A website & blog for residents (and neighbours) of Dalston Square

Dalston Square Residents

Welcome & Easter Egg Hunt report

Welcome to the Dalston Square Residents Association website

The ‘DSRA’ is composed of volunteers who represent residents’ interests.  We hold regular meetings with FirstPort to ensure the best level service and ensure our money is well spent. We are a welcoming group. If you want to help organize a social event or join a committee, please get in touch!

We have two working ‘committees’; The ‘Finance Committee’ which reviews First Port’s budget and accounts; and a ‘Buildings Committee’ which works closely with the Site Manager to ensure standards of upkeep, cleaning and maintenance meet requirements.

The aim of this website is to keep residents informed of our activities and events.

Upbeat 2018 Easter Egg Hunt

Thank you to all those residents and children who turned up for this lively event! It was very good to meet some new neighbours, sip hot tea and coffee, drink wine and to enjoy some roof top sunshine and warming spring air.

The Thomas – Burke roof garden proved an ideal place to hide chocolate eggs. Thanks to all those who brought them along and especially for Gerald Bernard for his generous contribution!

There were plenty of keen and energetic children to add to the mix.  There were several ‘hunts’ organized as little hands delved into the shrubbery and grasses. Over a hundred chocolate eggs of all shapes and sizes were found, consumed or smuggled home.

Hopefully the event will become a Dalston Square Easter tradition.

The DSRA usually holds a late summer (September) roof top garden party. Interested in helping? Get in touch with the DSRA via the letter box in Gaumont Tower or by email.

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Sunday, 8 April, 2018 | Categories: Dalston Square Residents, Event, Uncategorized | Leave a comment

Thames House – Notification of Pre-Application Consultation

DSRA Information

Keeping residents informed.

We have been advised of two upcoming events to present plans for the development of the Thames House site on Hartwell street, off Dalston Lane.

The proposal is for a mixed-use scheme with a 50/50 mix of commercial and residential space. 41 new homes will be provided, 50% of which will be affordable. Of these affordable homes, 60% will be available for affordable rent and 40% as shared ownership.

We are holding two events near to the site on Saturday 18th and Sunday 21st June at:

  • Saturday 18th June 14:00-17:00 at Halkevi – Turkish and Kurdish Community Centre
  • Monday 20st June 17:00-20:00 at the Eastern Curve Garden

Here is a link to the information leaflet

Monday, 13 June, 2016 | Categories: Dalston Square Residents | 1 Comment

DSRA June 2016 Update

Dalston Square Residents’ Association

The DSRA depends on a small group of actively engaged residents. While we don’t know about everything that goes on in such a large complex we do keep an eye on the main issues that affect our welfare and finances.

The main ‘current’ issues have been the recent call for more chances to meet fellow residents- which we responded to by organizing a very successful roof top garden social on May21st – attended by over 70 residents on the first warm day of the summer. Thanks to all those who contributed! The atmosphere was very positive. Many of us learnt about Erika’s fantastic colourful roof garden and several new volunteers to help tend it came forward in true community sprit.

The other issues concern:

  • Restaurant kitchen odours that continue to affect some flats on the east side of the Square. Barratt have agreed to retro installation of a fully integrated restaurant kitchen smoke extraction system. Slow progress and we continue to put pressure on the builders. The Council have asked, and are waiting for a planning submission as there are technical issues to be resolved. Watch this space for developments.
  • Skateboarding is causing distress to families living on lower floors in flats that overlook the Square: personal appeals and ‘soft’ intervention by the Council’s Street Wardens has helped. However the Council has agreed that ‘no skateboarding’ signs are needed, and will be installed soon. Meanwhile residents should register their complaints on Hackney’s Noise Pollution website.  It is possible to call for the Street Wardens. The number is available via the Concierge.
  • Service Charges continue to be a cause for concern. The DSRA has established a ‘Finance Committee’ which meets to go over First Port’s accounts for the Square. In brief, it has taken some time to get a full understanding of First Port’s costs and charges. Vigilance is essential. We are always seeking new members for this committee. If you have a strong interest contact the DSRA via this website or put a note in the DSRA letter box in Gaumont Tower Concierge reception.
  • Maintenance of the Square. The Square belongs to the Council and we have chased the relevant parties to ensure they maintain the green spaces and manage the litter situation. As its use increases with the arrival of more restaurants, we have pressed for high standards. Kim, the street operative, does a good job in difficult circumstances. Those of us who know her appreciate her positive outlook and care for the Square. If you have a chance to pay her your respect personally please do so.

The DSRA has been in operation since the Square opened to its first residents. It has chased and successfully seen resolved hundreds of issues. The Developer, Management Agents and the Council listen to us because we are firm and persistent while maintaining a positive working relationship.

If you are interested in joining a committee please get in touch via the website.

Monday, 13 June, 2016 | Categories: Dalston Square Residents | Leave a comment

Exclusive DriveNow Membership offer

Dalston Square residents can now take advantage of this limited offer for free lifetime membership with DriveNOW

DriveNow is the on-demand, flexible car sharing scheme operating across the London boroughs of Hackney, Haringey, Islington, and the southern part of Waltham Forest. We’re delighted to be able to offer FREE lifetime membership to all followers of Dalston Square Resident’s Association.

DriveNow How to Video

Here’s how DriveNow works:

Find it – Find your nearest BMW or MINI with the DriveNow app on your phone or tablet.

Drive it – Drive by the minute and only pay when you drive the car – fuel, tax and insurance are all included in the price.

Drop it – Being fully flexible just leave the car in any residents’ bay or pay and display bay within the DriveNow business area for free.

To celebrate BMW’s 100th birthday we our dropping our prices for the summer, now starting for as little as 29p/min. That’s just £4.35 for a 15 minute journey.

With no annual membership fee or ongoing costs, experience the flexibility of a car without the hassle of ownership.

Please contact jake.baldry@drive-now.com. to claim your FREE lifetime membership.

 

Review:

I was issued my membership, received my card and everything was easy and ready to go.

Not sure when i would use it, but not long after i had set it up the day came. I took my partner and daughter with our new little puppy to watch the Hackney half marathon and then spend some time at london fields. The sun was shining and after a relaxing play in the park we were all tired, a quick look on my DriveNow App and i can see there is a car less than 2 minutes walk away. I suggested we head down, my partner was sceptical that my phone would open the car and that it would all work. I was dreading the ‘i told you so’ situation that was on the horizon. But I’m pleased to say the whole thing worked with very little ease. the car was easily located – the App unlocked it and my PIN number started the car. We were in a very lovely brand new BMW i3 – We headed home everyone on board parked it up over the road in a pay and display parking bay (we didn’t have to pay its all covered with DriveNow) set the car to end the rental, got out locked it with the app and walked over the road to home. My honest opinion is it couldnt have been any easier.

DriveNow-Logo-Positiv

Tuesday, 7 June, 2016 | Categories: Dalston Square Residents, Offers | 1 Comment

May 2016 Update

Keeping residents informed about what is happening re the Square’s upkeep and activities is always a challenge Here is our best effort for May 2016.

The DSRA (Dalston Residents Association) was established in the early days back in 2011 when the Square’s “Phase 1’ buildings were being completed.

In the face of a) Barratt’s many building glitches and b) Consort’s ( now First Port) indifferent service,  a ‘Buildings Committee’ was set up to make sure  these companies

were held to account.  We also have a ‘Finance Committee’ which meets three times a year to go through First Ports expenditure on our buildings and on the level of our Service Charges. We need new members for this. If you are interested contact the Residents association via the email address given on this site or by paper message in the Residents Association letter box in Gaumont Tower lobby. (Below box 69)

In the early days we also had a Social Committee (for residents’ parties) .

Finally at the request of Hackney Council, a Cultural Committee was established to recommend and plan events in the Square.  New members are needed for this committee too.

Only the Buildings and Finance committee remains active. Now and again some of the more active members of the DSRA organise a roof top party or a Christmas get together. Always a good way to get to know your neighbours!

So what current news from the Buildings Committee?  

Next meeting May 27th 10 am come and join us in CLR James Library Mtg. Rm.

We have achieved so much over the years and the list would take up many pages!

Just now we are dealing with a few hard nuts that have survived on our ‘to do’ list chasing ( with very slow success) Barratts for a proper restaurant smoke extraction system to be installed in phase 1. The kitchen smoke from Le Ziz restaurant in particular, although better when the management cleans its filters, is particularly bad when it seeps into the corridor, gym and lobbies.  Barratt promise us that they are submitting a fresh application for planning consent to the Council for ducting to above rooftop level.

This committee also covers issues related to cleaning and maintenance and we work closely with Gerald Bernard the site manager to make sure quality is maintained.

Maintenance of the Square. Hackney Council.  We have tried to influence the nature of the commercial use of the Square and have called for less chain restaurants and more authentic and locally owned. With mixed success it has to be said!

We find that while the street cleaning (litter etc.) is good, maintenance of the green spaces has been lacking. We are pressing Hackney Council for clarification of the ‘maintenance plan’ for the Square, this has been remarkably slow in coming, however the gardening service do seem to have improved in the past year.

We have also been asking the Council to help us reduce the skateboarding problem- a controversial issue for some, who think the Square should allow for this activity.  No skateboarding signs are going up soon. We hope they won’t look too negative but understand that residents whose flats overlook the Square at low-level are disturbed by the repeated sounds of small wheels on hard paving reverberating off our buildings.

There is more, but this is probably more than enough for the average reader!

Our main aim is to enjoy living in the Square. By taking an active part in the decision-making about the space we live in, we hope to keep up its quality and build sense of a sharing community.

Want to help us? Get in touch via this website.

Friday, 20 May, 2016 | Categories: Dalston Square Residents, Newsletter | 1 Comment

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Reminder: Winter/Christmas Get-Together This Evening!

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Sunday, 30 November, 2014 | Categories: Dalston Square Residents | Tags: , | Leave a comment

Survey for Dalston Square Residents

Further to my last post our short, anonymous survey for residents of Dalston Square is now ready. Currently being printed it should be in letterboxes by the end of the working day tomorrow (Friday). Comprised of just 11 multiple choice questions (with options to add extra comments if you wish) it really will take just a minute or 2 to complete. This is your home, and this is your chance to voice your opinion on how it is being managed. I am aware that this website has many followers that reside in the local community but not in the Square itself, and on this occasion I ask you please ignore this posting: Our survey is for Dalston Square residents only please. I should also mention that the closing date for responses is April 15th, so there is plenty of time to respond. Please return your completed survey to the DSRA letterbox in the foyer of Gaumont Tower: It is immediately beneath box number 69.

And for those who prefer ‘electronic’, the survey can be completed right here on the website. Simply click the link below to have the survey open for you. And of course if you complete the survey here, please ignore the paper version when you receive it. Many thanks in advance to you all for your time.

Take Our Survey!

Thursday, 3 April, 2014 | Categories: Dalston Square Residents, Residents Survey | Tags: , , , | Leave a comment