New Addington, a quaint suburb on the outskirts of London, is known for its quiet residential streets and community-focused atmosphere. However, a recent proposal to transform a business park unit into a stunning wedding venue has sparked debate among local residents.
Global Talent Promotions (GTP), a New Addington-based company, has been operating out of the 16 Addington Business Centre on Vulcan Way for the past year. The venue, which uses the BizSpace unit alongside a host of other businesses, has been hosting ad-hoc events throughout the week, including wedding parties, graduation events, and cultural gatherings.
Now, GTP is looking to expand its operation by serving alcohol from 11 am to 1:30 am on Fridays and Saturdays, as well as providing live and recorded music throughout the week. This move has raised concerns among New Addington residents, who fear that the venue’s new direction could lead to noise, disruption, littering, and anti-social behavior in the area.
During a hearing in front of Croydon Council’s licensing committee, residents expressed their worries about the potential impact of granting the license to GTP. Kirsty Pearce, a New Addington resident living near the business park, raised concerns about the venue’s location within the industrial estate.
Pearce highlighted the presence of thriving businesses, including an accountancy firm and an MOT garage, in the vicinity of the proposed wedding venue. She emphasized the heavy traffic in the area, with large vehicles frequenting the main road just seconds away from the venue. Pearce argued that adding alcohol to the mix in such a location could pose safety risks and disrupt the industrial operations of the area.
Another resident, Clair McGee, who has worked at the MB Motors repair garage in the business park for 35 years, also voiced opposition to the application. McGee, along with Pearce, acknowledged that GTP was not responsible for past instances of anti-social behavior in the area but maintained that alcohol-fueled events were not suitable for the business park.
Despite the concerns raised by residents, GTP representative Rebecca Nalwanga defended the company’s plans for the venue. Nalwanga assured the committee that measures would be put in place to address potential issues, including ensuring that guests make transport arrangements before leaving the venue and mandating adult supervision for children attending events.
In response to the committee’s questions about the rationale behind setting up the venue in the business park, Nalwanga emphasized the community’s need for a gathering space. She also highlighted the employment opportunities that GTP would provide for people in New Addington, including its own sound-limited DJ and Ugandan house band for entertainment.
Under the proposed license, the venue would be able to host 100 ticketed guests and operate seven days a week. The sale of alcohol would be restricted to Friday and Saturday between 11 am and 1:30 am, with Nalwanga noting that most guests typically arrive after 6 pm on those days.
As the sub-committee prepares to make a decision on GTP’s license application, residents in New Addington continue to share their varying opinions on the venue. While some echo concerns about potential disruption, others see the new venue as a positive addition to an area lacking late-night entertainment options.
In a local Facebook group, residents discussed the pros and cons of the proposed wedding venue, reflecting the diverse perspectives within the community. While some emphasize the need for caution and consideration of the venue’s impact, others see it as an opportunity for economic growth and social engagement in New Addington.
As the debate over the transformation of the business park into a wedding venue continues, the sub-committee’s decision will play a crucial role in shaping the future of events in New Addington. With residents, business owners, and community members all weighing in on the issue, the outcome of the licensing application will undoubtedly have a significant impact on the local landscape.