Details of some issues where we have led or supported campaigns are shown below.
Conservation 50
2019 was the 50th Anniversary of a Conservation Area in St. Albans, whose Local Authority was among the first to implement the scheme. The primary purpose of Conservation Areas was “the protection and improvement of buildings of architectural or historic interest and of the character of areas of such interest”. Conservation 50 is a collaboration between St Albans Civic Society, Abbey Precincts Residents Association and Aboyne Residents Association. Public events were organised to celebrate the first St Albans Conservation Area, to assess its value to the city and residents throughout the District, and to establish what is necessary for the protection and enhancement of our Conservation Areas in the future.
Drovers Way
It surely comes as no surprise that the British public ‘overwhelmingly’ showed a preference for traditional architecture over brutalism in a recent poll conducted by the Policy Exchange. The survey of over 1,500 people found that the majority liked public buildings built in the 19th -century style through to the early 20th century the best. Top of the poll came Bristol City Hall built in 1952 to a Neo-Georgian style. Indeed, the top five were all built in a traditional design whilst those at the bottom of the poll were all post-modern and brutalist, built after 1960. We can draw some similar comparisons right here in St Albans along St Peter’s Street. Framed at the southern end is the former Town Hall, built 1830 to a Neo-Grecian style, architect George Smith. Whilst we have seen the once brutal façade of the BHS building demolished, there are the somewhat block-like buildings opposite currently housing Barclays and a betting shop, namely Lockey and Forrester Houses respectively (Gibbard 1960). We wonder how people rate them?
That BHS building has been replaced by a new hotel (Travelodge) which with its more traditional brick façade, and despite some controversial adornments, blends in much better with the street scene. Its entrance is in Drovers Way. There an opportunity presents itself – but will it be missed? Drovers Way, until recently presented a very off-putting look to anyone arriving into St Albans seeking this cathedral city’s multi-storey car park. It gave a bad impression and more like some ‘armpit of St Albans’ welcome. But things have started to change for the better. Now there is the Premier Inn building’s entrance, a modern block of flats on the former Butler’s site and the new Travelodge entrance. The market stalls compound might be up for possible development; the former nightclub is to become residential and there is the area at the rear of the empty Holland and Barrett and Pound Shop stores.
This is a real opportunity to enhance the streetscape. It is to be hoped architects, developers and the Council’s planners and Councillors will take notice of the recent poll and the public’s preference for well-designed, modern buildings reflecting some traditional characteristics with an overall planning vision. Along with some pedestrian safety measures at certain pinch points, Drovers Way could become considerably enhanced, thus demonstrating the Government’s aim in its planning reforms to ‘build beautiful’ in keeping with local designs and people’s preferences.
April 2021
Tree Charter
Trees really matter to our city and the people who live and work in it. They are individually beautiful and in groups they can have as great a visual impact as architecture. But they are much more than decoration – they are the lungs of the city and a major natural engine for removing carbon emissions and pollutants from the air that we breathe. At a time when Earth’s ecosystem is under extreme threat from Man’s mismanagement, we cannot afford to ignore the vital role of trees. They must be respected as beautiful and dependable allies, not treated as a nuisance or a disposable resource.
The trees that touch us most are those that live among us, along our street, in the local park, beside our school or place of work, and in our gardens. Trees give the best urban landscapes their distinctive character. Like us, they grow and change, and eventually die. They need space to breathe and support to thrive.
The Society has produced a Tree Charter for our city, especially our parks, playing fields, open spaces, roads and gardens. It is not aimed at the rural landscape outside the city, but naturally the urban parts of the green belt will come into its scope.
Civic matters waiting to be fixed?
The last two years have been difficult. The city and Country have endured a plague. We all know how it has affected us, mentally and physically. We are not out of the woods yet but slowly things are getting back to normal. We must be optimistic. But the Covid years have left scars and changes in St Albans life. Let’s look at some of them. Gone are the frequent stories of Thameslink delays and overcrowding. Rather it’s been tales of sometimes almost empty trains as they have managed to keep running. For a city so dependent on its fast link to London, credit where credit’s due. Now so many people are working from home, how will this affect the future level of our services? Likewise with buses?
The city’s famous Charter Markets have taken a hit. They are often reported to be a shadow of their former selves. Is that because of Covid or the hiatus over the Council’s ongoing proposals, plus stalls versus gazebos? Perhaps it’s a combination? What is apparent is that there has been an exodus of some of our well-known traders. That’s not good for the city’s economy and image which depends so much on these historic markets. There is the on-going debate about the Arena Theatre – suddenly closed in the pantomime season. It’s all part of the vision for the Civic Centre Opportunity Site North development. Should the Arena be demolished or not in future plans? And let’s not forget that Roman mosaic inside the foyer – sadly hidden under sticky carpet tiles! The debate continues. There is to be a competition to enable the public to express a preference.
Verulamium Park still manages to get Green Flag status. Quite remarkable really, considering its flooded, dismal loos permanently closed and now up for demolition. (That’s one way to solve a problem!). And there is the on-going saga of the stinking lakes. Lucky, then, not to have had heat wave summers in the last two years! Yet life still goes on in this great city of ours. The Civic Society has endeavoured to be on the case with all these issues and more. It seeks the views and opinions not only from its members, but you, the reader of our regular column. This will help the committee not only to keep in touch but formulate policies and priorities on how to respond to these various issues and achieve a satisfactory fix. Do tell us what YOU think to stalbanscivicsociety@gmail.com
October 2022