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Camden News - by RICHARD OSLEY
Published: 12 March 2009

A 26-storey tower is ‘totally unacceptable’

Lib Dems challenged over plans for building

SURPRISE plans for new look council headquarters in King’s Cross could include a brand new skyscraper.
Liberal Democrat councilors behind plans to revamp council-owned buildings facing Euston Road have not ruled out speculation brewing in the property press that a 26-storey tower is among the options.
Finance chief Councillor Ralph Scott said: “It is too early to say what we are going to do.”
The council is anxious to shake up how it uses the Camden Centre – a community hall attached to the main Town Hall building in Judd Street – and the extension block of offices in Argyle Street.
It is facing a bill close to £15million to repair the 1970s block.
One suggestion is a partnership with outside bodies potentially involving a refurbishment and the renting or selling on of surplus office space.
Lib Dems were challenged on the issue at a neighbourhood meeting last week by residents living nearby who are dreading a new block towering over their homes.
Cllr Scott said: “The simple answer is that we don’t know what will happen. We are currently looking at what we can do with the building. It is at a very early stage.
“There are mechanical problems with the extension building – the lift breaks down and there are issues with the wiring.
“I don’t think and I don’t think tax-payers think we should be spending this kind of money doing up our buildings each year.”
Property Week magazine reported late last year that the council was confident it could get planning permission for a 26-storey tower.
It is unclear what would happen to the planning department or the King’s Cross library, both based in the current block.
Labour ward councillor Jonathan Simpson said: “Every resident I have spoken to believes that a 26-storey tower would be totally unacceptable.
“Who on earth would want such a monstrously tall building right next to their property?
“I believe the Lib Dems and Tories should say clearly, on the record, what they believe would be the highest this building could go in agreement with King’s Cross residents.”

CAMDEN Council’s love affair with guerilla graffiti artist Banksy shows no sign of fading away. A stencil by the artist of a rat on the side of the Town Hall extension (pictured) has been protected with a perspex screen and officials have even enquired about insurance.
Lib Dem finance chief Councillor Ralph Scott said the council would keep the work in mind in relation to refurbishment work.
He said: “We are not going to lose the Banksy. I know a lot of my colleagues have gone to great lengths to preserve it and if it is remotely possible chance of holding on to it, we will. At this stage, it is too early to say if the whole building will come down.”

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