I struggle with the love of those buildings. Apart from them being ugly, they represent owners that didn't care that much for the people going out to sea, but made a tidy sum of money off their backs. I can't help thinking that there are better monuments to those that actually took the risks and sacrifices. On a similar note, how many other industries would recognise the dangers, and show 'benevolence' by building places for the inevitable orphans to live? It's just bizarre.
I’ve said much the same before in real life and been shouted down by people accusing me of disrespecting local heritage. Insofar as it serves as a memorial for me it’s one to exploitation rather than the exploited.
The tower and pump house are Grade II listed, but the main building isn’t. There’s still an outcry whenever anyone suggests getting rid though, and I doubt HCC will ever allow it until it’s beyond saving. Hence the impasse we’re currently at. https://historicengland.org.uk/listing/the-list/list-entry/1197632
I drove past the Shotwell building, next to Drypool Bridge, earlier today and it looks like they're attaching steelwork to hang new cladding from. Hopefully a decent colour scheme, and something that stays clean. The views expressed in my posts are not necessarily mine.
A £400k levelling up grant has been given to The Venue, a new £1.9m sports and entertainment venue, which will open in the old Argos unit on Lowgate... please log in to view this image