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A vision of what the courts could look like |
Historic court to be bulldozed
Campaigners’ and council chiefs’ dismay as plan to save building is overturned
MARYLEBONE Magistrates’ Court will be demolished to make way for a new ‘super court’ after the decision to save the former swimming baths was overturned.
Her Majesty’s Court Service (HMCS) demanded a public inquiry after Westminster Council threw out plans to redevelop the site in Marylebone Road following opposition from the Victorian Society.
Campaigners have been joined by the council in denouncing the decision, which will boost the number of court rooms in the building from four to 10 when it reopens in 2010.
Following the inquiry in February, Inspector Daphne Mair sided with HMCS, giving the go-ahead for the revamp.
The new facility has been put forward as the answer to Westminster’s archaic court facilities following the sell-off of Bow Street in 2006, and the uncertainty that hangs over the future of Westminster Magistrates’ Court in Horseferry Road.
In her report the inspector said: “My conclusion is that this building would indeed provide an unequivocal signal of its civic significance and the presence and stature of justice in the community. It would continue the long-standing judicial contribution of this site to the character of the area.”
During the inquiry campaign groups including the Victorian Society, the Marylebone Association and the St Marylebone Society, voiced opposition to the plans, claiming the demolition of the baths would be a “destruction of our heritage”.
Heloise Brown from the Victorian Society said: “This is a great shame for everyone who has worked hard to protect this rare historic complex.
“The baths on Marylebone road do so much to define the character of this part of London and stand as a testament to the civic pride that inspired them. Now all that is going to be lost. It’s very disappointing.”
John Walker, head of development planning services at the council said: “Although we fully support the redevelopment of this site, we are disappointed we will lose the beautiful facade of the original building.
“The facade is of historic and architectural importance to the conservation area and contributes greatly to the character of Marylebone Road.
“I am personally saddened the Planning Inspectorate has agreed to let it go.”
An HMCS spokesperson said: “We are pleased that the inspector granted consent to our application.
“We are now considering when to start the rebuild.” |
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