Convoys Wharf: Sir Terry Farrell to 'listen to the community'

Sir Terry Farrell

The Architects Journal reports "Terry Farrell and Partners has been appointed to review Aedas’ 18.6 hectare masterplan for the redevelopment of historic Convoys Wharf in Deptford, south east London". Furthermore I understand that Farrells are tasked with listening 'to the community' and gaining 'a full understanding of their perspectives.’

This is hardly a glowing vote of confidence by Hutchison Whampoa in Aedas's work. Either it is an incredibly poorly thought out and ultimately pointless attempt to get an endorsement from Farrells or it is a recognition that Aedas are simply not up to the job. Any endorsement of Aedas is not going to cut any ice with either the community or Lewisham Council, but anything less than a ringing endorsement is going to be more ammunition against the current proposals. I have no idea who in Hutchison Whampoa is excavating this particular hole, if I did then I might quietly suggest that they stop digging. The central problem with Aedas can be viewed on their website namely that you have no idea where anything they have done is located in the world without looking at the text; it is all big, bland and soulless.

Subject of websites, despite the noise that Hutchison Whampoa's Planning Communications people Hardhat are making about the 24th March and Farrells involvement it is noticeable that neither Farrells' website nor their twitter feed @FarrellsLondon make any mention of Convoys Wharf, which might suggest that it is not such a big deal after all. Mind you, if I was in 'Planning Communications' I do not think I would have put this photograph on the company website.

Your caption here.

The Deptford Dame tells us further details of the Convoys Wharf Community Consultation day on Saturday 24 March:

PLEASE NOTE: The site can be dusty and muddy depending on the
weather, so please bring appropriate footwear and clothing.

11.00 Exhibition opens

11.15 – 12.15 Site and archaeological tour opportunity 1

12.15 – 14.15
Welcome from Hutchison Whampoa, followed by speeches and presentations, including Joan Ruddock MP, Sir Terry Farrell and colleagues, and local community groups.

The presentations will be followed by question and answer opportunities and refreshments will be provided during the two-hour period.

PLEASE NOTE: If you want to take a full part in these sessions, please arrive promptly at noon. Register for one of the site tours on arrival.

14.15 – 15.15 Site and archaeological tour opportunity 2

16.00 Exhibition closes

For further information and to confirm attendance please call 0845 460 6011 or email info@convoyswharf.com

15 March 2012 UPDATE: Farrells managed to squeeze out a tweet at 11.47 this morning:

Sir Terry Farrell to listen to and engage with local community opinion to help deliver a masterplan for Convoys Wharf

— Farrells (@FarrellsLondon) March 15, 2012