Conservation groups celebrate after Smithfield buildings are saved
- Published: 08 August 2008 10:46
- Author: Richard Vaughan
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- Last Updated: 08 August 2008 11:15
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Heritage bodies are hailing their success following Communities Secretary Hazel Blears' decision to block KPF and Thornfield's plans to demolish the 19th-century Smithfield General Market in central London (AJ online 07.08.08).
SAVE Britain's Heritage president Marcus Binney said: 'This is one of the biggest inquiries SAVE has ever fought, requiring an immense commitment in time and resources. The General Market Buildings have been scandalously neglected by the City Corporation.
'At the inquiry the City conceded that the market made a significant contribution to the conservation area. The market buildings should now be offered for sale. If they are they can very quickly become as lively, attractive and popular as Borough Market south of the river.'
Former SAVE secretary Adam Wilkinson said: 'The decision clearly vindicates SAVE's position on the buildings – that they are attractive, reusable buildings that contribute positively to the conservation area.
'The decision blows Thornfield's case clean out of the water, and shows that conservation area protection does, if taken seriously, still mean something.'
English Heritage's chief executive Simon Thurley said the decision shows the importance of unlisted historic buildings.
He said: 'This decision proves that the historic environment is about much more than just individual listed buildings. This is an acknowledgement of the many unlisted – but not unloved – buildings that collectively create a powerful sense of place and positively contribute to the fabric of the city.
'At a time when there is increasing concern about sustainability and the sensible use of resources and energy, it would be irresponsible to demolish a building like this.'
Thurley added: 'We are disappointed that the Corporation of London's good record for conservation of listed buildings has been undermined by its willingness to neglect these historic buildings and in doing so, disregarded national planning policy (PPG15 3.37).
'We now expect the Corporation to take the opportunity to bring forward a creative scheme for the repair and reuse of the General Market Building, Annex and Red House Cold Store, to enable them to fully contribute to the important conservation area in which they sit.'
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