Hemel Market to be demolished !!

So it's confirmed , that the Hemel Hempstead Market structure is going to be "Pavilionised "  see emails below , from Cllr Andrew Williams Leader DBC , 

What a short sighted decision , demolish the market structure to stop antisocial behavior !!  And all that will be left will, be an open space for the next twenty years as the council's 2020 vision must be in total tatters ,  with the economic downturn  who would want to build more shops or flats at this time . 

The open market place will be used for events !!  Certainly not for the Wednesday bric a brac market , or any event which would survive the vagaries of the British climate . Note that the Pavillion which was demolished in 2002 to be rebuilt by 2006 is still a grassy knoll  , so there is nowhere to hold concerts or Christmas Carols or anything . 

This council is appallingly short sighted , an opportunity to reuse the structure for many uses stares one in the face , all that is needed is a small capital outlay on securing the structure and renovation .

• The site is a natural "amphitheater" as it slopes from east to West by several feet . 
•  Enclosing the whole market with low cost shop type shutters eliminates the anti social behaviour problem ,
  
• Removing the existing metal stalls and their surrounding structure opens up much of the inside area . wooden trestle table type stalls can be used for the wednesday market , and what else , a monthly indoor Antique Fair? craft Fair ? Anything fair?
• Removing some of the inside large supports looks eminently feasible to me , but would need confirmation by a structural engineer , this would open up more viewable and visible space .
• Once the inside is opened up , a removable stage could be used at the  West end and the area filled with stackable chairs , who knows you may even be able to get a Philharmonic Orchestra into the town .
• This space could be used by the council to generate substantial revenue over the next twenty years with only a small amount of cost and trouble .

BUT they won't do anything just "Pavilionise" It , it doesn't bode well for the next Conservative government if they are all like Dacorum Borough councillors 

Still I guess that Dacorum voters get what they deserve as none of them seem interested in their main town what a shame !!

Sent: Friday, October 10, 2008 9:45 AM

Subject: Re: Hemel mkt

Dear Sir


The clearance of the existing market site will not be done for some weeks/months and in the meantime we are looking at the Wednesday market which I would like to see continue, at this stage it is not certain in what form that might be but it is being looked at.


Once we have a possible solution we will of course advice stallholders and I am happy to drop you a note at that time.

Regards

Andrew Williams

Sent: Tuesday, September 30, 2008 12:09 PM

Subject: Re: Hemel mkt

Dear Sir

Thank you for your email regarding the Hemel market, we have planning to remove the existing structure for a number of reasons the first being the problems of anti social behaviour occurring at the site which has an effect on the residents living nearby. The police can deal with but it is not possible for them to be there constantly and our CCTV cannot see under the canopies to spot any problems. Secondly the structure is looking tatty and as it will be sometime before work begins on the new development this will only get worse and we do hope by clearing the site we will be able to encourage other use whilst the site is awaiting redevelopment.  

Yours sincerely


Cllr Andrew Williams
Leader DBC