28 November 2023

Dear members:

This post provides an update on current and upcoming activity in our local area.

The Gaumont – 196-222 Kings Road

The project to restore and renovate the old Curzon theatre and adjoining building is nearing completion, and Cadogan have let us know that they expect to begin opening the space in early 2024. We had the opportunity to attend a pre-opening event last month at which Hugh Seaborn (Cadogan’s CEO) shared some of the highlights of what we can expect to see. As you will be aware Cadogan worked hard to preserve the original art deco facade of the building. They have decided to use the name The Gaumont which harks back to its history as Gaumont Palace cinema which was originally opened in the 1930’s.

We also heard from the visionary artist, Shezad Dawood, who is creating the public art which will be on the facade.

The site will include flagship retail on Kings Road, smaller boutique retail on Chelsea Manor Street, a large cinema, a roof terrace, a pub, as well as office space and residential on the upper floors. We don’t yet have detail on what shops will be located there, but are excited to know that the initial opening is coming soon.

The website for the updated building is here: The Gaumont – 196-222 Kings Road

Royal Marsden Hospital

The Marsden is continuing to progress with its plans for a very large new building (c. 10,000 square metres) in the car park behind their main building, off Stewart’s Grove meaning that it would be overlooking and over shadowing parts of Guthrie Street and Stewart’s Grove. The hospital has to date provided only very limited information publicly and the most recent engagement with our committee on this topic was in July 2022. However, we understand that they have been engaging with the RBKC planning team. The info which they have shared can be found here: Royal Marsden | Consultation website (rmconsultation.org)

The SSDRA has written to the Marsden, as well as to our MP and to the Chelsea Society to highlight some of our concerns about their proposed significant development.

The expansion plan is with the architects at the moment and the RMH has confirmed that given the size of the project, they will need to go through an additional layer of planning with governance. It would need to be approved by NHS England and The Treasury. It would need to be the best use of NHS funds and they would need to justify why Chelsea is the right place for the new building. 

Dovehouse Green

In 2022 and early 2023 the RBKC in conjunction with St Luke’s (which owns the Green; it is consecrated land and a burial site) made some updates to the Green in terms of bench layout and new plantings. Auriens as part of the development permission contributed a significant amount towards these plantings, although RBKC undertook the actual work. Hopefully over the coming year(s), as those plantings mature, they will continue to improve the look of the Green.

We have been continuing to engage with RBKC and the police regarding the issue of pigeons and people feeding them in the Green which remains a significant problem. The SSDRA committee, our Councillors and the police have visited the Green and discussed potential resolution to the issue. The police have recommended not confronting this person; they are following up to address the issue.

The RBKC is also continuing to work on improving the drainage in the centre of the Green which often backs up during heavy rains.

Further enhancement is expected in 2024 when the RBKC expects to install a sculpture of Oscar Wilde in the centre of the Green. Mr Wilde, poet and playwright was a Chelsea resident; however, there is presently no statue of him in the borough.

Chelsea Green

Chelsea Green also underwent significant updates over the past year. The new road configuration and plants and fountain in the centre attract many people each day who have been enjoying the space, including outdoor dining.  A number of restaurants and shops have expanded both in Chelsea Green and on Elystan Street – Wild Harvest, Finnn’s and Andrea’s. And a few new ones have opened – Amar, Amarte and Birley Bakery. 

Police and crime update

Stanley Ward has one PC, Idries Hassan and one PCSO, Mimsy Parker. Under the ‘New Met for London’ plan, a Sergeant will now look after only two wards. Stanley Ward will be joining with Redcliffe Ward, and a new Sergeant will be joining in January 2024.

Chelsea Green remains a priority for the police to target anti-social behaviour and robbery.

In addition, there have been reports of speeding cars racing along Sydney Street. This was discussed at the Ward panel meeting with RLBC and the police. The best way to combat this is with acoustic cameras, and it has been suggested that SSDRA should put in an RBKC bid for one. This will enable the police to more effectively address this issue.

May 2023 Street Party to celebrate The King’s Coronation

SSDRA hosted a wonderful street party on Monday 8th May in celebration of the Kings coronation. We had over 100 members and local neighbours attending, including MP Greg Hands, our councillors Kim Taylor Smith, Will Pascall and Josh Rendall, and our PCSO Mimsy Parker and others on her team.

We enjoyed prosecco, tea and coffee, ice cream, sandwiches and coronation themed baked treats.

Thanks to everyone who contributed the amazing baked goods and treats. 

Thank you also to Badiani Gelato (Badiani 1932 – The iconic italian gelato in London) who donated gelato which The event was also supported by The Royal Borough of Kensington & Chelsea and City Living Local Life.

Thanks also to those members who helped with set up, serving and clean up for the event. And especially to the committee who helped with the significant and complex invitations, logistics and organising.

SSDRA Meetings – 2023 Winter Party/AGM and upcoming for 2024

Our 2023 Residents’ Winter Party and annual meeting (AGM) was held on 24 January at the Auriens Living Room. We were joined by our three RBKC councillors, who updated on local news and developments, and our police PCSO Mimsy Parker, who updated on crime and safety. More info on the 2023 event is here: 2023 SSDRA Residents’ Winter Party & AGM – SSDRA

Thanks to Auriens for allowing us to use their wonderful and welcoming space. 

Our 2024 annual meeting and social is now being planned for Q1 2024 and further details will be shared in due course.

Membership

For more info and to join the SSDRA please email to info@SSDRA.org.uk.

Contact info for SSDRA is: 

Email – info@SSDRA.org.uk

Website – SSDRA – Sydney Street & District Residents’ Association

The SSDRA Committee

The SSDRA committee members are:

We are looking for a new committee member to focus on member communications. Please contact us at info@SSDRA.org.uk if you are able to join us.

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