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Uni ditches £12m Pru tower plans
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| Knockback - what does the future hold for the Prudential building, now the university's bold plan has been scrapped? |
THE University of Essex has ditched £12 million plan to revamp the former Prudential building in Southend town
centre.
Proposals to transform the area around the Elmer Approach site, including Farringdon car park, with a cafe and boutique shops have now been thrown into limbo.
The imaginative plan for a local eyesore was one of the last suggestions of the university's former Southend campus director Linda Jones before she moved to a new job.
Southend Council granted planning permission earlier this year for the refurbishment, which would have involved glazing the top floors of the former Pru building to give spectacular views over the town and the Thames Estuary.
These floors would have been used for exhibitions, seminar and drama performances, with teaching a reason the floors below.
The former Cliff Town United Reformed Church in Nelson Street
- bought by the University last year - now looks likely to fulfil a similar role, with its East 15 drama school slated to move in.
London property developer, Squarestone, bought the old Pru building for £12million in March 2007.
An un-named source at the university said: "Effectively, it seems as if the whole of the Elmer Approach scheme is now in limbo because of this."
In a statement, University of Essex spokesman Katharine Clayton said: "Over the past few years, the university has worked with successive owners of the tower block in Elmer Approach to renovate it for university use.
"In recent months, a variety of options have been considered including student residences, office and teaching space and creative and cultural facilities.
"Unfortunately, detailed costings of the options have revealed the tower block is not a financially viable development for the university.
| "It very much seems the university has overstretched itself in Southend and some belt-tightening is now having to go on." | | Un-named Essex Univrsity source |
|
"The University of Essex is committed to further development of its Southend Campus, thereby contributing to the continuing regeneration of the town.
"Securing student accommodation and refurbishing the former church for use by East 15 are now the university's top priorities."
Is Palace Hotel scheme at risk, too?
RISING costs may also force Essex University to pull out of the restoration of the Palace Hotel, sources are suggesting.
The building is owned by London-based developer the Yianis Group - headed by Greek Cypriot multi-millionaire John Christodolou.
Work is well under way on the Edwardian hotel - only this week an extension near the footpath between St John's Church and Lucy Road was demolished.
But neither the owner, nor the university will comment on the likely fate of the hotel. Work ought to have finished by now, according to schedules announced last year.
Until a few days ago, the Yianis website said the hotel was being refurbished as a four-star hotel "in conjunction with the University of Essex". All references to the university's involvement have since been removed.
The Echo has repeatedly tried to contact the group, only to be told the person concerned was out of the office but would call back. No one never did.
Essex University spokesman Katharine Clayton would only say: "We are still in discussions with the owner regarding possible development options."
However, one informed source said: "It very much seems the university has overstretched itself in Southend and some belt-tightening is now having to go on."
8:25am Thursday 15th May 2008
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CommentPosted by: dave turner on 8:30am Thu 15 May 08
University seems t have a cash flow problem.
WHAT WILL SOUTHEND COUNCIL DO NOW????
University seems t have a cash flow problem.
WHAT WILL SOUTHEND COUNCIL DO NOW????
Posted by: A Ratepayer on 9:30am Thu 15 May 08
So financial reality finally dawns for this Gov't and it's many unsustainable education projects.
The amount of money thrown into the expansion of this college/polytechnic, sorry "university", has never made any real economic sense.
Lets hope that the belt tightening spreads to Renaissance Southend and all those highly paid cronies that it employs
So financial reality finally dawns for this Gov't and it's many unsustainable education projects.
The amount of money thrown into the expansion of this college/polytechnic, sorry "university", has never made any real economic sense.
Lets hope that the belt tightening spreads to Renaissance Southend and all those highly paid cronies that it employs
Posted by: Dan, North Leigh on 9:40am Thu 15 May 08
Yes 'Ratepayer' (can tell you're rather old and withered by your choice of name), let's hope any form of investment in the town at all dries up and the place slowly dies.
This is bad news, but not to be totally unexpected in the current economic climate - it's a shame because Elmer Approach is a bit of an eyesore.
Yes 'Ratepayer' (can tell you're rather old and withered by your choice of name), let's hope any form of investment in the town at all dries up and the place slowly dies.
This is bad news, but not to be totally unexpected in the current economic climate - it's a shame because Elmer Approach is a bit of an eyesore.
Posted by: Seen it on 10:14am Thu 15 May 08
Dan - can I ask you seriously if you think Renaissance Southend and their cronies are actually worth what they're being paid? Seriously?
Can I also ask why you have to bring "age" in to most of your objections to people not wanting the town to change into something that will look akin to the vic avenue buildings in 30 years time?
I'm in my 30s and I really don't want anything that they've proposed already, I really do think they're pipe dreams - do tell us what they have given us so far? Have we had value for money so far for example? Are consultants fees worth it? etc etc
Dan - can I ask you seriously if you think Renaissance Southend and their cronies are actually worth what they're being paid? Seriously?
Can I also ask why you have to bring "age" in to most of your objections to people not wanting the town to change into something that will look akin to the vic avenue buildings in 30 years time?
I'm in my 30s and I really don't want anything that they've proposed already, I really do think they're pipe dreams - do tell us what they have given us so far? Have we had value for money so far for example? Are consultants fees worth it? etc etc
Posted by: Tony, Southend on 11:01am Thu 15 May 08
well at least the Government has invested in education. every school and college in land seems to have more new buildings and teachers than ever before. Compare that to the Thatcher/Major years when schools had to sell playing fields to pay the bills.
well at least the Government has invested in education. every school and college in land seems to have more new buildings and teachers than ever before. Compare that to the Thatcher/Major years when schools had to sell playing fields to pay the bills.
Posted by: John, Southchurch on 11:25am Thu 15 May 08
So what about the preservation order that was slapped onto the interior of the church in Nelson Street the day after the university bought it. They can't use that as a performing arts centre for EAST 15 as they can't alter the interior. Does anything this university gets it hands on actually work out any more?
So what about the preservation order that was slapped onto the interior of the church in Nelson Street the day after the university bought it. They can't use that as a performing arts centre for EAST 15 as they can't alter the interior. Does anything this university gets it hands on actually work out any more?
Posted by: Dan, North Leigh on 11:41am Thu 15 May 08
I see where you're coming from Seen It All, but without optimism what else do we have? Renaissance Southend may be inefficient, but it will at least (in theory) serve to channel extra funding into the town, and some money is always better than no money.
Vic Avenue may look a bit tired now, but it has the potential to be spruced up, as has happened with Skyline Plaza - one of the buildings.
The Pru building looks pretty horrible, dated and empty - are you saying that it should just be left? If there's somebody willing to upgrade it then that'd fine by me.
It's natural that architectural styles change over the decades - it's no reason not to keep innovating and moving forward.
I see where you're coming from Seen It All, but without optimism what else do we have? Renaissance Southend may be inefficient, but it will at least (in theory) serve to channel extra funding into the town, and some money is always better than no money.
Vic Avenue may look a bit tired now, but it has the potential to be spruced up, as has happened with Skyline Plaza - one of the buildings.
The Pru building looks pretty horrible, dated and empty - are you saying that it should just be left? If there's somebody willing to upgrade it then that'd fine by me.
It's natural that architectural styles change over the decades - it's no reason not to keep innovating and moving forward.
Posted by: Seen it again on 12:20pm Thu 15 May 08
John - an excellent question Sir!! Of course, we know already that Linda Jones, according to a google search and dated 2005:
Linda Jones, Director of Development, had become a director, on behalf of the University, of Renaissance Southend Limited.
Also in the same google search it states back in 2005:
The tenth project involved the conversion of defunct squash courts at Epping Forest College for use as desperately needed teaching space for East 15 students. There were concerns expressed that the cost may rise due to problems with asbestos but the Director of Estate Management confirmed that there had been a full asbestos survey so he was confident that the estimate was robust.....
This is all free to access information on the net by the way.
Amazing what you can find!
John - an excellent question Sir!! Of course, we know already that Linda Jones, according to a google search and dated 2005:
Linda Jones, Director of Development, had become a director, on behalf of the University, of Renaissance Southend Limited.
Also in the same google search it states back in 2005:
The tenth project involved the conversion of defunct squash courts at Epping Forest College for use as desperately needed teaching space for East 15 students. There were concerns expressed that the cost may rise due to problems with asbestos but the Director of Estate Management confirmed that there had been a full asbestos survey so he was confident that the estimate was robust.....
This is all free to access information on the net by the way.
Amazing what you can find!
Posted by: Seen it on 12:34pm Thu 15 May 08
Dan - I do agree with you, I really do but it's the MONEY that's been wasted so far that pains me most.
Seems to me that between the University, Ren Southend and Southend Council there's been a hell of a lot of "talking" and not much "walking", ie Walk your Talk etc.
I really do believe that all this "talking" is costing us dearly and, like you said above, meanwhile the town really is dying.
Don't you agree that to spend all that money on the pier hill entrance when, even a few weeks back, the council said they didn't have enough money for the pier was a bit *rse about face?
As above, it's all the messing that grates most - perhaps if, as you've suggested before, they'd spent that money on improving Vic Avenue (the first thing I guess 50% of visitors will see)then it would've attracted more investors etc? You're right though, Vic Avenue should be addressed rapidly - after all, weren't the Council thinking about a complete refurb/update of their own offices?
Must admit, can't remember whether it was proposed or actually carried out! Maybe you can advise on that one...
Dan - I do agree with you, I really do but it's the MONEY that's been wasted so far that pains me most.
Seems to me that between the University, Ren Southend and Southend Council there's been a hell of a lot of "talking" and not much "walking", ie Walk your Talk etc.
I really do believe that all this "talking" is costing us dearly and, like you said above, meanwhile the town really is dying.
Don't you agree that to spend all that money on the pier hill entrance when, even a few weeks back, the council said they didn't have enough money for the pier was a bit *rse about face?
As above, it's all the messing that grates most - perhaps if, as you've suggested before, they'd spent that money on improving Vic Avenue (the first thing I guess 50% of visitors will see)then it would've attracted more investors etc? You're right though, Vic Avenue should be addressed rapidly - after all, weren't the Council thinking about a complete refurb/update of their own offices?
Must admit, can't remember whether it was proposed or actually carried out! Maybe you can advise on that one...
Posted by: A, Essex on 12:47pm Thu 15 May 08
"Vic Avenue may look a bit tired now, but it has the potential to be spruced up, as has happened with Skyline Plaza - one of the buildings."
You obviously haven't seen how grotty Skyline Plaza has become. It's all very well renovating these buildings, but it's pretty pointless when they aren't maintained properly and are left to rot.
"Vic Avenue may look a bit tired now, but it has the potential to be spruced up, as has happened with Skyline Plaza - one of the buildings."
You obviously haven't seen how grotty Skyline Plaza has become. It's all very well renovating these buildings, but it's pretty pointless when they aren't maintained properly and are left to rot.
Posted by: A, Essex on 12:51pm Thu 15 May 08
"Vic Avenue may look a bit tired now, but it has the potential to be spruced up, as has happened with Skyline Plaza - one of the buildings."
You obviously haven't seen how grotty Skyline Plaza has become. It's all very well renovating these buildings, but it's pretty pointless when they aren't maintained properly and are left to rot.
"Vic Avenue may look a bit tired now, but it has the potential to be spruced up, as has happened with Skyline Plaza - one of the buildings."
You obviously haven't seen how grotty Skyline Plaza has become. It's all very well renovating these buildings, but it's pretty pointless when they aren't maintained properly and are left to rot.
Posted by: Gary Derwent, Southend on 2:25pm Thu 15 May 08
[quote][bold]dave turner[/bold] wrote:
University seems t have a cash flow problem. WHAT WILL SOUTHEND COUNCIL DO NOW????[/quote] Nothing as it has nothing to do with the council.
They were not funding it and rightly so.
dave turner wrote:
University seems t have a cash flow problem. WHAT WILL SOUTHEND COUNCIL DO NOW????
Nothing as it has nothing to do with the council.
They were not funding it and rightly so.
Posted by: southendreb, southend on 2:47pm Thu 15 May 08
[quote][bold]Gary Derwent[/bold] wrote:
[quote][bold]dave turner[/bold] wrote: University seems t have a cash flow problem. WHAT WILL SOUTHEND COUNCIL DO NOW????[/quote] Nothing as it has nothing to do with the council. They were not funding it and rightly so.[/quote] In 2003 29 million poundswas given to the town from the deputy p.m.14 milllion went to the uni. 1 million pounds was given to the uni for work on the palace hotel.
Gary Derwent wrote:
dave turner wrote: University seems t have a cash flow problem. WHAT WILL SOUTHEND COUNCIL DO NOW????
Nothing as it has nothing to do with the council. They were not funding it and rightly so.
In 2003 29 million poundswas given to the town from the deputy p.m.14 milllion went to the uni. 1 million pounds was given to the uni for work on the palace hotel.
Posted by: Seen it on 3:06pm Thu 15 May 08
Geoff, I know you've been busy of late but can you let us readers know how much has been spent on consultants, unecessary and unsuccessful improvements, where it's been spent etc?
You know, the old freedom of information thingy?
It IS our money - whether it's Renaissance, Thames Gateway, The Council etc - we eventually pay for it all as tax payers....
Sometimes I can't believe we all let them get away with this!
Geoff, I know you've been busy of late but can you let us readers know how much has been spent on consultants, unecessary and unsuccessful improvements, where it's been spent etc?
You know, the old freedom of information thingy?
It IS our money - whether it's Renaissance, Thames Gateway, The Council etc - we eventually pay for it all as tax payers....
Sometimes I can't believe we all let them get away with this!
Posted by: southendreb, southend on 3:24pm Thu 15 May 08
[quote][bold]Dan[/bold] wrote:
I see where you're coming from Seen It All, but without optimism what else do we have? Renaissance Southend may be inefficient, but it will at least (in theory) serve to channel extra funding into the town, and some money is always better than no money. Vic Avenue may look a bit tired now, but it has the potential to be spruced up, as has happened with Skyline Plaza - one of the buildings. The Pru building looks pretty horrible, dated and empty - are you saying that it should just be left? If there's somebody willing to upgrade it then that'd fine by me. It's natural that architectural styles change over the decades - it's no reason not to keep innovating and moving forward. [/quote] For the 3rd DAN PLEASE show me what renaissence has done for this town.
I knew about this 2 months ago so why has it taken so long to come out. NOW is the time for proper stocktake of this town Lets have a leader of the council that can lead, Kick out the so called experts and have some form of town Forum.
Dan wrote:
I see where you're coming from Seen It All, but without optimism what else do we have? Renaissance Southend may be inefficient, but it will at least (in theory) serve to channel extra funding into the town, and some money is always better than no money. Vic Avenue may look a bit tired now, but it has the potential to be spruced up, as has happened with Skyline Plaza - one of the buildings. The Pru building looks pretty horrible, dated and empty - are you saying that it should just be left? If there's somebody willing to upgrade it then that'd fine by me. It's natural that architectural styles change over the decades - it's no reason not to keep innovating and moving forward.
For the 3rd DAN PLEASE show me what renaissence has done for this town.
I knew about this 2 months ago so why has it taken so long to come out. NOW is the time for proper stocktake of this town Lets have a leader of the council that can lead, Kick out the so called experts and have some form of town Forum.
Posted by: A Ratepayer on 7:35pm Thu 15 May 08
[quote][bold]Dan[/bold] wrote:
Yes 'Ratepayer' (can tell you're rather old and withered by your choice of name), let's hope any form of investment in the town at all dries up and the place slowly dies. This is bad news, but not to be totally unexpected in the current economic climate - it's a shame because Elmer Approach is a bit of an eyesore. [/quote] Typical comment from a student who hasn't yet entered the real world of having to actully earn a living, paying taxes and seeing it wasted by an inefficient Gov't and its various quango's. :)
Dan wrote:
Yes 'Ratepayer' (can tell you're rather old and withered by your choice of name), let's hope any form of investment in the town at all dries up and the place slowly dies. This is bad news, but not to be totally unexpected in the current economic climate - it's a shame because Elmer Approach is a bit of an eyesore.
Typical comment from a student who hasn't yet entered the real world of having to actully earn a living, paying taxes and seeing it wasted by an inefficient Gov't and its various quango's. :)
Posted by: A Ratepayer on 7:36pm Thu 15 May 08
[quote][bold]Dan[/bold] wrote:
Yes \'Ratepayer\' (can tell you\'re rather old and withered by your choice of name), let\'s hope any form of investment in the town at all dries up and the place slowly dies. This is bad news, but not to be totally unexpected in the current economic climate - it\'s a shame because Elmer Approach is a bit of an eyesore. [/quote] Typical comment from a student who hasn't yet entered the real world of having to actully earn a living, paying taxes and seeing it wasted by an inefficient Gov't and its various quango's. :)
Dan wrote:
Yes \'Ratepayer\' (can tell you\'re rather old and withered by your choice of name), let\'s hope any form of investment in the town at all dries up and the place slowly dies. This is bad news, but not to be totally unexpected in the current economic climate - it\'s a shame because Elmer Approach is a bit of an eyesore.
Typical comment from a student who hasn't yet entered the real world of having to actully earn a living, paying taxes and seeing it wasted by an inefficient Gov't and its various quango's. :)
Posted by: Dan, North Leigh on 11:50am Fri 16 May 08
[quote][bold]A Ratepayer[/bold] wrote:
[quote][bold]Dan[/bold] wrote: Yes 'Ratepayer' (can tell you're rather old and withered by your choice of name), let's hope any form of investment in the town at all dries up and the place slowly dies. This is bad news, but not to be totally unexpected in the current economic climate - it's a shame because Elmer Approach is a bit of an eyesore. [/quote] Typical comment from a student who hasn't yet entered the real world of having to actully earn a living, paying taxes and seeing it wasted by an inefficient Gov't and its various quango's. :) [/quote] For your information I'm currently a business development officer involved in regeneration and inward investment schemes for Leeds City Council following graduation from uni - I pay plenty of taxes thank you very much. It's nice to be working in a local authority where they KNOW how to spend money wisely and achieve considerable returns (although admittedly Leeds receives a lot more funding than southend!)
Hope not to be stuck in the grim north more than a couple more years though...
A Ratepayer wrote:
Dan wrote: Yes 'Ratepayer' (can tell you're rather old and withered by your choice of name), let's hope any form of investment in the town at all dries up and the place slowly dies. This is bad news, but not to be totally unexpected in the current economic climate - it's a shame because Elmer Approach is a bit of an eyesore.
Typical comment from a student who hasn't yet entered the real world of having to actully earn a living, paying taxes and seeing it wasted by an inefficient Gov't and its various quango's. :)
For your information I'm currently a business development officer involved in regeneration and inward investment schemes for Leeds City Council following graduation from uni - I pay plenty of taxes thank you very much. It's nice to be working in a local authority where they KNOW how to spend money wisely and achieve considerable returns (although admittedly Leeds receives a lot more funding than southend!)
Hope not to be stuck in the grim north more than a couple more years though...
Posted by: southendreb, southend on 9:29pm Fri 16 May 08
[quote][bold]Dan[/bold] wrote:
[quote][bold]A Ratepayer[/bold] wrote: [quote][bold]Dan[/bold] wrote: Yes 'Ratepayer' (can tell you're rather old and withered by your choice of name), let's hope any form of investment in the town at all dries up and the place slowly dies. This is bad news, but not to be totally unexpected in the current economic climate - it's a shame because Elmer Approach is a bit of an eyesore. [/quote] Typical comment from a student who hasn't yet entered the real world of having to actully earn a living, paying taxes and seeing it wasted by an inefficient Gov't and its various quango's. :) [/quote] For your information I'm currently a business development officer involved in regeneration and inward investment schemes for Leeds City Council following graduation from uni - I pay plenty of taxes thank you very much. It's nice to be working in a local authority where they KNOW how to spend money wisely and achieve considerable returns (although admittedly Leeds receives a lot more funding than southend!) Hope not to be stuck in the grim north more than a couple more years though...[/quote] That says it all.I am a business development officer,ive got a degree, so i know what i am doing. I am not over keen on where i am working
But it will do so i can get a few more stars on my C.V.
It may sound odd to you but i like many other people on this sight actually have a passion for Southend and would like a say in its running.
Dan wrote:
A Ratepayer wrote: Dan wrote: Yes 'Ratepayer' (can tell you're rather old and withered by your choice of name), let's hope any form of investment in the town at all dries up and the place slowly dies. This is bad news, but not to be totally unexpected in the current economic climate - it's a shame because Elmer Approach is a bit of an eyesore.
Typical comment from a student who hasn't yet entered the real world of having to actully earn a living, paying taxes and seeing it wasted by an inefficient Gov't and its various quango's. :)
For your information I'm currently a business development officer involved in regeneration and inward investment schemes for Leeds City Council following graduation from uni - I pay plenty of taxes thank you very much. It's nice to be working in a local authority where they KNOW how to spend money wisely and achieve considerable returns (although admittedly Leeds receives a lot more funding than southend!) Hope not to be stuck in the grim north more than a couple more years though...
That says it all.I am a business development officer,ive got a degree, so i know what i am doing. I am not over keen on where i am working
But it will do so i can get a few more stars on my C.V.
It may sound odd to you but i like many other people on this sight actually have a passion for Southend and would like a say in its running.
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