4 C O N T E X T 1 2 3 : M A R C H 2 0 1 2 ‘We have to learn lessons from the problems that have thwarted previous attempts to redevelop this much loved landmark. This is a pragmatic and incremental approach to enable the redevelopment of this famous landmark sitting in one of the largest and most valuable regeneration sites in central London. In many ways, this strategy is already on its way to being realised as there is one long flank wall missing as well as the roof itself. ‘It is not the first time the power station would have been taken down and put back together again. Not many people know that the chimneys were removed during the SecondWorld War to prevent them being targets for German bombers before being replaced. ‘The key to this strategy is that it will be, and will be seen to be, complete at each stage so that the redevelopment project can get started and make positive and rapid progress.’ The architect Terry Farrell telling the Architects’ Journal about his proposal to demolish much of Battersea Power Station in south London, leaving only the front and back elements and their chimneys. An open colonnade screen would connect the two flank walls with the area between being roofed over and redeveloped later. Around the ‘simple and beautiful finished monument’ would be housing and parkland. ‘The learning pill is well sugared, yes, but the key facts are got across.’ Heritage Minister John Penrose announcing that the former X-Factor twins John and Edward (‘Jedward’) Grimes will host a series on Children’s TV channel CBBC in which they will visit world heritage sites across the UK. ‘CANTHE value of culture be measured by government in monetary (or other) terms, or is it “priceless”? Is “measure” the right word? What is “culture” anyway? What does “value” mean and to whom? And how should DCMS go about deciding what to support with public money?’ DCMS consultant Claire Donovan writing in the department’s blog about the issues she is currently considering. ‘What London has got is a huge park strewn with enormous chunks of blandly impenetrable structure. It seems odd for an architecture critic to complain of too much architecture but at the moment when buildings and facilities of real community engagement – from libraries to sports fields – are being closed, the question needs to be asked whether this huge expenditure can be justified for a few brief moments of national pride. ‘The detritus of recent Games, Beijing and Athens in particular, presents a forbidding wasteland. Nothing looks emptier than the rusting desolation of an abandoned fun park. If there is to be a worthwhile legacy of London’s Olympics, the sporting architecture will not be it.’ Edwin Heathcote writing in the Financial Times about the sporting buildings for the 2012 Olympics ‘Under the previous controversial scheme, local communities in some of the most deprived areas of the country were told they would see a transformation of their areas. ‘In reality, this amounted to bulldozing buildings and knocking down neighbourhoods, pitting neighbour against neighbour, demolishing our Victorian heritage and leaving families trapped in abandoned streets. The families in these half-empty ghost streets should not be left desperately hoping for someone to reorder the rubble.’ Housing minister Grant Shapps announcing the allocation of £71 million to help tackle streets left by the housing market renewal pathfinder programme. ‘In awide variety of ways – economic, social and spiritual – our historic environment is one of our outstanding national assets. For too long, government has seen it on the wrong side of the balance sheet. If we want to deliver more prosperous and meaningful lives to our citizens, our heritage is a tool waiting to be picked up and used.’ Heritage Alliance chairman Loyd Grossman commenting on emerging government planning policy as before. It would remain focused on people, rather than buildings. The social rather than physical benefits must be at the centre of any grant application. Morrison said that repair grants for places of worship would continue to be targeted on urgent repairs, and there would be greater emphasis on maintenance and energy efficiency. BrianWhittaker of the Lankelly Chase Foundation reminded delegates that the majority of charitable trusts depended on income from stock market investments. The other immediate challenge was how to respond to the localism agenda and Big Society. Whittaker stressed the need to be confident about the governance of any applicant for funds, and that there would be measurable social benefits from the investment. The most entertaining presentation was by IHBC member Peter Aiers, head of the CCT’s regeneration task force. He took us through his checklist of stages in completing a successful project, with reference to some inspirational examples. The most exciting one was the conversion of the disused Grade II* All Souls Church in Bolton into a community centre. This project certainly ticked all the HLF’s boxes in terms of community engagement.Work will begin on site soon with the aid of a £3.3 million grant. David McDonald, chairman, IHBC London branch The Grade II listed West Lodge in Cardiff’s Bute Park is to be converted into a tea room, with a gift shop and toilets in a new rear extension in the same blue lias limestone.The scheme has been designed by Davies Sutton Architects.The project is supported by a £3.1 million grant from the Heritage Lottery Fund. ISG is the contractor.
RkJQdWJsaXNoZXIy MjgyMjA=