Blackfriars Preservation Society

14 Nov

sadly Southwark planning committee approved the demolition of this building tonight, Nov 14th.

we will keep up the fight but it’s yet another sad example that what the community value as heritage assets is not represented within the council planning system. the most saddening aspect of tonight was to hear the council heritage officer dismissing the value of an ‘attractive streetscape character’ to an area. In reference to a very sensible and spot on character appraisal of Blackfriars conducted in 2007 by Southwark council, he belittled the officer’s findings - including to list these buildings - because “it seemed as if they’d just walked around and noted what were the nice buildings and that contributed an attractive streetscape”, he also had an issue with the number of buildings recommended for local listing in the report (around 200), as if that was a reason to dismiss the report, rather than a recognition of the important architectural value of the area and something to be celebrated and protected. If the heritage officer isn’t a fan of attractive streetscapes and heritage buildings than who is there to save them? A very depressing evening.

UNDER THREAT!

‘Colorama’ victorian warehouse buildings, 44-50 AND 52-58 LANCASTER STREET, LONDON, SE1 0SJ.
http://www.ipetitions.com/petition/demolition-threat-to-colorama-victorian/?utm_medium=email&utm_source=system&utm_campaign=Send%2Bto%2BFriend

14 Nov

DEMOLISHED! Victorian warehouse, 2009, Baron’s Place, SE1

This Victorian warehouse and workman’s cottage was artists studios, including home to famous pop artist, Joe Tilson. The artists were booted out in 2009, the buildings bulldozed and replaced with a Travelodge and a really, really big brick wall

11 Nov

DEMOLISHED! 1 Valentine Row, SE1

This former Victorian warehouse is now wasteland - or rather it is the site of the contractor’s compound for the adjacent development that is erroneously marketing itself as 1 Valentine Place.

The buildings were recommended for placing in a conservation area in 2007, sadly this was ignored,

“BLACKFRIARS ROAD CHARACTER AREA APPRAISAL, 2007

It is intended that these appraisals will guide the development of the Bankside and the Borough Supplementary Planning Document (SPD).

2. Purpose

The purpose of this character area appraisal is to: ␣ Identify listed buildings, conservation areas, archaeological priority

zones, areas of special character and buildings of local architectural or historic interest;

The Blackfriars Road character area contains a number of local buildings of historic or architectural significance. These buildings are of significance to the Bankside and the Borough and should be protected or enhanced. Given the range of buildings of historic or architectural significance it is suggested that some buildings are listed individually while others are listed as a group. In many cases, buildings that are located as a group form some of the best surviving sections of Bankside and the Borough and may include listed buildings.

Buildings that should be listed as a group include:

4. ValentinePlace

This group of warehouse buildings contribute positively to the character of the area. They also provide a strong sense of enclosure to Valentine Place.

Numbers: 1,1a,3,5,7 and 2 to10; 21 Webber Street; 1 to 2 Pontypool Place.”

A conservation area has subsequently been created for the remaining buildings, this was after the same landowner placed a notice of demolition on 21 Webber Street, the building next door, an Edwardian bakery (information in separate post) a local outcry and support from the council saw the emergency conservation area created.

“The Valentine Place Conservation Area is a cohesive townscape comprising of industrial and warehouse developments from the late 19th and early 20th centuries. The conservation area is based around the streets of Valentine Place, Pontypool Place, Boundary Row, Valentine Place and Webber Street (Nos. 21-31 (odd)). The historic street layout remains, creating a legible and permeable environment. The intimate scale and high quality and architecturally interesting frontage developments have survived largely intact.”

10 Nov

Blackfriars Preservation Society inaugural meeting

Monday November 12th, 7.30pm

Webber and Quentin TRA Hall (sign on the gate)

Basement of Quentin House

Gray Street (Waterloo Road end) SE1

ALL WELCOME!

9 Nov

UNDER THREAT! 169-172, 173 Blackfriars Road

Join BARD (Blackfriars Action for Responsible Development) on Thursday 15 November at 7pm in opposing development plans for this site that includes the demolition of a pub which records in the John Harvard library show dates back to pre-1830 and St George’s Mansions which houses the hugely popular and world famous Blackfriars Cafe.

Address: Nelson Square Community Association Hall, 60a Rowland Hill House

8 Nov

DEMOLISHED - July 2012!

The Bell Pub, Webber Street SE1

‘The early 19th-century building was sometimes claimed as the successor to The Windmill in St George’s Fields mentioned by William Shakespeare in Henry IV part 2.’

Described by Southwark Council’s very own Michael Tsoukaris, Group Manager Design & Conservation, as ”a “fine building” having “charm and distinction” and being “of communal interest”. Like they care Michael!!

http://www.london-se1.co.uk/news/view/5602