Westminster Cathedral and St Vincent De Paul Catholic primary schools
We are seeking urgent answers in response to the proposed merger of the Westminster Cathedral and St Vincent De Paul Catholic primary schools. We also share the concerns of parents, residents, and staff when it comes to the handling of the ongoing consultation and the impact any merger could have on children.
Westminster Cathedral School is exploring a merger because, with an average class size of 22, it is under-subscribed and runs a large financial deficit. With government funding linked to student numbers, schools like Westminster Cathedral face pressure to merge and cut staffing levels.
Huguenot House
We have again called on Westminster City Council to pull the plug on its plans to redevelop Huguenot House, which it owns near Leicester Square, into a £100 million casino complex. The £100 million scheme is equivalent to £800 from each household in Westminster and involves the demolition of the building and it replacement with a high-rise mega-casino complex.
https://www.westminsterlabour.org.uk/westminster-news/2021/10/19/dont-gamble-with-our-recovery/
Strand/Aldwych pedestrianisation
We are demanding to know why Westminster Council went ahead with the £32m Strand/Aldwych pedestrianisation scheme despite receiving no financial contributions from the private sector. This project creates a car-free plaza in front of King’s College on the Strand with a budgeted cost of £32m. This is a significant capital investment. £32m represents 50% of a typical year’s Council Tax receipts for Westminster or sixty years of its youth services budget.
The Strand/Aldywch scheme was designed in partnership with high-profile local organisations including King’s College London, London School of Economics, Somerset House, The Courtauld Institute, High Commissions, theatres, restaurateurs and hoteliers. King’s College, Britain’s fourth richest University, will get a new pedestrian plaza outside its front door and has already used this for its fresher’s fayre. Yet neither King’s nor any of the other local organisations will be making any financial contribution.
Temple Station
Temple tube station’s grey concrete roof terrace has been given a kaleidoscopic makeover by artist Lakwena Maciver. Titled ‘Back in the Air: A Meditation on Higher Ground,’ Maciver’s rooftop art installation features a series of interlocking geometric patterns inspired by her Ugandan heritage.
Covent Garden
Vic Keegan writes about Saxon London which was centred around the site of the Royal Opera house.
https://www.onlondon.co.uk/vic-keegans-lost-london-212-finding-lundenwic/