Solutions not Conflict for Bedlington.

[Maggie/915]

Today I took a few pictures of the Market Place Site.

It is huge!i

So much could replace the existing buildings.

However the existing buildings are so piecemeal that maybe a fresh approach is needed.

Tesco's and the other old buildings are attached to each other, and to The Market Tavern. ( Howard Arms)

We need some experts to devise plans .

This may mean sections are pull down' .

Shop fronts that planners are insisting stay may hold up any investment.

Heritage initiative may be holding things back.

One old building was said to Daniel Gooch's school

We have at this moment a blank canvas someone somewhere must be interested.

Shop fronts could be left and behind could be new build.

I challenge planners councillors local and national to come up with a plan.

Not merely to replace all with houses.

Plans that would benefit the community.

Developers in Bedlington given permission to build but they have to help develop and invest in our town.

No get out clause because 'allegedly' no one wants to live next to shops.

[Maggie/915]

Sorry seems for some pictures I am on the other side of the World again.

[John Fox (foxy)]

Brickie Wanted for restoration project.

 

[Scorpio]

Brickie Wanted for restoration project.

You could ask them to have a go at the hole in the chimney of Lairds House when they turn up (should be easy - the hole is big enough for the brickie to work in the loft and lean out of !)

 

Shop fronts that planners are insisting stay may hold up any investment ... Shop fronts could be left and behind could be new build.

Not merely to replace all with houses.

No get out clause because 'allegedly' no one wants to live next to shops.

 

Hopefully it's ok to mention areas outside of Bedlington - let me know if not. A lot of Newcastle had the same problem in the 80s/90s, several of the Grainger buildings had listed / protected frontages so the developers kept the fronts and gutted the insides.

pic of Binns (Farnons was same) http://i698.photobucket.com/albums/vv345/manorpark_photos/Binns1998demolitionforTJHughes.jpg

more info here http://www.skyscrapercity.com/showthread.php?t=1005737&page=6

 

It depends what options are open to developers. I believe they need to pay VAT when buying materials etc to work on an existing building, but new builds / houses are VAT exempt. That's not an incentive to protect existing buildings. Planning departments etc will also influence what is practical.

 

I may be an exception to the rule, but the only time I would consider living in a flat would be over a daytime shop (so you know there's no noisy neighbours when they go home at 5pm). I've also turned down a flat next to a taxi office / chippy as it would never be quiet. Guess it depends on the shop in question.

 

There should always be a way, but it often needs a few different groups to agree the best way to get there (not easy when you have developers, planners, conservation, and funding teams all involved, all wanting to go in different directions...)

 

Cheers,

Pete

[Canny lass]

Have you been at that Sherry again Maggie!

[Alan Edgar (Eggy1948)]

Sorry seems for some pictures I am on the other side of the World again.

[Maggie/915]

Thanks Eggy.

[Maggie/915]

I will buy the sherry Canny Lass you just get over here to drink it.

[Maggie/915]

Right how about a Boutique Hotel.

Seriously we have a unique selling point.

History and more.

Learn the language .

Understand the culture.

Live the dream.

Over stated but nevertheless it could work.

Gentrified Bedlington.

Why not?

King John loved our town.

Blank Canvas.

[mercuryg]

"Right how about a Boutique Hotel."

 

Interesting idea; I know of few places to stay around here, but my friends at The Swan seem to decent trade.

[Pete]

"Right how about a Boutique Hotel."

 

Interesting idea; I know of few places to stay around here, but my friends at The Swan seem to decent trade.

The Swan, stayed there well worth the money, rooms are fantasic and the food.

[Maggie/915]

I was thinking about the unfinished building in the Market Place.

[mercuryg]

The Swan, stayed there well worth the money, rooms are fantasic and the food.

 

Great beer and lovely people too!

[Pete]

Great beer and lovely people too!

A good selection of real ale.