Victory not deserving of preservation
There are a lot of discussions as to whether we should be demolishing certain buildings in Leicester.
A particular one is the Victory (formerly Bedford) Hotel, in Aylestone Road, which was recently referred to in your newspaper, ("Dismayed to learn of pub's demolition", Mailbox, January 4).
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The writer questioned if it was right to demolish the building to make more car parking for Leicester Royal Infirmary.
I believe the building is of no visual value and certainly does not qualify as "heritage".
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In fact, it's an eyesore on a very prominent junction and removing it would help to enhance the area.
It would certainly help the car parking problem for the hospital.
I'm not against preserving our well-designed Victorian buildings, but let those who make the decisions be sensible and selective as to whether a building meets the criteria needed to qualify or not.
When a property is being considered for preservation, remember the huge cost of maintenance.
A good example of being sensible, was the Bow Street iron bridge which, against the wishes of some, was demolished.
Now the university has completed the sports centre, the whole area has been transformed beyond recognition.
This would never have been possible had the old bridge remained.
Ray Newcombe, Aylestone.
3 Comments
by elisabeth1
Monday, February 18 2013, 6:26AM
“With its location I am surprised it is even going to be a car park.
Leicester+cars is really a "no go area".
Now Leicester+student accomodation is YESSSSS.
It could be another architectural classic landmark like the toilet roll tower aroun the corner.”
by karinfall1955
Wednesday, February 13 2013, 6:33PM
“Yes Ray, the whole area has been transformed beyond recognition. I must confess I have not heard of the Bow STREET Bridge, however, think you must mean the BowSTRING Bridge. The area now has all the ambience and character of a gulag with the ghastly shiny sports centre. You obviously like it - I don't.”
by keiran
Wednesday, February 13 2013, 9:15AM
“With just a bit of design intent,the whole facade of all the buildings in the lovely picture could have been preserved and as many car parks as wanted built behind them.The joke known as Leicester City Planning Department must have been trained in Eastern Germany or China on developements.Just look at the lovely multi storey car park just after The Victory.Loverly !
Maybe even Lee Street car park will get a listed building status.
A stupid idea added to this,is that the council park and ride system does not go to the hospital.If it did,there may not be a need for further parking,and people would maybe use the empty spaces at park n ride sites.”