Letters to the Editor - From ‘inappropriate green space’ to our pride and joy

Published: 9 April, 2010

• WHEN the spectre of redevelopment of the Sobell Centre was first mooted by Islington Council in June 2008 and a simplistic, unbalanced consultation exercise took place, my colleague, Gordon Kerr, and I raised the concerns of centre users with MP Jeremy Corbyn.
Bob Gilbert, then head of the council department overseeing this “initiative”, insisted on attending and, during the course of discussions, stated that the centre needed to be demolished so that a new centre could be built closer to Tollington Road, thereby dealing with the problem of the continued existence of some “inappropriate green space”, namely the grassy bank and flower beds between the staff car park and the road.
How ironic it is that this beautifully-looked-after “inappropriate green space” and, in particular, its dazzlingly attractive flower beds have helped Islington reach the finals of the Britain in Bloom competition, as is now proudly trumpeted by the council on a banner prominently displayed on the railings of the Sobell Centre.
Does anyone in Islington not personally related to any pro-demolition councillors actually want the Sobell to be demolished and replaced with towers of flats and a “leisure-led, mixed-use” facility? Does anyone know what these terms mean? Note the absence of the words “sport” and “exercise” in any official communications.
Please take the time to attend the open community meeting at Emmanuel Church in Hornsey Road (a five-minute walk from  the Sobell) at 7.30pm on April 29. All four political parties have been invited and I have received confirmation from every party apart from the Liberal Democrats.
BARRY HILL
Sobell user representative