Herne Hill Plans Unveiled

Everyone's a fucking expert when it comes to buildings! Despite what you think you couldn't do a better job at designing it yourself. Whether you're a fan of 'the pringle' or not, it's a vast improvement to something like Manchester Velodrome.

so is the proposal for HH a style exercise/vanity project for an architect?

would be interested in the building costs between the proposed Herne Hill and this:

I don't see what's so different between this and Hog Hill,

Really?

For starters, last time I looked Hog Hill didn't have a road circuit going over the roof of the building and the building was single storey.

Apart from the very large glazed areas* and the "riding on the roof" idea I like the plans in the main.

*Sport England has guidelines for the amount of glass in a sports building, bearing in mind safety and security of a south london venue largely used by children.

And short-sighted MAMILs... Looks great to me, fingers crossed...

can someone post some images, cant see on my linux firefox for some reason.

They can't win can they? If they'd put a couple of Portakabins in everyone would moan that it doesn't show enough ambition.

Can we not just put aside our personal observations on this for now (as what is proposed and what will actually be built are likely to be very different) and instead focus on supporting the campaign in order to ensure Herne Hill has a future?

just thought it would bring in more people into the party. shared costs, responsibilities = increased value. anyway, carry on.

proposed design looks good. looks like a gallery on a driving range. suits MAMILs or possibly middle aged lawyers

don't get me wrong it's a great looking building but where is the money coming from for the posh looking non-essential parts of the construction?
i would rather see a large concrete area with metal grating and 2 hoses for bike washing get built (instead of a pallet in a muddy bit of grass) than a swoopy bit of pvc roofing that serves no purpose other than to flatter the ego of somebody wearing thick rimmed glasses and their top button done up with no tie.

so is the proposal for HH a style exercise/vanity project for an architect?

would be interested in the building costs between the proposed Herne Hill and this:

It would certainly be more expensive. I have to say I like the idea of purely functional buildings, but there are so many outside influences here. I'm fairly sure HH is in a conservation area, HH has a history as an olympic velodrome the planners won't accept something purely functional. Southwark planning department are also much more difficult to deal with than Redbridge etc.

Overall though, this building is hardly architecturally whimsical. I think it looks a little old fashioned, something that would have been designed in 1997. I doubt Hopkins are using this as a vanity project.

Hog Hill was build as a "temporary replacement" for Eastway. The idea being that after the Olympics there would be a new facility available... so the plan was kept simple...

I'm sure that Hog Hill will continue to be a venue beyond 2012 as it would be a waste not keep it going and could only benefit the sport as a whole...

^^ I'm in that picture

I'm sure that Hog Hill will continue to be a venue beyond 2012 as it would be a waste not keep it going and could only benefit the sport as a whole...

Yes, I believe they are trying to identify an operator for the facility post 2012. It certainly has enough going for it.

don't get me wrong it's a great looking building but where is the money coming from for the posh looking non-essential parts of the construction?
i would rather see a large concrete area with metal grating and 2 hoses for bike washing get built (instead of a pallet in a muddy bit of grass) than a swoopy bit of pvc roofing that serves no purpose other than to flatter the ego of somebody wearing thick rimmed glasses and their top button done up with no tie.

A grey concert block of a building is not going to attract any investors or any press coverage... 2 things the campaign needs.

It would also be good if the velopark looked good as it then attracts more than just the die hard cyclists... look at how shopping malls have changes how people shop... many people would rather go to a new modern Westfield than an old dull shopping center of the 90's.

Really?

For starters, last time I looked Hog Hill didn't have a road circuit going over the roof of the building and the building was single storey.

Apart from the very large glazed areas* and the "riding on the roof" idea I like the plans in the main.

*Sport England has guidelines for the amount of glass in a sports building, bearing in mind safety and security of a south london venue largely used by children.

The bulding provides the same facilities with a similar floor area, sure it's two stories with a terrace. As far as sports pavillions go, this is quite basic.

Those Sport England guidelines do not *have *to be followed. I like the lot's of glazing it allows better views. At Hog Hill I'm always slightly annoyed at not being able to see much of the racing from the cafe.

I think the road circuit on the roof is one of those things that'll dissapear as the scheme develops.

I'd actually say why have a canopy on the terrace at all, if it's wet there's no racing to watch.

@ MrSmyth - "Where's the money coming from" = Daily Mail. Spending money is good.

I'd actually say why have a canopy on the terrace at all, if it's wet there's no racing to watch.

In summer a quick shower can suspend racing briefly so let's please keep the roof so we've somewhere to shelter whilst it passes. :-)

I think more people should stand up and fight for BETTER rather than just ADEQUATE.

Why pick this proposal apart... why not stand up and support it. Letting your voice be heard in favor of it would be way more productive and would probably attract more people with money.

People/companies with money want to be around/associated with enthusiastic poeple/projects.

This project needs those people.

What Adam said.

I vote for OnOneLangster to bankroll the whole thing, if he just sells just one of his two houses in Islington and a couple of those ghastly mink coats we'd be sorted.

In summer a quick shower can suspend racing briefly so let's please keep the roof so we've somewhere to shelter whilst it passes. :-)

Roof is good. In the summer I could see local families and old folk sitting in the shade on the terrace watching the racing... would add so much atmosphere to the venue.

So it's a canvas/pvc roof that is not that modern... it still looks better than a flat roof and it break the lines up to blend in more with the park...

Not that I want to pick apart the design, but I actually think a flat roof would be much better looking but probably more expensive.

Anyway, I'm glad things are moving forward. It's hard to beleive the current state of the buildings at Herne Hill.

@ MrSmyth - "Where's the money coming from" = Daily Mail. Spending money is good.

totally missing the point. i want there to be shit loads of money for the upgrade of this historic cycling facility, i just would hate to see money wasted on frivolities and the essentials of a **cycling facility **not get built because the money that was available went on things of no benefit apart from aesthetics.

A grey concert block of a building is not going to attract any investors or any press coverage... 2 things the campaign needs.

It would also be good if the velopark looked good as it then attracts more than just the die hard cyclists... look at how shopping malls have changes how people shop... many people would rather go to a new modern Westfield than an old dull shopping center of the 90's.

not having visited a shopping mall since brent cross circa 1980 i can't comment. if a cyclist is put of visiting a cycling utility because it looks a bit drab i suggest they find a new hobby/recreation/form of exercise.

You make a good point that MrsMyth but, should the facilities be attractive, it may be easier to get corporate entertainment use of the velodrome and by so doing, bring in some good hard cash for the velodrome and for its coaches.

@MrSmyth - like people have said, supporters/families/etc might be more inclined to attend if the setting/aesthetic is less drab.

I agree with STE5 about a viewing terrace at Hog Hill. It would open up the view of the lower circuit for spectators, and as a rider coming up the hill, you'd spot supporters a lot sooner.

[/sorry, wrong HH]

^^^ and exactly the statement that will put off the rest of the local community. You're great at inclusiveness and encouraging non cyclists aren't you?

Hear, hear... BTW Check your email, Snowy...