Save The Royal Alexandra
from Demolition
What is it?
The Royal Alexandra Children's Hospital was
built in 1880 and is a beautiful Victorian
building with amazing architecture, character
and presence which we believe should be
preserved - not demolished.
Over the years there have been additions to
cater for the expanding hospital needs but
overall the fabric of the building remains very
much intact.
So touching are the children's pictures that are
still present in the windows. It reminds us that
what went on in this building once saved
children's lives - now it is our turn to save
this beautiful and historic building!
Where is it?
It is situated at the top of Clifton Hill on
Dyke Road in
Brighton in a very central position within the
Brighton community. (Map
courtesy of Google)
What is happening?
Taylor Wimpey acquired the site without
planning permission with the intention of
demolishing it and building flats.
Twice their planning application has been
rejected although they are appealing on this
decision. (view
public inquiry notice here)
Why might they succeed?
Taylor Wimpey are an experienced developer and the current
appeal includes concessions and a
nod to the government to provide a percentage of
affordable housing, commercial floor space, a GP
surgery and a pharmacy.
The greater the concession the higher the
chance in succeeding and obtaining permission.
Who am I?
My name is Rob Wassell and I am former
Chairman of the the trust that tried to acquire
the Belle Toute Lighthouse situated at Beachy
Head.
Through my involvement with the trust I
amassed a lot of contacts, knowledge and
experience and a real passion for community
projects and the protection of our history.
The lighthouse is now in new ownership and
being renovated before being opened to the
public. A project itself I am very pleased to
still be involved with.
Belle Toute was one thing, but the
Royal Alex is a different game in a
completely different league.
Taylor Wimpey are a very wealthy developer with a lot of money and
resource behind them. They already own the land
and it is a case of them finding the right
balance of providing housing and the concessions
required to obtain permission before they can
proceed.
We must also not lose sight that the council
would benefit hugely from the additional council
tax and rates that a new development would
bring. The deck is well and truly stacked
against us.
Why should I care?
I used to live in Brighton. I spent a big
portion of my life there and I still regard it
as home.
I also had to go to the Royal Alexandra for
treatment as did many of my friends therefore it
is close to my heart in many ways.
I love history and I love architecture and
whilst I recognise that we need to progress in
terms of a society with housing and facilities, I
also believe that we should protect our
heritage. Just as I was passionate about Belle Toute, I believe The Royal is worthy of
protection too.
What can we do?
Public opinion can be very persuasive and the
first thing we need to do is to rally together
to form a strong collaborative voice.
Many of us are guilty of apathy in this day
and age. We are more than willing to moan and
groan to our mates down the pub but less willing
to stand up and take action for what we believe
in. I truly believe that this building is worth
saving and renovating in its current form and I
have picked up the gauntlet to take a stand.
I can't do this on my own. I have stepped forward and I
want other people to pledge their support. If you believe that this
beautiful historic building should be saved,
then step forward and join me. Without you, we
don't stand a chance.
I am not just talking of membership to a
Facebook group either, I mean voicing our
concerns via petition, speaking to the media and
any other mechanism that will help our voices be
heard.
Retention of the facade
Taylor Wimpey have said that it is not cost
effective to retain the facade yet overall the
building doesn't look to bad at all to me.
I am sure it will be much cheaper to demolish
the building and rebuild it using economical
materials although it is the facade that gives
it character and presence.
Hopefully this is what will be ruled and this
is what Taylor Wimpey will have to accept if
they wish to proceed with development on this
site.
But do we actually need more housing or could
the community benefit by something else?
What if Taylor Wimpey don't go ahead?
This building needs to be saved for a reason
and if Taylor Wimpey decide that it is not an
economical project to do something with the
existing building, then I have an
idea.
Brighton is one of the key creative centres
in the entire United Kingdom. It has artists,
musicians, actors, writers, comedians and more - therefore
my idea is to create The Royal Alexandra Centre
of Creativity.
It will provide
studios for artists and painters, rooms for bands to
practice, places for writers to meet and discuss
their work, function rooms and the potential for
so much.
Obviously it needs to make money to survive,
but its facilities will be provided at a rate
that is both fair and affordable. Artists will
be charged for their studios, rooms and
facilities will be charged out at a daily rate.
With no shareholders to satisfy all we need to
do is to ensure that we make enough to cover our
costs.
With its central location and the need for
affordable facilities it is sure to succeed.
A big mountain to climb!
Having good intentions is one thing but this
is a very big mountain to climb.
I have no idea how much Taylor Wimpey paid
for this site although I am sure they will want
a hefty return on investment for their
shareholders. Unless the retention of the facade
seriously threatens their project I am sure they
will find some mid-ground of concession with the
council.
However, if they do back down and the Centre of
Creativity is a possibility then this will be a
lot of hard work.
This will require approaching the council,
charities and other bodies for support as well as fund
raising ourselves.
This will also require the formation of a
trust with the appointment of a chairman,
trustees and members.
It will require a lot of administration,
accountancy, fund raising and so much more.
It will also require time and effort from
people willing to be hands-on. People to repair, paint and decorate to
give their time for nothing other than the
reward, satisfaction and enjoyment of the
participation in something good for the
community.
The Collaborative Project
I formed The Collaborative Project as a
volunteer group to get the public involved and
participating in community events. 'The Story'
was our first event, although since then the
opportunities and possibilities have grown to
such an extent that we are to become involved
with more events during the year including a charity calendar for the
current owners of Belle Toute. I suggest
therefore that this is a more than suitable
banner for this project.
Will you join me in taking a stand and
making a difference in our community?
This is your chance to make a difference.
This is your chance to stand and be counted for
something you believe in.
I am willing to give my time, effort, energy
and enthusiasm to this project, but what are you
prepared to give?
I never believed I could
achieve so much with Belle Toute, but I did
because I had the passion and determination to
make a difference.
So what are you going
to do? Contact me here:
help@royalalex.org.uk
Facebook group:
http://www.facebook.com/group.php?gid=67788652275
Rob Wassell
The Collaborative Project
4th April 2009 |
