About/Contact us
Who are we?
The Clapham Junction Action Group (CJAG) is a non-political group of people dedicated to representing the interests of the local community. CJAG was founded by Cyril Richert and formed spontaneously in response to the threat of proposed skyscrapers (two 42-storey towers) at Clapham Junction station. Thanks to the responses of the local community when they were made aware of the need to protest, we succeeded in stopping that development as well as a proposed 16 storey hotel nearby.
As a result, the Council has become more focused about what the residents of our borough truly want, and hopefully the Council’s Site-Specific and Development Management policies (effectively the rules for developers) will be amended to reflect this new thinking.
We are concerned that our involvement should not just be reactive, but a positive contribution to any new development. Clapham Junction Station is the biggest junction in Europe. It is in a disgraceful state, a national scandal, and as such it should be treated as a priority. Although we are in favour of transport improvements, we want to see these de-linked from the construction of towers, and are pushing for Network Rail to honour its commitments (as set out in its Strategic Plan 2006-14) to develop the station itself.
Cyril Richert is an IT specialist in banking and Internet solutions. He has lived in Mossbury Road for 8 years and chose to settle in Clapham Junction due to the mix of great transport facilities and “village” atmosphere, with the proximity of the Common and the presence of some great local shops and activities in the vicinity. He is convinced that addressing the need of the community with skyscrapers, and transforming Wandsworth into Canary Wharf, shouldn’t be the chosen way to fund necessary developments.
Kate Williams is a lawyer specialising in the rail sector and has lived in the area for 10 years. As a single mum with a daughter at school in Battersea, she can be seen struggling through the Junction each morning, four year old in tow. Kate is horrified by the prospect of the twin towers looming over her flat and thinks that the area needs more affordable housing for families, not more starter flats for execs. “The proposed transport improvements are a con”, she says. “What most people don’t realise is that the majority of the improvements, including lifts and platform straightening, will be carried out by Network Rail. All the developers will be doing is booting the entrance back up St John’s Hill and creating a shopping centre around it.”
How can you get involved?
Please use the Contact Form on this page and ask to join our list of supporters. We will send you regular updates of meetings and leaflet drops, and keep you informed of developments in major planning applications, including details of the planning hearing itself (so far 1 or 2 emails every quarter… you won’t be submerged).
We need volunteers to write articles for the website and to help with leafleting. We also need people to lobby Councillors, the Mayor of London and MPs, as well as publicising the development in the London Press.
We want to counter the misinformation put out by developers or other stakeholders and to ensure that everyone is aware of what is happening.
1.
Elaine Macfarlane | May 31, 2010 at 11:15 am
Thanks so much for such public-spirited action on this subject. Regarding ideas for the re-development of Clapham Junction station, I agree with Pat Johnson that the most important
improvement would be the enlarging the width of the tunnel, increasing the number of turnstiles,
and opening out the station entrances and the passageways into the station. As a daily commuter, I approach and leave the station with dread at the overcrowding and do worry what would happen in the event of a crisis such as a bomb or fire. I also believe that escalators and better access to platforms for the disabled is important, as I see people struggling with luggage and prams up and down the stairs every day, and I am unable to take my mother, (who is in a wheelchair) into London which is a great shame.
Given that the site of the station is so large, I could see a two-storey development on top of the station if this were feasible from an engineering perspective, providing a department store (John Lewis please), shops, restaurants and maybe even a cinema complex for local residents. I don’t feel strongly as to whether or not it should look modern or traditional (there would be a more compelling case for a traditional low-rise development on Northcote Road which has more of a village atmosphere), but surely it is possible for modern developments not to look ugly these days? Look at the King’s Road development near Sloane Square which has been developed most sympathetically to the area in my view, and is a pleasure to visit. This would also protect commuters from the elements during the winter (most welcome).
2.
mr CaldecottGabriel | November 27, 2012 at 11:07 am
As a local to Clapham Junction I would like to know will you be marking next years 150 Anniversary of the opening of the station?
South west trains and local MP don’t seam to care!
3.
Cyril Richert | November 27, 2012 at 11:16 am
That is a very good point! To be honest we have not thought about it but we will… in the meantime (and that might be the bright/sad celebration, Delancey should reveal its new plan for the shopping centre/station redevelopment next year).
4.
Peter | January 16, 2013 at 6:51 pm
Hi again!
Please would you advise me as to when you will inform members on your website about the upcoming 150th Birthday of Clapham Junction Station?
2nd March 2013 is the big day!
As I said before the council isn’t bothered nor is our fantastic MP, Jane Ellison.
I hope you will be!?
5.
Cyril Richert | January 16, 2013 at 6:59 pm
Dear Peter,
I think the first thing should be to get in touch with the station managers, i.e. South West Trains and raise the subject. WBC should be involved too through probably the Strategic Planning and Transportation Overview and Scrutiny Committee ; John Locker is the Chair and could be contacted directly.
Then of course an article on CJAG.org would be nice and eventually we can all wrap it up into a special newsletter in February.
Maybe we can meet and discuss about this soon? Do get in touch by email to arrange something if you can.
6.
Peter | January 16, 2013 at 7:15 pm
I have done mostly everything you advised above back in November last year. As to the others I feel if they are not bothered about it why should I help them? Thanks for your support as to regards my local MP, to be honest I would be happy for her not to be there! As she has no interest in the station. Hope your not a fan of Jane Ellison? otherwise Oh dear, lol.
I have also contacted cllr Belton- he does seam interested and Yes, it may be possible to meet sometime. I am talking to The Project Orange opposite the station about marking the Birthday, and they seam interested in having a 1863 Victorian night.
I am also seeing if Wandsworh History Library department may be able to put up some photos of the station over the years. Also if you could talk to the local papers about having a group photograph in front of the new station exit. I think if the staff could be dressed in Victorian Railway uniforms for the photo and for it to be taken in b&w as well as colour. A big brass band playing in the new exit on St.John’s Hill.
Let me know if you like my ideas?