GUEST POST – Youth and the Architects

John McAslan (the group who designed the signficantly controversial 22 Storey Apex Tower) hosted a talk named "Making a difference in Tottenham" at the N17 Centre on the 12th of December.

When questioned about what the projects that the group are involved in entails for Tottenham residents, the John McAslan group made out that their projects would significantly benefit Tottenham residents due to the fact that this would supposedly create a lot of jobs and give "Tottenham the regeneration it needs" following the riots in 2011.

Further questions from residents included the implications that this would have on the future of young people living in Tottenham, to which the John McAslan team responded that young people living in Tottenham are in favour of the projects which they are carrying out as apparently young people in Tottenham would like to see these buildings in their communities according to the John McAslan Group, however there is no statistical evidence to suggest this. The concern that these properties would be unaffordable to young people was also raised, to which was played down by the John McAslan team.

Residents also raised their concerns about the 22 Storey Block being built at the site in Seven Sisters where Apex House was located, to which the John McAslan team also played down. The conversation then turned to the absence of Leader of Haringey Council, Cllr Claire Kober and Haringey Chief Executive, Nick Walkley at this meeting to which the John McAslan team responded that the concerns raised from this meeting will be relayed to them. It will be interesting to see whether the concerns are relayed to them, and as to whether Haringey's decision makers will face Tottenham residents who are furious with these "regeneration" projects.