|
|
 |
| |
Roger Madelin |
'Chance to end decades of blight'
ARGENT chief executive Roger Madelin rejected criticism
of his company’s vision for King’s Cross on Thursday
night.
In a 20-minute presentation to councillors, he outlined plans
for new shops, offices, music venues and, to raised eyebrows,
a casino.
Mr Madelin said that the giant site could not be sustained by
new homes alone and that Argent had a duty to “optimise”
its use. He told the meeting: “This is an opportunity to
end decades of blight and uncertainty on the site.”
Mr Madelin said that London risked losing business from French,
German and Japanese companies that had expressed interest in
having bases on the site.
He added: “Without business and commerce we have nothing,
no jobs, no money or no social improvement. We have a responsibility
to optimise. Retail, like culture, works best if there is a
critical mass.”
The Argent boss promised “jobs on the doorstep” for
residents in Camden and a host of new entertainment venues such
as concert halls, rock venues, an open-air theatre and cinemas.
He also predicted the emergence of a fringe festival to rival
the annual event in Edinburgh.
On the possibility of a casino opening – a prospect condemned
by residents and councillors – Mr Madelin added: “I
have never been in a casino and I have no intention of ever
going in one.
“But I do understand, looking around at other cities and
other places, that some people do find them places where they
like to spend time. I don’t see why a small discreet casino
as part of an international mix some time in a later phase shouldn’t
be appropriate.”
He said that Argent had done its best to save heritage buildings
but it was impossible to keep all of them. |
|
|
|
