The Public Inquiry has now closed (19 November 2007). The Inspector will be writing her report to the Secretary of State, whose decision is expected in May/June 2008.
We are awaiting approval of a number of pre-commencement planning conditions (attached to our planning permission) from London Borough of Croydon Council. Until these are cleared we are unable to commence construction and unfortunately do not anticipate a start on site until early next year.
However, we are continuing detailed design of the scheme, working up the detail of Phase 1.
We have commenced marketing Ruskin Square initially to local companies requiring new offices, but also to raise awareness of the scheme amongst potential in movers. Our marketing suite is on the 11th Floor of AMP House with a fully interactive presentation facility and model of the scheme.
Our Affordable Housing partner is Family Mosaic who we are working closely with to ensure the affordable residential elements meet their requirements and those of the Housing Corporation.
We have commenced discussions with our supply chain regarding the delivery of Ruskin Square, which includes where appropriate local SME's.
We are in discussions with ConstructionSkills regarding establishing a National Skills Academy at the Ruskin Square site to ensure that , where possible, local skills can be matched to the requirements of the project and to provide a central point of co-ordination for our activities engaging with the local community. In line with this, we have also committed to using Ruskin Square as a ' real project ' for the new Diploma in the Built Environment qualification which is to be rolled out in Croydon at the end of 2008.
We continue to maintain our dialogue with local residents and businesses and to support the Warehouse Theatre.
We will post press articles about the site on this page.