Groupsask for views on hospital site
COMMUNITY councils around the Victoria Infirmary are calling their own public consultation on the site’s redevelopment.
The Victoria Forum – made up of three community councils – will host an event on February 22 asking for local views on plans for the former hospital.
Organisers said they are frustrated with a lack of communication from developer Sanctuary Group.
Evelyn Silber, chairwoman of the Victoria Forum said: “Listening to community views can help ensure this large development is of long-term benefit rather than aggravating existing problems.
“There is the potential to address local needs and improve the area. We need to think about the types of housing we want and the community facilities we need.
“For example, there is not a single children’s playground in the whole of Langside /Battlefield outside Queen’s Park. If it is just more flats and parking it will be a great opportunity missed.”
The event, at Langside Parish Church, will come during an official public consultation, which begins today.
The housing association’s drop-in sessions are today and Saturday at Langside Library. The second set of consultation events will take place four weeks later, on Thursday, March 9 and Saturday, March 11.
It will finish with two final drop-in sessions on Thursday, March 23 and Saturday, March 25.
The Victoria Forum said they will feed back views on community needs gathered at their meeting to Sanctuary Group bosses.
Organisers have asked for meetings with Peter Martin, group director of development at Sanctuary Group and say they are “frustrated and disappointed” at a l ack of communication.
Mr Martin said: “Our six public consultation sessions have been widely publicised.
“Posters have been circulated, neighbouring properties notified and prominent news articles have appeared in local media, trade media and the Evening Times itself. While we look forward to hearing the Victoria Forum’s views, this group does not speak for everyone.
“Other residents and community representatives are equally important.
“Our award-winning design team wishes to create the best development possible, influenced by local residents.
“A full and open dialogue at our consultation sessions will make this shared goal possible.”
Plans are to build 400 homes on the nine-acre site, bought from NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde on August 1 last year.
Ms Silber added: “We are long-term stakeholders in the area. It is worth the effort to give sufficient time and thought to the future of Battlefield and its surroundings.”