Greenwich Pier
Now. Let me get this right. Greenwich Council have just refused permission for a four-month experiment of a ferris wheel just outside of the Visitor Centre because it wouldn't look nice.
So how come I read in the Mercury that in the very next week they've welcomed with open arms a proposal to tear down the cute little Victorian waiting room at Greenwich Pier just outside the Visitor Centre and replace it with a neo-brutalist monstrosity which will be permanent?
It couldn't possibly have been approved because it was designed by Conran could it? Honestly - what was Conran going to say? "No - you have a dinky and much-loved little piece of history there - I'd recommend you keep that and add a few loos and a little cafe?" Of course not. He's seen the pound signs and gone for it - and I don't blame him. I blame Greenwich Council for not noticing that they're not wearing any clothes.
Anyone who reads this blog will know that I'm NOT anti-development. I don't oppose everything - each case needs to be taken on its own merits. But this is a WORLD HERITAGE SITE - where's the heritage going to be?
From the picture in the paper, (admittedly - I haven't seen the model, but I don't hold out much hope for it) this copper and timber structure would just about do in a brand new site - like the old hospital. It's vulgar but it presumably ticks boxes for 'design' and 'facilities.' But frankly I'd give the superloo next door more points for looks - and everyone knows what I think of that particular building.
Conran apparently thinks it has a "nautical feel." Excuse me? Am I missing something? What sort of maritime world does Conran live in? It reminds me of a trendy church from the 1980s - which is hardly surprising since that's exactly where Conran is stuck. This is 2007 not 1987.
There are going to be restaurants and balconies - which aparently are going to be "top class, yet informal." So another average eating experience, then.
The only thing that isn't entirely horrid about this is that at least SOMEONE thinks the Victorian building is worth saving. You'll still be able to enjoy its delightful panelling and cute roof - if you go to St Kitts in the Caribbean. They, at least, have seen the merit in this little piece of history and will be transporting it lock, stock and cupola to a railway scheme on the island. The poor old thing looks a little sad and battered at the moment but I daresay St Kitts will give it the spruce-up it deserves.
Anyone seeing any parallels with the Old District Hospital here?
I can just see what's going to happen in a few years time. There will be a climb down from the council who will admit that it's one of the most hated buildings in Greenwich, pay a fortune to have the building demolished, then pay another fortune to St Kitts to get the old building back.
I shake my head in despair.
So how come I read in the Mercury that in the very next week they've welcomed with open arms a proposal to tear down the cute little Victorian waiting room at Greenwich Pier just outside the Visitor Centre and replace it with a neo-brutalist monstrosity which will be permanent?
It couldn't possibly have been approved because it was designed by Conran could it? Honestly - what was Conran going to say? "No - you have a dinky and much-loved little piece of history there - I'd recommend you keep that and add a few loos and a little cafe?" Of course not. He's seen the pound signs and gone for it - and I don't blame him. I blame Greenwich Council for not noticing that they're not wearing any clothes.
Anyone who reads this blog will know that I'm NOT anti-development. I don't oppose everything - each case needs to be taken on its own merits. But this is a WORLD HERITAGE SITE - where's the heritage going to be?
From the picture in the paper, (admittedly - I haven't seen the model, but I don't hold out much hope for it) this copper and timber structure would just about do in a brand new site - like the old hospital. It's vulgar but it presumably ticks boxes for 'design' and 'facilities.' But frankly I'd give the superloo next door more points for looks - and everyone knows what I think of that particular building.
Conran apparently thinks it has a "nautical feel." Excuse me? Am I missing something? What sort of maritime world does Conran live in? It reminds me of a trendy church from the 1980s - which is hardly surprising since that's exactly where Conran is stuck. This is 2007 not 1987.
There are going to be restaurants and balconies - which aparently are going to be "top class, yet informal." So another average eating experience, then.
The only thing that isn't entirely horrid about this is that at least SOMEONE thinks the Victorian building is worth saving. You'll still be able to enjoy its delightful panelling and cute roof - if you go to St Kitts in the Caribbean. They, at least, have seen the merit in this little piece of history and will be transporting it lock, stock and cupola to a railway scheme on the island. The poor old thing looks a little sad and battered at the moment but I daresay St Kitts will give it the spruce-up it deserves.
Anyone seeing any parallels with the Old District Hospital here?
I can just see what's going to happen in a few years time. There will be a climb down from the council who will admit that it's one of the most hated buildings in Greenwich, pay a fortune to have the building demolished, then pay another fortune to St Kitts to get the old building back.
I shake my head in despair.
Labels: News
posted by The Greenwich Phantom at
08:46
13 Comments:
I hate to say it but....I quite like the idea in theory. I must admit I haven't seen the plans in depth but the concept sounds good. At the moment the pier is a disgrace - tacky tourist cruise booths which are totally confusing, a small cafe (usually closed), old fridges and a car park. Welcome to Greenwich everyone. At least if it was developed it would be clean. Hopefully they could make the river boat service more attractive, have a nice cafe overlooking the water (note to Greenwich council: this does not mean a Starbucks or Subway) and a decent restaurant or two (note 2 to Greenwich council: do not under any circumstances let Greenwich Inc run this). As long as the designs are vaguely in keeping with the surroundings, I think it is a positive thing. There is of course plenty of scope for Greenwich council to screw this up but, for once, I would give them the chance to do it properly.
I hear what you're saying - and there are definitely bits that should go. I could lose the fridges, the tacky tour booths, the dead cafe and the car park. That whole concrete area is gloomy in the extreme.
But we shouldn't be throwing the baby out with the bathwater. The original parts of what I'll agree has become a bit of a dog's dinner are lovely. Why does everything have to go? St Kitts have seen its merit - why can't we?
BTW I got a tip-off yesterday about Greenwich Inc. Apparently The Old Royal Naval College are renovating the bar under the chapel and have sold the old bar itself to Mr Dowling. I wonder what he has in mind for that, then...
Not another one?! Surely there must be some kind of monopolies law against this? Why not sell him the whole of Greenwich and be done with it? He can have my house if he wants, make it into a bar. What depressing news... if he gets involved in the pier project then that's it, I'm moving!
I have no idea what the new project will be - only that I heard he's bought the bar furniture.
the Yank must be stopped.
I haven't seen the plans for the new pier, but the old one's nasty. Get rid and start again.
(note to Greenwich council: please go away and ruin somewhere else, though)
Hi Inspector Sands - welcome to the board!
I disagree that the WHOLE of the old pier is nasty - there are some v. good bits - the original stuff - which I think is nice. It's only what's been done to it that's horrid. I wonder what they'll do with the Victorian railings.
Answers on a postcard, please...
Haven't I reviewed it already? How remiss. I'll get onto asap, though since I haven't been in a couple of months I guess in the interests of fairness I should visit again (it's a tough job, but someon ehas to do it...)
I'm surprised they refused the ferris wheel. It has been successful in the other places it has opened. It's by the same events firm who do the Christmas ice rinks, which are always a huge success.
That whole area of Greenwich is looking a total mess at the moment anyway; it took them so long to finish to Naval College building and re-paving and now it has been wrecked by the Sark renovations, which seem to have been taken on by the worlds messiest construction company. There is so much crap everywhere and they are now going to burden us with Pier works too.
And the council reckons a ferris wheel would look a mess? Tsk.
Amazing, isn't it. I'd definitely have given it a go - it was hardly a permanent fixture after all. And the ice rink's fab...
As a 'newbie' to greenwich, please could you explain to me what/who "Greewich Inc" is/are?!
I've just bought a house in the area and am really exciting about starting my london life (I'm a country girl), so your website has been a dream!!
Hey Newbie! Welcome to Greenwich. It's a fantastic part of London - much maligned by snooty people in the rest of the city - which leaves all teh more for us!
You ask a valid point about Greenwich Inc. Basically it's the company owned by an American property tycoon Frank Dowling. You won't get far without coming across him. He owns half of Greenwich's bars/restaurants and eateries and has his eye on the other half. His speciality is taking a quirky little place and - well - corporatising it. Not so that it's utterly appalling - just rubbing off the rough edges that make it exciting and different. He stops any music or other initiatives going on there and concentrates on making as much cash out of tourists as possible.
The meals aren't terrible - just unexciting. The places aren't unusable - in fact I still eat in them from time to time - though more and more I prefer to stick to the places he hasn't hijacked yet.
He has created a lot of bad feeling in the area - but generally I suspect most people are just worried that in creating his own little Greenwich "chain" he will eventually stifle everything.
I'm glad you found this site. It's a daily blog - so hopefully you'll visit often - and comment too!
I will soon have a specific "Ask the Phantom" button - but for now if you leave a message on the nearest relevant topic, I'll do my best to answer it.
Happy times in Greenwich!
Thanks Phantom - am looking forward to learning lots about the area. I read with interest your comments about the coffee shop - I'd love to set up a coffee and cake shop with a book exchange and comfy sofas and proper kitchen sized tables so you don't have to all cram round a daft sized footstool! I am going to do my best to investigate how I can make this project work - anyone who wants to invest - let me know!
Huzzah! Keep us informed - we'll all visit...
Hmm - book exchange eh - hadn't considered that but like the sound of it.
Mines a lemon drizzle cake, please. And Union Roasters coffee.
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