One chance
SIR, — I read with concern about the long-awaited scheme to redevelop St Albans police station (Herts Advertiser, March 27). This site is a significant part of the city centre south area that is occupied by a number of obsolete and ugly buildings from the
SIR, - I read with concern about the long-awaited scheme to redevelop St Albans police station (Herts Advertiser, March 27). This site is a significant part of the city centre south area that is occupied by a number of obsolete and ugly buildings from the 1950s.
We have a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to redevelop an important part of the city. We must ensure that we create something of architectural merit that serves the needs of the community and enhances the built environment of our historic city. This will not be achieved by developer-led schemes for individual sites.
The district council is currently in the process of reviewing the long-term direction of the city centre through the Local Development Framework and the City Centre Visioning project. The visioning project in particular is a reaction to concerns being aired by a broad range of interest groups about the city's ability to change and adapt in appropriate ways to serve the needs of the community while respecting and complementing the historic environment that makes it unique. The project will provide a direction for private and public investment and identify the priorities for action. It would be totally inappropriate for the council to prejudge the outcome of this project and allow a piecemeal approach.
The redevelopment of the city centre south must meet the aspirations and needs of the community. We must not allow another repetition of the fiasco that derailed the Bricket Road cinema scheme.
You may also want to watch:
CLLR DAVID CANHAM,
St Albans District Council.
Most Read
- 1 April 12: Your guide to what can open from Monday when COVID lockdown rules ease
- 2 The latest court results for the St Albans area
- 3 Quarter of tenants become owners at St Albans development
- 4 What are the district's best pub gardens to visit from April 12?
- 5 Food, glorious food! Tom Kerridge's tasty menus announced for Alfresco Diner in St Albans
- 6 April 12: Rhino crash marks re-opening of Whipsnade Zoo
- 7 Doors opening again for Harpenden retailers on April 12
- 8 Shop Local: Mums team up for pop-up opening on April 12
- 9 Hundreds of Herts health workers decline COVID-19 vaccines
- 10 'Hero without a cape' comes to the aid of Park Street resident