(Cities of London and Westminster) (Con): What steps
the Sponsor Body has taken to ensure that local residents and
businesses have been adequately consulted on the restoration and
renewal programme.
(East Hampshire) [V]: The restoration and renewal
programme has engaged regularly with neighbours and will continue
to do so, especially at those moments with most opportunity for
meaningful input. To date, it has included group sessions as well
as meetings and briefings, including with Westminster City
Council. Engagement with local businesses and residents—my hon.
Friend’s constituents—will continue, particularly ahead of the
submission of planning applications.
: Is the Sponsor Body aware that, as well as the
restoration and renewal programme, work on the UK holocaust
memorial and learning centre will, subject to planning
permission, be taking place in Victoria Tower Gardens from 2022
for at least three years? Can the Sponsor Body give assurances
that it will seek to ensure that there is minimum disruption to
public access to the park from the combined and sequential
effects of these two projects on this much loved local park?
: I am grateful to my hon. Friend for that question.
Yes, the Sponsor Body is aware of the exceptionally important
initiative that she mentions. As plans develop, the R and R
programme will, of course, liaise closely with the Holocaust
Memorial and Learning Centre, the royal parks and others locally
to carefully understand the impact of the different projects on
the park, and how those impacts can be mitigated.
