Campaigners in Queen’s Park have launched a petition as they reignite their campaign to save a valued community space above an empty pub.
Save the Corrib campaigners have collected more than 1,000 signatures in support of the Corrib Rest pub and community space in Salusbury Road.
They are asking Brent Council planners to back them and urging the Queen’s Park Area Resident’s Association (QPARA) to continue supporting their cause amid fears they could start to favour developers Ashcross Ltd who intend to build luxury flats at the site.
Kevin Barrett, vice chair of QPARA who stands with campaigners, said: “I did offer to hand in my resignation at the last meeting. Negotiations with the developer came out with a solution to have the community space on the ground floor with the pub so the developers can develop on the first floor.
“We shouldn’t be losing community space like this. Brent Council has a right over this so they should hold on to it and shouldn’t let it go.”
The building was given ACV (Asset of Community Value) status, protecting the pub from development. The first floor, which has two function rooms, has a section 106 agreement attached which protects the community space.
Ashcross’s plans include the conversion of the first floor community rooms into six flats, and the conversion of part of the pub into community space.
QPARA were opponents of the plans when they were first mooted two years ago when the pub was bought. It continues to sit empty as progress has stalled.
Last October hundreds of residents turned up to an evening hosted by Community group Transition Kensal to Kilburn (TKTK), to use the empty space as a temporary hub, “meanwhile @thecorrib”.
They fear there will be a huge loss of community space with its operating hours dropped from 90 to now just 12.
Lloyd Fothergill, of Save the Corrib, said: “I’m baffled in all honesty, I know these people personally. It’s like they’ve lost the moral compass somewhere.
“At what point did QPARA accept they would allow the developer to build flats on the first floor?
“They say they’ve worked very very hard to get a good deal but they’ve worked very, very hard to give away a public asset.”
Virginia Brand, chairwoman of QPARA denied there were any negotiations with the developer.
She said: “QPARA’s position has been consistent over the last two years as we have battled with the new Corrib owner/developer.
“Throughout we have had three non negotiables which are that The
Corrib must continue as a viable pub, the space for community organisations must be adequate, sustainable and appropriate and neighbours must be protected from anti-social behaviour. “We have not taken any position as to whether the provision of flats on the first floor is compatible with these objectives.”
To sign the petition go to you.38degrees.org.uk/petitions/save-the-corrib-pubs-community-rooms
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules here