Harringay, Haringey - So Good they Spelt it Twice!
The End of Hornsey No. 1 Gasholder
Some pics for HOL of the Dismantling of Hornsey No. 1. I thought this would be completely gone before I got back from hols but it seems it's taken longer than anticipated...
Tags for Forum Posts: hornsey gasholder
Replies to This Discussion
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Permalink Reply by Old-Age-Emporium(OAE) on
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Curmudgeon?? From Tyrone??? Now you're really insulting me, Eugene. We rear no curmudgeons in Armagh.
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Permalink Reply by EMC2 on
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Only pulling your leg. I'm from the bit where nature has lavished its bounty...
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More beauty than bounty through Newtown, Forkhill, Crossmaglen (or even Culloville!).
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Permalink Reply by Karen Alexander on
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Very sad news indeed. Haringey Council have no vision and should be ashamed to have destroyed such beautiful, historically important pieces of our local history.
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Permalink Reply by Ian on
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See how (admittedly new) gas holders are being incorporated into new builds in kings cross, I though that it was a nice way to reference the industrial past of the area.
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Newly refurbished and reconstructed they are, having been dismantled some years ago. Another one, the largest, frames a pocket park. But those gasholder frames had the advantage of being listed and highly visible, and in a high-value development area.
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Permalink Reply by Colin Marr on
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If the smaller gasholder at Hornsey had been listed, the outer frame of it could have formed the outer shell of a dramatic and attractive building that would have enriched the otherwise dreary architecture of Haringey Heartlands. I think it could have been better than what has been done at Kings Cross.
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Our lovely Haringey council lacks vision and inspiration. They pander to the developers quests for high financial returns at all costs.
Of course they are under pressure financially but that is no excuse.
Using the words 'much needed regeneration' they offer an expedient hotch potch of bland new build schemes and that's when the schemes are not just plain mediocre or desctructive of the area's heritage and soul.
You can come to Tottenham and see the damage that is being done.
They will claim the opposite because there have been and are ongoing improvements. But even in these improvements when you look at the detail, we get projects that compromise on the highest quality, do not strive for the best and some of which are only ill/partly conceived or are unfinished.
This is such a pity because with a little more care and attention to detail (not money because this is being spent anyway) and listening to the local communities just so much more could be achieved.
Sigh, sigh sigh....!
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Did you say 'lovely' Haringey council. And with such a childish new logo too
All the rest was true it seems.
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A further sorry twist in a sorry story!
At the time of the demolition of the gasholders there were active discussions with National Grid (the site owners) and local residents about how the historic significance of the gasworks might be commemorated in the Heartlands development. The Parkside Malvern Residents Association was involved in these discussions, which understandably were mostly concerned with protecting the interests of local residents. In 2017 there were agreed arrangements with National Grid and St William (their property development venture) to hold a range of historic items in secure storage in a corral on site. This included plinths and various pieces with 'sculptural' potential and signage. Their possible re-use in the Heartlands development had been the subject of informal discussion around some initial ideas with St William's designers.
An example of one of the signage plates that could have been reused is shown below.
However, it has only just come to light that in June last year all the items had been lost after being sold for scrap in an arrangement between site managers and a scrap metal dealer on Seven Sisters Road. The removal, which apparently required the use of a crane, had taken place in the early spring. The police were involved but advised there had been no crime. There had been an internal enquiry by National Grid/ St William, which resulted in some disciplinary action. However, by the time the loss was discovered the items were said to be en route to China.
The only explanation offered for this lamentable story is as an example of street-level bureaucracy and site custom and practice rather than any policy that reflected the nature of the companies involved. Also, that the incident occurred at a point when site management had fragmented between different operators.
At the time of demolition of the smaller historic gasholder, I described this as an act of institutional vandalism sanctioned by poor decision making by Historic England and other authorities, with an apparent negation of concern for our industrial heritage. I am appalled now that this further negligent loss of historic artefacts could have taken place and I am not impressed by the excuses that have been given. To what extent do others share my anger and misgivings about this?
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Permalink Reply by Mavic Starfish on
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I do, but I'm not in the least bit surprised when Haringey Council are involved. It can't be beyond the wit of man to have made sure that the historics parts were supposed to be saved, it would have been obvious that certain parts had historical merit.
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Permalink Reply by Hugh on
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Seems like a shame, Colin. Once these things are gone, they're gone. It seems like the only solution is to actually take possession of items. I've done that on a few occasions, subsequently ensuring items find a home that will safeguard them in the public interest. without regret. I'm just finalising arrangements with Bruce Castle to rehome a Hornsey boundary marker that was found and left with me.
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