We want to express our deepest gratitude to everyone who has signed the petition to save the Burgess Park Adventure Playground building/Giraffe House. Your support has been incredible, and truly shows how much this space means to our community. We have also got a paper petition that has been signed by over 200 young people that we engage with.

WHAT THE BUILDING MEANS TO THE COMMUNITY

It’s been heartwarming to read about the deep connections so many of you have with this building over the years. Your memories and stories remind us just how valuable this space is, not just as a physical structure, but as a vital part of our community’s history and identity. It has, after all, been a community building for over 70 years. As a building for Boys Brigade back in the 1950s, then as Burgess Park Adventure Playground and then as The Giraffe House with various community groups sharing the space.

As a local charity, we submitted an application to have the building recognised as an Asset of Community Value. It was decided by a panel at Southwark Council that it did not reach the criteria for the following reason, in summary;

This conclusion is based on the premiss that a contract has been awarded for the demolition of the building. The decision to demolish the building stems from its apparent unsafe condition, combined with the notion that making it safe and fit for future use would be economically unfeasible.

THE COUNCIL’S DECISION

Following this decision, we have sought out further clarification on this reason by asking for more information on the demolition contract as we could not find any consultations or planning permission online, as well as specific details on how the building is considered to be unsafe. 

CONDITION OF THE BUILDING: THE EVIDENCE

As a response to a Freedom of Information request, we received the following:

1. An Asbestos Report that solely mentions LOCALISED ASBESTOS NEAR THE BOILER (which could be removed safely by professionals).

2. Two Structural Reports on the building which both conclude the building to be of SOUND CONDITION with some recommended non-urgent remedial works. 

Therefore the building IS NOT ‘UNSAFE’

3. A statement saying that THERE IS NO CONTRACT to demolish. 

So, if there is a plan to demolish the building, there should be a community consultation and an application for planning permission before the building is potentially demolished.

 

PROPOSED FUTURE OF THE BUILDING

As an established local charity for over two decades, we have offered the council a comprehensive example of how we could use the building for community use, including running our popular youth activities 4-5 days a week, while sharing the use of the building with other local activity and service providers that are also looking for space.

We have proposed our own plan to secure significant capital funding to refurbish the exterior of the building as well as the grass area, and renovate the interior of the building. This location is invaluable, especially with its outdoor space, which provides a safe and supportive environment for young people, the wider community and local partners.

SUPPORT NEEDED

We welcome the support of local councillors, cabinet members and MP’s to help us communicate more effectively with Southwark Council. We remain committed to meeting with the Council regarding the future of this vacant and unused building, offering a practical alternative to demolition that will meet both our objectives in serving the local community.

We deeply appreciate the community’s continued support and remain hopeful that together, we can find a positive solution. 

Please continue to spread the word and help us save this vital resource.

Thank you,

The Inspire Team