Hi Brian,
We would like to reassure you that things are moving forward with the cafe. The Friends are confident that it will happen one day but we have to concede that the process is unfortunately taking longer than we anticipated.
We have overwhelming support locally and Cheshire East have been particularly proactive in helping to speed the process; even in these recessionary times!
We have had plans drawn up and offers of help with the planning and infrastructural works and on this basis had hoped to apply for planning before the start of 2010.
We had a meeting with Alderley Edge Parish Council on the 8th March; to not only address some of their concerns about the project but to also seek their approval for the idea in general. Unfortunately, they haven’t formally expressed an opinion about the project over the last year and indeed, have said very little since our March meeting!
This being said, we are aware that the majority of members are in favour of the idea - in principle. To be fair to the Council, and given that other public buildings are costing money, they are naturally reticent about sanctioning anything which may create an additional deficit; you will obviously be aware of the proposed increase in the precept, which appears to be directly linked to the running costs of the Festival Hall.
In our presentation, we emphasised the income generating capacity of the cafe. We also suggested alternative ways that the Parish Council could run the cafe; to not only have better control of the enterprise but to also optimise income.
Whilst the above is encouraging and positive, our other slight concern is that the Parish Council seems keen to carry out a trial run using a mobile unit. Luke Tomlinson, of Ground Up Coffee, has been approached by members of the Council (he was at the early March meeting and provided details of his plans for the cafe) with a view to helping with this.
It must be emphasised at this point that we are very much in favour of someone like Luke running a permanent cafe: he is young, keen, and energetic; has very high standards and is willing to invest in the start up costs of the cafe.
Unfortunately, whilst we can appreciate why the Council are proposing such a measure, the Friends are concerned that a ‘dummy run’ using a mobile cafe will not be a true reflection of the potential success of a permanent cafe. The ambiance of a centrally located, beautifully built, warm, comfortable cafe with loos would obviously be far preferable to a mobile unit, especially on a wet, cold day…(And as you may be aware, the public lavatories are rarely open, although the bowlers do have periodic access to them.)
Our current position is that we are waiting to hear from Andrew Knowles (portfolio holder for Health and Wellbeing at Cheshire East Council) who is keen to have a meeting with all interested parties; to clarify one or two outstanding concerns and to drive the project forward.
The Friends of the Park would like to reiterate that they genuinely believe the cafe idea is an excellent way of addressing the changing needs of the local community; the park could become the true heart of the village. So much ‘Civic Pride’ (as suggested by Mr. Paul Tomlinson, Chairman of AEPC) could be generated through using this idyllic community space in such a positive way. The success of the cafe could be shared and enjoyed by ALL the people of Alderley Edge, it will not be for just a select few. Many of the highly successful cafes in London and elsewhere took time to formulate; please be patient and keep supporting the idea, it will happen, especially if everyone pulls together!