Islington Tribune - News: Consultation

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Islington Tribune - by MARK BLUNDEN
Published: 27 July 2007

If you hold a consultation and nobody comes, does it count?

THE invitations were all sent out, the futuristic blueprints laid out and there was even a complimentary tray of jammy dodgers and apple juice for anyone who cared to attend.
But despite 2,750 people being asked to attend a key consultation event for a new city academy on the site of Islington Green School, only 50 people turned up over the two days it was held.
In fact, when the Tribune visited the school hall on Wednesday there were more chipper PR people buzzing around than residents and parents.
The school, in Prebend Street, Angel, is set to become a £26 million city academy in September 2008 with City University and the City of London each paying £1 million.
The consultation is being held ahead of the planning application for the new 10,000 square metre academy due in August.
Last week, the National Union of Teachers complained bitterly that they had not been told the consultation was happening.
But the sponsors insist 2,750 invites were sent last Thursday to parents, residents and community groups.
Teachers are bracing themselves for at least two years of construction work while the school continues to function.
Architect David Ellis (pictured above) admitted fitting everything onto the site was “very, very tight”.
Mr Ellis says the outdoor space at the site, which will include Richard Cloudesly Special School, is “very similar” to the amount the school has presently.

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