Agenda item

[ Report of the Director of Environment and Neighbourhoods. To be introduced by the Leader of the Council.]

Report on the consultation with local residents about the proposal to rename Albert Road Recreation Ground to O.R. Tambo Recreation Ground.

The Leader of the Council introduced the report which sought approval to change the name of the Albert Road Recreation Ground (ARRG) to O.R. Tambo Recreation Ground. The decision reflected the long and historical relationship that Oliver Tambo had with the area, and one that was reflective of the borough’s values, culture and diversity. The Leader added that place names, street names and statues did matter, and as a society those who were chosen to be commemorated and celebrated reflected the value placed on those people and the communities they represent. It served to reinforce the belief that their life achievements could be a role model for others. The Leader stated that whilst changing the name of a park or street would not eradicate social injustice on its own, it was a tangible step which would ultimately lead to wider change.

Cabinet Members commended the recommendation in the report and echoed the Leader’s comments.

In response to questions from Councillor Palmer, the Leader advised that:

• The additional data referred to but not included in the report could be circulated.
• A formal process would be set up for further consultations on place and street renaming.

RESOLVED

1. Tonote that a six-week public consultation was carried out between 9 October and 23 November 2020, on the proposal to change the name of the ARRG to O.R. Tambo Recreational Ground, and to consider the responses received and set out in paragraphs 6.14 and 6.15 of this report.

2.     To agree to rename the park known as the “Albert Road Recreation Ground” (and shown edged red on the plan attached at Appendix 1) to “O.R. Tambo Recreation Ground”, re-enforcing the borough’s strong beliefs of diversity as set out in the Borough Plan, and in recognition of O.R. Tambo’s historical achievements in fighting apartheid; and

3.     To agree to update the deed of dedication to “Queen Elizabeth II Field O.R. Tambo Recreation Ground”.

Reasons for decision

On 9 June 2020, the Mayor of London announced a Commission for Diversity in the Public Realmto review and improve the diversity across London’s public realm to ensure the capital’s landmarks suitably reflect London’s achievements and diversity.

As a response to the Black Lives Matter movement and protests, on 12 June 2020, the Leader of Haringey Council announced a Review of Monuments, Building, Place and Street Names in Haringey.

For a number of years, it has been suggested that the ARRG located in Albert Road, N22 is renamed to reflect the proud and long-standing history that the ARRG has with O.R. Tambo, in turn reflecting the values that make Haringey the vibrant, inclusive and multi-cultural borough it is.

Although this decision sits out of the wider Review of Monuments, Building, Place and Street Names in Haringey, renaming is being considered under the same ethos for change. It is also felt that now is the right time to harness that engagement and willingness to increase the borough’s diversity and will contribute to a number of strategic outcomes detailed in the Borough Plan’s Equality Principles, People Plan, Outcome 5 , 8 and 11 (as detailed further within this report).

Alternative options considered.

Do nothing and leave the name as is. This option is dismissed as it fails to recognise and increase the diversity of place names within the borough, and thereby fails to reflect and celebrate the borough’s diverse communities and history.