Former Huddersfield Technical College
Application from 2018 finally determined:
Thankfully the main portico building will not be lost to this development (which looks to be predominantly surface carparking). However the latter elements of the stone building are to be lost, including the linking tower from 1876. The entire building benefits from a Grade II* listing, however this has tacitly only applied to what was the 1831 Infirmary building.
The original Infirmary building, shown with the 1876 extension to the right, including the linking tower which will be demolished
The bulk of the campus to be lost dates from 1932, and hints towards an art deco character. The building fronting Halifax Road is from earlier (circa 1901), and boasts an excellent mansard roof, the loss of which will be regrettable for Huddersfield.
It is a shame that the towers and the 1901 block couldn’t be negotiated for, as they are stunning buildings that establish a strong urban grain in this part of the Town Centre.
The new supermarket will be a stark contrast with the ornate civic character of the college. The apartments to the north laudably address the street frontage. However, the contrasting architecture of the buildings my result in the Old Infirmary appearing as an awkward relic.
It is also frustrating that this approval has suddenly appeared 4 years after the original application. It will be quite a shock to the people of Huddersfield to see this quarter being suddenly torn up.
The art deco (ish) elevation facing Portland Street, which will be lost
Terraced High Street in Bradford
A row of Victorian commercial buildings to be demolished for a retail park:
This Victorian Terrace has lost much of its character thanks to the relaxed approach to signage and box dormers in Bradford, but a keen eye can still see the original detailing of the frontage and rhythm of the building line.
However, what is lamentable here is the proposed replacement – the curiously named ‘Jinnah Park’:
Quite an intensification of land, and a significant departure in character. Still, I’m sure Jinnah Park will be a commercial success, and if it makes one of Bradford’s newest communities feel they have made a their mark on the city, then maybe its the right move.
The Beehive Inn, Salford
A community owned pub in Salford to be bulldozed:
This pub, themed on the iconic Manchester Bee (albeit in Salford) was saved from conservation to flats in 2016 by a Norwegian Manchester City fan.
Described by the Salford Star as the last pub in the area, its loss would resonate through this beleaguered community. ‘This community needs this pub, there needs to be something for the community, you can’t take everything away from it’ one resident commented when the pub faced closure in 2016.
Closed in march and quickly sold to a developer, there is no evidence to demonstrate the lack of demand for a pub here. Quite the opposite in fact.
I hope the planning officers engages the full arm of planning policy, now that the demolition of pubs have been removed from the general permitted development order – with good reason.
The pub shown in red, was once surrounded by industry and housing, but now is within a desolate urban edge
The Brewers Arms, Ladybarn, Manchester
Suburban pub in south Manchester to be demolished for 3 houses:
Closed since late 2019 and yet to reopen following Covid, the pub is up for demolition with the developer arguing that the windows would be inadequate for residential conservation. I don’t see it myself.
The only pub in Ladybarn, this charming building with an unmatching gable pair would render this area of the City without a local. Once unheard of, swathes of residential suburbs are losing their local hubs, be it shops, pubs, or banks. Houses and Lidls are the future it would seem.
Amazingly, this street is just around the corner from a student area. Students still drink occasionally don’t they?
The last social media post suggests the pub closed because the landlord left for an adventure. No evidence to suggest that a pub is not viable here. Its another example of a brewery cashing in on their assets for a quick balancing of the books after a tough year.
George Hotel, Hull
Pub to be lost just down the road from the KC stadium in Hull:
This late Victorian Pub has been subject to arson in the l last few years, leaving it bereft of a functioning roof. Its location, near the football stadium, would see a decent footfall here if properly enticed as there is no doubt about a demand for pints in this location.
Left redundant since 2016, the pub has been inevitably been vandalised and set ablaze. A few years ago the demolition would not have required planning permission, so it is good to see a full application subject to the Conservation Officer’s consideration come in. Unfortunately the building is now a hazard and the demolition is likely to be given the go ahead.
The first of many pubs to be flattened this month…
Wybourn Hotel, Sheffield
Pub to make way for a car wash:
Its been a quiet few months in demolition terms, which is good news for Yorkshire’s built heritage.
Sadly this month sees a charming pub in Sheffield up for the chop to make way for a concrete hardstanding that would be a car wash.
This pub is just down the road from the iconic Park Hill, which is now a thriving residence of bright young things. But they don’t seem to go to the pub. To my knowledge, there is no other drinkery for miles. The thousands of houses in Wybourne will no longer have a local.
The Council could resist this, as it would be a change of use and intensify the vehicle egress onto the highway. At that point im sure a number of uses would come forward that would result in the retention of the building. And in years to come maybe the residents of Park Hill will decide to be more sociable.
Victorian Terrace, Birstall
Adandonned Victorian terrace in Birstall:
A very modest terrace of four dwellings, two stories to the front, three to the rear. Classic Victorian housing stock that could have lasted forever if looked after.
The image above doesn’t show any building of architectural merit, but it is the short stone terraced rows like this that make west yorkshire special. They will be replaced with an undisclosed supermarket. Aldi or Lidl I expect.
Minus 4 units for Kirklees’ housing target then.
Nelson Inn, Thornhill Lees, Dewsbury
Pub in South Dewsbury demolished: www.kirklees.gov.uk/beta/planning-applications/search-for-planning-applications/detail.aspx?id=2022/92094
The Nelson Inn, having been closed for around a year has been demolished unlawfully by accounts from the local residents. This is strange, as the propsed plans do not show any alterations to the building, just its conversion to an Islamic learning centre and prayer room.
The applicant states that they will rebuild like for like, but I anticipate a few minor amendments coming in, or even an alternative scheme one the the principle of development is approved.
I cant think why any religeous institution would wish to invest in a building that resembles a Victorian pub. I’ll be keeping my eye on this one.
Woodman Inn, Todmorden
Long since derelict pub to be dropped for 6 houses near Todmorden, Calderdale:
Looking back through Google Street View, this pub hasn’t been in use for a very long time. And it’s clear why. The area lost its mill, and much of the housing around this area has been demolished, as can be seen from the historic map below from circa 1900.
Planning permission for its conservation into flats was refused back in 2009, which would have been a much better option, but alas it is in Green Belt. Going even further back, in 2000 the conversion was approved. Frustrating planning inconsistency.
This fantastic website (www.halifaxpeople.com) has some interesting old images of the pub in a more prosperous time, in which it was part of a nascent village. It would seem the neighboring terraces were demolished to allow for the pub car park. It also looks like the tall chimneys have been removed. Sad to see not just the pub go, but a mill and it’s contingent community over a protracted century of decline.
*I have used images from their site for not profitable purposes
The Bird In Hand, Garforth
Estate pub to be pulled down for housing:
This 20th-century pub lies at the heart of a housing estate, and was envisaged as a hub in this suburban extension to Garforth. Its not a particulary historic pub, or of any architectural merit, but nonetheless, the monotony of cul-de-sacs and dormer bungalows benefits from a public building tieing everything together.
And it’s always worth a moment to lament when an English pub is erased to make way for some drab housing.
The Demolition Register 