How badly do we need new amenities?

Porty · Post by **Porty** » 16 Dec 2004, 20:36

I have a feeling that the sale of Powerleague is being rushed through on the pretext that we are desperate for a new library and a new community centre. Do we really need new these amenities right now?

Is our need so bad that our representatives should do all that they can to sell the the last substantial piece of land that they own in Portobello? What are we going to do in 40 years time when the "new" facilities need replaced?

I wanted this to be a poll but don't seem to have the right to create.

I say, we can wait and would say to our Councillors please don't condone or support the Powerleague sale on the pretext that the people of Portobello have an urgent need.

No

dccairns · Post by **dccairns** » 16 Dec 2004, 22:58

Totally agree with you Porty. Why not wait, look at the the options in the context of the bigger picture, do the consultation and then see if this is the best way forward at the moment. Even if the sale goes through now, Powerleague will not be moving for at least two years, so why the rush?

Porty · Post by **Porty** » 16 Dec 2004, 23:11

I don't know why there is a rush?

However, if you take away the supposed "need" for a new Library and a new Community Centre, what benefit will accrue to Portobello people with the sale of PL. I think the council, councillors are pulling a fast one here. Its a false premise.

I started a new Thread on this as it is in fact a seperate issue. Don't let anyone be fooled that the issues are one and the same.

Gemini · Post by **Gemini** » 16 Dec 2004, 23:22

Porty wrote:I don't know why there is a rush?

However, if you take away the supposed "need" for a new Library and a new Community Centre, what benefit will accrue to Portobello people with the sale of PL. I think the council, councillors are pulling a fast one here. Its a false premise.

I started a new Thread on this as it is in fact a seperate issue. Don't let anyone be fooled that the issues are one and the same.

As dccairns, in total agreement with you.

Epykat · Post by **Epykat** » 18 Dec 2004, 22:00

I agree with you too Porty. Things seem to be moving with undue and unexpected haste and, call me suspicious, but when that happens it usually means that decisions have already been made and the loose ends need tying up quickly before anybody notices. Far be it for me to accuse the Council of pulling a fast one but unfortunately, I think they probably are trying hard to.

maggle · Post by **maggle** » 08 Feb 2005, 12:42

What is the need for a new community centre!!!!!!!
The Building Group of the Centre - Strawberries and Cream has been working since June 1999 on the need for a new centre - we have held public consultations, working lunches, etc. etc. We have run feasibility studies into sites and the conclusion was that we rebuild on the present site with a link to the Library (to provide some shared facilities) (which I don't think the library are keen on) or move to the Town Hall and provide a Centre in the Centre of Portobello. We are in process of a feasibility study which will prvide us with a funding strategy. We have never asked for the council to sell off land to fund the centre. we were not properly consulted on the idea of a 'community facility' on a strip of land running down the side of Figgy burn, which looks unsuitable, would not provide access or amenity. There was a suggestion that the Centre move to part of the whole of the site in conjunction with housing, both commercial and low cost for a housing association, together with another organisation, and providing a Centre that could house more than just 'the community centre' but ancilliary things like exhibition space, maybe Orcadia, the CAB office space for other organisations etc. It was a wide ranging vision, as we have always had for the Community Centre. The Centre is confined by a building that has lived past its usefulness - if you see it on a daily basis, the floors are breaking up, and full of rot, the place is difficult to heat, heating bills are huge, as are water bills, there is damp, because of no damp proof course, the acoustics are bad, its an uphill struggle to keep clean, and there is just not enough room for all the activities and needs of the community and the aspirations we have - It is not confined by a passion to provide a better centre for Portobello.
Um

Brian McCrow · Post by **Brian McCrow** » 09 Feb 2005, 13:40

I wonder if one or both of our local councillors would care to comment on maggle's very clear statement.

Porty · Post by **Porty** » 21 Oct 2005, 16:09

I thought Maggie made a compelling case for not needing a new community centre at the Oct 12th open meeting.