| Topic: | Re:Re:Re:Re:Now virtually demolished | |
| Posted by: | Raymond Havelock | |
| Date/Time: | 01/03/17 10:24:00 |
| For such a building of historical importance and given it's status this seems a very unusual method of renovation. If it were the public library or say, Pitzhanger Manor, the procedures and methods of modification and renovation have to be strictly adhered to and end up costing a huge amount. Part of Pitzhanger Manor is only mid 20th century yet even that wing has to be complied with. However I was allowed a closer look today and clearly the lime mix mortar is past it's best and no longer providing a safe bond to the bricks, which are in good condition. The walls are so thick that the integrity is still good but it cannot be just repointed, the inner bricks would remain potentially loose. It is sulphur that breaks down lime mortar and no doubt the Gas Works played a large part in that. And we worry about pollution now. It was horrendous here just 50 years ago. So it is fair to say, that the structure needs rebuilding. It's not an architectural marvel, but it is of significant historical reference and has survived a war and massive industrialisation. But. It needs to be very carefully and knowledgeably overseen. A repetition of Firestone or Richmond Ice Rink with a developer quitting, reforming and voiding all agreements needs to be prevented. A very large proportion of the original materials can be used and the quality of the hidden bricks can give an as originally new finish if swapped for the weather worn ones. The roofing materials, lintels door frames and so on all need to be in keeping or exactly the same as original. The question is whether this is being overseen, adhered to and monitored. Apart from Guys updates, there is yet again really poor communication. People are not stupid but all the secrecy and avoidance of details is still an insult to our community as a whole. It would not go amiss for a few "what's happening display boards" to be placed on the site hoardings and a viewing point, it is after all quite an unusual conversion of both sites and worth a look. The rebuilt facades at Kew Bridge Stn and the far better rear of the buildings along with the refurbishment and conversion of the former Star and Garter hotel on the throat of Kew Bridge show that it is possible to have far more appropriate developments and retain the proportions and aesthetics of Brentford. Again not properly explained. So no proper views can be formed. When the truth outs, like the farce of the Morrisons and Watermans deals, views can be formed and it will not always be positive. These are clearly more than a little flawed and have far reaching detrimental ramifications. There are several buildings where clever and tasteful conversions would be far more interesting and exciting to live in than some of the utterly dreadful cheap apologies that pass for architecture currently being proposed. Maybe |