Archway, we have a problem (The computers in the changing room aren’t talking)
Incompatible hi-tech light and heat systems mean new Whittington Park facility stays closed for six months
Published: 1 October, 2010
by PETER GRUNER
NEW hi-tech sports changing rooms in Archway, part of a £1.3million scheme, can’t open because contractors haven’t designed a computer system that allows the facilities, including lighting, heating and water, to “talk to each other”.
Users of Whittington Park’s new astro turf and outside mini gym would have been happy, they say, with “bog standard” changing rooms, a hot shower and somewhere to lock away clothes and valuables.
That said, sports enthusiasts were looking forward to the new changing facility, with its green roof laid with plants and grass – even if it is situated 250 yards away from the astro turf, and has been described as resembling a “detention centre.”
But the opening of the new building has been delayed for six months because, according to David Walton, Islington Council’s Project Manager: “Contractors have yet to design and install a computerised system that ensures that the various mechanical and electrical utility systems talk to each other.”
The old changing room, directly opposite the astro turf, is still being used, although it is considered to be seriously dilapidated.
One local resident, office manager Paul Turner, 38, who plays football on the turf under floodlights at night said: “My team and I were all looking forward to the opening of the new changing rooms. We thought they’d be nice and comfortable.
“But we didn’t want anything sophisticated or fancy. A bog standard changing room with a decent hot shower and places to lock away cloths and valuables would have been quite sufficient. I don’t know why everything needs a computer these days – particularly when you think they are always breaking down.”
Another resident, Deborah Roberts, who walks her dog around the park, said she was very annoyed that in order to build the new changing rooms the council removed a small wooded area which had been a haven for birds and bats.
She added: “Now they are digging up a side of the astro turf to lay cables. It looks like a detention centre and is certainly not worth the money that the council are paying for it.
“What was wrong with refurbishing the current changing rooms, which are conveniently right opposite the astro turf, where they should be?”
Ms Roberts said as a local resident she would have liked to have been consulted, adding: “I’m sure a lot of people like me would like to give an opinion.”
The revelation comes amid delays over the building of a new dipping pond and skating area at the park.
However, a floral representation of Dick Whittington’s cat at the entrance in Holloway Road was installed yesterday (Thursday). Islington Lib Dems’ deputy leader Cllr Ursula Woolley queried how long the cat would last due to its delicate horticultural make-up.
A spokeswoman for the Friends of Whittington Park said they couldn’t comment about any of the issues until after a meeting of members later this month.
Cllr Paul Convery, Islington’s executive member for planning and regeneration, said: “This building will provide excellent new changing rooms for Islington’s residents. Unfortunately there have been some delays and we will be seeking to penalise contractors where they have failed to keep to agreed timescales. The changing rooms are due to open soon and we’ll pull out all the stops to make sure this is finished as quickly as possible.”
He said the new changing rooms will be cheaper to run than the old ones. Mr Convery added: “As for the ecology park [pond and skate slope] a contractor has failed to deliver the project against their programme and the council will use the terms and conditions within the contract to penalise the contractor for late delivery.”