| Author |
Message |
Ray Squires
Joined N/A
| | Posted on Tuesday, 10 February, 2004 - 02:57 pm: | |
This months issue of The Lewisham Independent has a story about renaming Forest Hill as a Village instead of a Town Centre. I think it is a really fresh idea that needs wider thought. |
Brian
Joined N/A
| | Posted on Tuesday, 10 February, 2004 - 03:41 pm: | |
Ray
Sounds a good idea but where is village church , village green etc. I am not sure how many villages contact about 40,000 plus residents.
However if it sounds better why not. |
Joan
Joined N/A
| | Posted on Wednesday, 11 February, 2004 - 10:42 am: | |
I think Brian misses the idea a bit, Lewisham Council have been promoting the area as a Town Centre which it is not, The Idea of calling it a village, is more along the lines of how Blackheath sees itself,Forest hill has lots of small roads and mewses hiding a host of secrets, Artists,Small Companies, Charming buildings, some green spaces, and small shops, the very things that have transformed so many inner city areas, we also have a large residential population who really care about the area we live in, so i think even if the idea was originally flagged up by the Conservatives, a good one. |
Brian
Joined N/A
| | Posted on Wednesday, 11 February, 2004 - 12:07 pm: | |
Joan
I have no problem with calling Forest Hill a village and agree with your points. I did not realise it was a party political matter.But as you say it sounds a good idea |
Chris
Joined N/A
| | Posted on Wednesday, 11 February, 2004 - 01:55 pm: | |
I think Forest hill residents would welcome the idea of the area being marketed as a village, i think it is a great idea, that the council should take up, after all they spent a small fortune on promoting the area as a Town Centre.The council should also get tough with Sainsburys as the high street has been neglected by this super store. |
Bob
Joined N/A
| | Posted on Wednesday, 11 February, 2004 - 02:10 pm: | |
I agree. Forest Hill as a village is an excellent idea. Talking of Sainsbury's, does anyone know what's happening with their development application? I've contacted the Council and the Town Centre Manager about this matter but neither have returned my emails or phone calls. |
The other Brian
Joined N/A
| | Posted on Wednesday, 11 February, 2004 - 06:07 pm: | |
Given that one of the hot topics of rural life is the loss of shops and other services from villages, maybe rebranding Forest Hill as a "village" has an ironic logic to it. |
Donna
Joined N/A
| | Posted on Thursday, 12 February, 2004 - 12:18 pm: | |
The loss of small shops, is much to do with consumers who do all there weekly shop at Supermarkets at the expense of smaller traders, dispite being the first to object at planning stage. The Village idea IS GREAT as it is about instilling pride and a sense of community among us all, small shops would come to the area, and a family butcher, a French market etc properl;y promoted would work, Forest hill has lots of small Businesses hidden away, as well as a large artistic community. |
Jennifer
Joined N/A
| | Posted on Thursday, 26 February, 2004 - 05:44 pm: | |
Bob, I just saw your email above. I haven't had any messages from you so didn't know you were trying to reach me/the TCM. I'm happy to help answer any queries. It's probably easiest to reach me via email these days: jennifer.taylor@lewisham.gov.uk.
About the village idea...I agree that it's a great one. Yes, the Council does consider Forest Hill to be a town centre for planning purposes (a "district town centre" to be precise whereas Perry Rise is classified as "Neighbourhood Town Centre" due to smaller size). Any commercial area, however big or small, is classified as some sort of town centre. Village is certainly more charming sounding. The Forest Hill Town Centre Management group has actually been actively promoting Forest Hill as "a charming up & coming London village." More ideas on this, the better!
Thanks for useful comments & feedback...
Jennifer Taylor
Senior Town Centre Manager, LB Lewisham |
NicolaJ
Joined N/A
| | Posted on Monday, 01 March, 2004 - 04:40 pm: | |
I think it's laughable that people actually think that simply referring to Forest Hill as a village rather than a town will miraculously transform the place into some hub of community spirit, quality shopping and entertainment! It is not a mere matter of semantics - major transformation takes hard work, community involvement and serious investment. The money that would be thrown at 're-branding' Forest Hill (which would probably be not insignificant) would be better spent at improving local services and making tangible changes for local residents. |
Kevin
Joined N/A
| | Posted on Thursday, 04 March, 2004 - 02:34 pm: | |
ditto |
Simod_the_bod
Joined 28-11-2006
| | Posted on Friday, 12 January, 2007 - 01:19 pm: | |
Was just browsing and saw this ancient thread. I know it is now somewhat a relic, but I'm intrigued. Does anyone know what happened to the proposal?
Three years on, what are people's thoughts now?
I think it could still be an important building block in the re-branding and re-generation of FH. There have been some exciting developments over the past few years, what with the opening of small and interesting independent boutiques and the Arts hub of Havistock Mews. There are also the bars/eateries like Dartmouth Arms, Question and soon to be opened and much anticipated (although on the fringes) THE Honor Oak (Can't wait Jamie!).
Having worked in the admittedly hollow and pretentious Advertising world, I am however, aware of how 'Branding' plays an important role in people's perceptions and how it effects their actions and behaviours.
Lets face it, Forest Hill is never going to be a 'Town Centre' as such. Its too small for that.
Re-branding it as a village, especially in the run up to the arrival of the tube, could surely only help but give it an aura of prestige and belonging. Thus helping with investment in the area, via business (independant hopefully) and help create a unique community in the heart of the capital unlike most chain driven high streets. Blackheath is quite a good example (although a little poncey it has to be said).
What happened to the proposal?
Comments anyone?
Simod_the_bod |
Andy
Joined 23-02-2005
| | Posted on Friday, 12 January, 2007 - 03:22 pm: | |
Little cottages, a pub, a post office, perhaps a little school. Old folk chatting on the street, people leaning against stiles in the sunshine chewing on bits of straw. The occasional small herd of farm animals being driven along the road. Everybody knowing everyone else. Ring any bells? Me neither |
Laura
Joined 19-07-2006
| | Posted on Friday, 12 January, 2007 - 03:37 pm: | |
This sounds just like Dulwich Village! |
Sherwood
Joined 30-03-2005
| | Posted on Friday, 12 January, 2007 - 03:48 pm: | |
My uncle and aunt have moved to a village in Cornwall.
It doesn't have a post office, a school a fire station or a police station.
It has little cottages and a pub.
Ideal if you want to spend all day in a pub! |
Forester
Joined 04-02-2006
| | Posted on Friday, 12 January, 2007 - 09:25 pm: | |
Forest Hill Village??! 2 words is sufficient in any place name thank you. |
Simod_the_bod
Joined 28-11-2006
| | Posted on Tuesday, 16 January, 2007 - 01:31 pm: | |
Ha ha great comments!
We could always put in a petition to re-name the HOB, THE WOOLPACK! |
Andy
Joined 23-02-2005
| | Posted on Tuesday, 16 January, 2007 - 02:41 pm: | |
Would the barman be the only gay in the Village? |
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