The bandstand in Gloucester is due to be replaced with a mock Victorian one.Photo: Gloucester bandstand
This really isn't good enough - many have been campaigning for the retention of this bandstand for several years and English Heritage was asked to list it in 2005. There are apparently no other George V bandstands on their file anywhere in this country. This is a very rare building - the battle is not lost and there have already been 1,600 signatures on a paper petition to save it - now an online petition has also been launched on the Downing Street site - please consider signing:
http://petitions.pm..gov.uk/glosterbandstand/
3 comments:
The bandstand is a very ugly and very unsafe structure and it is not surprising that the people of Gloucester have overwhelmingly voted to replace it. The options did include a range of designs, and although the Victorian design isn't the choice I would have made, at least this well planned park and maintained park will have a functional and stylish structure instead of a carbuncle. It was very disappointing that English Heritage got involved in such a petty campaign.
Thanks for your views - It is true that last September 1,400 people voted for what they wanted to happen to the landmark.
The four options were:
- to restore the existing bandstand;
- to restore it but with some alterations;
- to create a Victorian-style bandstand
- to create a modern structure with a twin-masted design to reflect the city's maritime connections,
All were at around £160,000 each while option four was at a cost of £70,000.
The results were in favour of the old 1930s bandstand being removed and replaced with a new Victorian-style structure. However...
Firstly the submitted plans do not reflect the option chosen.
Secondly I do not think the full facts were available to people voting. For example both English Heritage and the 20th Century Society have both called for the bandstand to be saved and restored. The cost of this is the same as the fake alternative. English Heritage have also said the proposed Victorian replica was the most questionable option. The Civic Trust has also called the new design dull.
I do not view this bandstand as a carbuncle - indeed have grown quite fond of it over the years - restored I think it will be something which Gloucester can be proud of....
Save this bandstand! The Victorian replacement is the boring, ugly design.
Post a Comment