPDATE - January 2017

We regret to report that the Appeal has been dismissed by WCC. Many of the arguments used by the Council to prevent this small sculpture from being placed at Central Hall (eg. within its Monuments Saturation Zone) would apply to the Holocaust Memorial but will they take the same view ? We suspect not.

Appeal Decision Document - 9th January 2017

UPDATE - April 2016

Westminster City Council have disappointly turned down this application. Read more here in a Guardian article.

To sign the on-line petition to overturn the decision, click here.

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We support this application for the installation of the sculpture 'Homeless Jesus' in front of the Methodist Hall on Storey's Gate.

The sculpture is very moving and is appropriate in this location, near where there is so much wealth and yet so many rough sleepers.

Westminster Fire Station

UPDATE: December 2016

The Society is sorry to have to report that planning permission has been granted for the redevelopment of this important heritage building.

Following a public exhibition in May, please see our response here or on the Planning page.

Newsletter Autumn 2016

Click here to view

Vauxhall Bridge Road/Tachbrook St Draft Development Opportunity

November 2016

Out of our area, but important enough to comment on. The block that contains the Queen Mother Sports Centre is being considered as a 'Development Opportunity' by Westminster City Council. They produced a draft document which can be viewed at: https://openforum.westminster.gov.uk/development-op-framework-UVBR.

Our response can be viewed here and on the Planning page.

June Stubbs 1927 - 2016

It is with great sadness to the Society that June Stubbs passed away on Friday 14th October, suddenly after collapsing at her nursing home.

June was a co-founder of the Society and for over 25 years was its Chairman and driving force. From her flat in Westminster Mansions, Great Smith Street, she was in an excellent position to keep a close eye on Thorney Island, and never missed an opportunity to represent the Society in public. She presided over many meetings, Christmas bazaars, parties and dinners. She was honoured with the award of an MBE in 2011 for services to conservation in the City of Westminster. June moved several years ago to an excellent nursing home in the New Forest, close to her family and enjoyed her final years in comfort and rest.

To send condolences to June's family, please write to info@thethorneyislandsociety.org.uk, or by post to 10 Old Pye Street, SW1P 2DG and we will pass it on. The funeral was held on Thursday 17th November in Reigate, Surrey.

Visit to Tate Britain's Archives & Library, November 2016

With huge thanks to Derek Rice, Library & Archives Co-Ordinator for a fascinating visit behind the scenes.

We were shown around the archives and store room. Temperature controlled with tight security arrangements and flood protection in place. Large moveable storage shelves and cupboards house the many treasures. We were shown prints and documents relating to the Millbank Penitentiary on the present gallery site. Next we entered the library to see documents, books and computer displays about the Thames and its history, part of a special project that changes monthly called Show and Tell. Finally Derek took us to view the Nash exhibition. A fascinating visit.

One of the many in the collection, here is a photograph of the gallery at the time of the 1928 Thames Flood.

With thanks to Chris Beddoe

For the last 2 years Chris chaired the Society. She guided it through some essential modernisation changes and her vision set the direction we will continue to steer. Her contribution and experience will be much missed and we wish her all the best for the future.

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