Harringay, Haringey - So Good they Spelt it Twice!
Save the BBC Studios - petition at Change.org
Haringey Council propose to unbrick the arches that form the outer wall of the 1936 BBC TV Studios at Alexandra Palace thereby practically eradicating all of the historical authenticity of the Studios.
We call on Haringey Council (as Trustee of Alexandra Palace) and the HLF to preserve all of the internal and external historical features of the original Studios.
Without the actual bricks and mortar any chance of a World Heritage application would be scuppered.
The BBC Studios are effectively the birthplace of television as we know it, the first regular broadcasting in the world, and the home of the Baird and Marconi Studios.
Tags for Forum Posts: alexandra palace, bbc, heritage, hlf, planning, unesco
Replies to This Discussion
-
Permalink Reply by Clive Carter on
-
THE clever adaption (above) encapsulates what sadly, is in prospect.
Because the bricked-in arches are unattractive, any and all other considerations are thought to be irrelevant.
IMO, the façade of a Victorian/Edwardian tea room cannot remotely compare with the walls of the birthplace of television.
(above, the current plaque by the BBC Tower)
The studio walls enclose part of the balcony that ran alongside Studios A and B.
Respectively, the Marconi-EMI Studio and the John Logie Baird Studio – of 1936.
-
-
Broadcaster, tweeter (11k followers) and Haringey resident, Robin Lustig has this evening tweeted:
Help save the historic studio walls marking the birthplace of TV at Ally Pally. Sign the petition here http://t.co/O0j0on7fz3 via @UKChange
— Robin Lustig (@robinlustig) February 13, 2015
-
Permalink Reply by Lynne on
-
About the petition, any Mac users who are experiencing difficulties in signing with a Safari browser should try using Google Chrome.
Have a good weekend
Lynne
-
Permalink Reply by KWebster on
-
I think that everyone here has failed to understand a crucial point: if this planning application does not go ahead, there is no chance of Alexandra Palace ever achieving Unesco status because the building will no longer be functional. Currently, over 40% of the building is derelict and is rapidly deteriorating; without the HLF money (which will be lost if this planning application does not go through) the building will cease to remain standing in just a few short decades. The longer we wait, the more money will be needed. How else is the £26 million going to be raised? And in ten years, will it be £46 million? Who is going to provide that? You? In order to get the building to the place it would need to be in for a potential Unesco bid, the improvements proposed by this planning application must go ahead to save the building (and thereby save the BBC studios). As a local resident and someone who has worked in arts funding, I ask you please to use your heads before jumping to conclusions. This is the only way to preserve the building, including the BBC studios.
-
-
THERE are those who criticise all aspects of the scheme and would wish to start again: I and most of those concerned about the studio walls are not in that camp. Unfortunately, some of those pushing the scheme have suggested that it is all or nothing – indeed, every single last detail – or nothing. This is unfair, deceitful and bullying.
Those familiar with the planning application, appreciate that the studio walls are a tiny part of whole. We're not asking for much. Leaving some of arches bricked up might save money, not add to cost. In any event, this could be left until later.
I continue to favour a good 90% of the Planning Application. In the big scheme of things, what is needed is a tiny correction. The balance of <10% is concentrated in a tiny area but is highly visible. If this isn't done, then there is little chance for UNESCO World Heritage for the SE wing and a huge opportunity will have been lost.
-
-
I am familiar with the planning application, but am explaining to those who do not understand arts & heritage funding how it works (many who have commented here are obviously unclear on this subject). To add your amendment at this point would mean having to remove the HLF application (as would any alteration), and therefore lose all funding. It can not be re-submitted, not for funding at least. Without the HLF money, Ally Pally will become entirely derelict, and the point on preserving what was (essentially) a hallway for the BBC will be moot as the building will need to be demolished. There will be no chance for any Unesco status if the building is gone. Please understand that if this planning application does not go ahead, we have to find £26 million from our own pockets to save Alexandra Palace, a cost that will steadily increase year on year as the building falls further into disrepair. There is no way to raise funds like that without the HLF; this really is our only chance to preserve a much-loved and vitally important building!
-
-
Karen
You say you know about the planning application, please identify yourself, do you work for the applicant, and did you go to the Development Management Forum? Before your post, there was an Alexandra Park and Palace posting last night that was deleted.
You read the 11th hour Simon Vaughn report of APTVS that the applicant commissioned, a submission called Heritage Statement 1936 to 1981 did you not? This shows the spaces you want to destroy are part of the studios and of significant historic interest not just in Haringey, of international interest judging by the comments on the petition, and invite you to read them. The BBC Studios, its USP internationally.
You say it's fixed, Duncan Wilson said the same.The HLF would be aware that it's yet to go through planning (which can impose conditions) and that Haringey as a local planning authority are supposed to be separate to Haringey as a Trustee of AP. Please qualify re HLF.
Lynne
-
-
Hi Lynne, my name is actually Kara (not Karen) and yes, I was at the Forum. I have worked on several national campaigns involving the HLF (as I mentioned at the Forum), but I haven't said it's fixed - please do be clear on points. I'm currently working on my masters at Goldsmiths in Cultural Policy, and am a local resident.
If AP retract the planning application to amend it (even on a slight point, like the colonnades), they have to retract the HLF bid as well, meaning the money is lost. The way funding works is, frustratingly, not an on-going process. You submit, you can retract, but that's really it. You can't make repeated applications for money (especially on this scale) and expect it to come through. We all obviously want the same thing - to save AP - but I think it is important for everyone to understand why changing the application means killing any chance of HLF funding.
-
-
Kara
Please be clear and advise if you re working for the applicant. Apologies for getting your name wrong.
I appreciate there s a system of submissions of alterations. The HLF would be aware it's yet to go though planning and that planning can impose conditions, these may not be tiny. Later there may be further changes. Afterall it's a large application as you say.
Pls appreciate it's difficult to subscribe to the alarmist view, and ask you again to qualify. It d cost less to keep what's there and conserve it.
Lynne
-
-
Hi Lynne, as I said: I'm a student (happy to show you my student ID on Monday evening!). I'm a local resident, and I don't want to see Alexandra Palace demolished due to a rotten infrastructure in 20 years time. I commented on this post as many people do not understand how heritage/arts funding works, as demonstrated by your most recent comment. I'm not siding with anyone, but trying to clarify that if this funding does not come through, there won't be an Ally Pally and discussions about Unesco plans will therefore be obsolete! Having previously worked in arts funding, I understand that some people may think once an application is in to the HLF/other funders it can be tweaked, but that sadly isn't how this all works (though it would be great if it did, especially in cases like this). We can't pick and choose because that isn't how the system works. Imagine if the HLF had received applications throughout the entire process of the Wedgwood/last man standing trial - you simply can't keep submitting all the time. If you would like to have a chat Monday evening, that would be great, but my entire point commenting here is that people need to understand the entire process they are discussing, especially if in such a public way. And if you feel my comments are invalid, that's fine. But ask yourself who is going to fund the £26 million if the application is retracted to make these amendments. If you can think of someone, I will fully support this petition! Have a great weekend, and no doubt see you Monday
-
Permalink Reply by Straw Cat on
-
I’m sure you are not deliberately trying to patronise those who are opposed to a small part of this application, but rest assured they do understand the HLF process. Part of it is that the applicants have to demonstrate community support and involvement. Instead, we are being presented with a “take it or leave it” approach, and threatened with doom and that the whole process will fail if that community (outside those working for AP) dare to say it’s not perfect and point out flaws. That means that the applicants never intended or timetabled any proper consulation, which would presuppose response to that consultation. If the HLF finds out about this, that will indeed endanger the project.
-
-
Kara,
Lets leave impartiality behind, it's not surprising some of us are sceptical since the DMP meeting was largely attended by the applicants employees or affiliates who didn't identify themselves.
It's great to read of your involvement with the Artfund, and separately of the Wedgwood collection that was saved by the HLF, Artfund, and other donors, certainly an interesting case of an invaluable heritage collection saved from the receivers. I m not sure it compares to a major restoration. But I wonder if the Studios are any less of importance to our heritage and collective identity? Or even to Ally Pally. I suspect we re aiming at the same thing as to save and protect the building but approaching it from different angles.
See you Monday evening,
Lynne
© 2024 Created by Hugh.
Powered by
