I NOTE your article, which alleges that “Cala Homes has released new details of work to be carried out on the David Stow building” (“Developer says Jordanhill flats plan will ‘reinstate’ B-listed building, The Herald, November 6).
Few would argue with the contention that the removal of 1960s and 1970s buildings will enhance the prominence of the historic David Stow building within the Site of Special Landscape Importance. But that’s not what is happening here.
This “battery hen” approach effectively obliterates the central core of the building which contains the Council Chamber and Francis Tombs Hall. What the article fails to mention is that the original proposal for conversion of the building included the retention of these spaces for continued shared community use.
National and local precedents indicate that it is possible to successfully conserve and reuse heritage buildings to achieve high quality sustainable places that respond and contribute positively to the environment and still retain their heritage values. Modern demands can easily be accommodated by adopting shared-space concepts applied to these large volume and character spaces reflecting their historic character. It is not acceptable to convert these public spaces and hide important architectural features to benefit high density sub-division to residential use.
Protecting and enhancing the city’s historic environment requires greater innovation than demonstrated in the developers proposals. We would appeal to the planning applications committee to satisfy themselves on the extent of the proposed conversion works by visiting the building prior to the public hearing.
John Grierson,
Secretary, Jordanhill Community Council,
Victoria Park Drive North, Jordanhill, Glasgow.
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