Brief notes of meeting held on June 1st 2005
at University of East London, Docklands Campus.

Making Thames Gateway Public:
Open Public Forum, 1st June 8pm
Revitalising East London may be a good idea. The question is how? on whose terms? and through what democratic processes? Do we really want another Canary Wharf?

With introduction by Phil Cohen (UEL) and contributions from individuals and groups in East London and beyond exploring the Olympic Bid and other aspects of developments.
University of East London, Docklands Campus, 4-6 University Way, London E16 2RD
Docklands Light railway, Cyprus Station  Room 0304
more at  www.bartlett.ucl.ac.uk/lsf

“The Thames Gateway extends for 40 miles along the River Thames from the London Docklands to Southend in Essex and Sheerness in Kent. It forms a diverse sub-region, which includes:
   * the new international business and commercial centre in East London, focused on Canary Wharf;
   * the residential and industrial suburbs of outer London;
   * the settlements of Dartford and Thurrock on the fringe of London;
   * the towns of Basildon, Southend, Chatham and Sittingbourne, set within the Essex  and Kent countryside.” office ODPM

Plans for "Visions for London Conference"

1. To hold the Conference on a Saturday in mid-late October 2005. To seek to book City Hall for about 100 participants using the basement seminar rooms and various break-out rooms.

2. The three main themes of the Conference are:
• Develop alternative visions for London, including the use of participatory budgets
• Examine local development projects, such as Kings Cross, Thames Gateway, Elephant and Castle, Queen‚s Market
• Expose the role of the Corporation of London in gearing the London Plan towards financial and business interests

3. The key mobilising method will be a "Call for workshops" on these 3 themes. The aim is for everyone to be a participant, not an observer. The World Social Forum principles and developing concept of "social territories" will underpin the Conference.

4. The outcomes are to reclaim planning for the political arena, to promote the framework of a "Charter of Rights to the City" and to end up with proposals for Pan London community networks.

5. Useful background is provided by the sub-regional development frameworks for London (currently subject to consultation) and the alterations to the housing part of the London Plan. Kerry Hamilton, the Cross-Rail campaign and the Green Party to contribute ideas on transport.

6. Actions
Michael to produce mini-manifesto for the Conference
Teresa to produce flyer
Richard to liaise with Green Party about booking City Hall

LSF website
Agreed to develop new website hosted by Bartlett School (Michael to progress). To use same domain name. To try and contact the original designer of the website.

G8 Alternative Summit - Edinburgh
To support Mariangela (Manchester Social Forum) in seeking autonomous space for local social forums workshop. Teresa to action.