I HAVE written in many times about Mann Island. I have watched as the biggest architectural mistake since the Second World War unfolded. It was only by chance that we made it through the 60s building boom with just a low-rise bus station on the Pier Head, only to find that, as soon as we get another upturn (now bust), we destroy our best asset.
To be a World Heritage site is an example of the quality, a proclamation of the greatness of any part of any city in any country.
We had a blank canvas in which to weave some new in with the old, not too much, keep it low rise or you will upset the balance. So what do the clowns at the town hall do? Obliterate it and, in doing so, the pride in my city goes with it, too – in a sweep of planning blight that is now Mann Island.
There were those who warned of it, those that worked so hard to save what we had.
Instead, the Pier Head and, in particular, Mann Island is now forever to be held up as an example of what not to do with your World Heritage views.
Every book on Liverpool’s greatness now has to be sent back to the printers to add on the new bits. How many will they sell with the embarrassment of the new Liverpool on its cover?
The comments by Gavin Stamp, the respected historian who was at Glasgow when it was European Capital of Culture, are from someone who saw it happen there, were pertinent to me.
2008 is not the answer to everything; it seems to me its bad side was the beginning of a frenzied building boom with no master plan or direction, no protection of our best asset.
It is not just the three ugly sisters the black monoliths – let’s not forget that the funding for the new museum comes from the sale of this site to Neptune Developments.
I am surprised they found anyone to argue that this is good for the city. It must have been hard to make a balanced article, in my opinion, because for me there is only one answer that those who made this happen should be held responsible for the outrageous act of architectural vandalism not seen since the Blitz. My city will never be the same again – for me, it is ruined.
Charles Korsham, L18
Splash of colour
ON SATURDAY, June 20, we spent six very enjoyable hours at the Breeze-in Methodist Church Hall, working alongside the staff of Alt Valley Neighbourhood Services, Park Rangers, local Volunteers and members of Walton Vale Residents Association; all of whom gave up their own valuable Saturday to prepare and distribute 300 free hanging baskets to residents living and working in and around Walton Vale. This was to help celebrate European Neighbours Day by bringing a splash of much-needed colour to our neighbourhood shopping area.
A huge thank-you and a “very well done” to all concerned.
Maria, Ann & Richard, Warbreck Labour Team
Veggie option
SO, PAUL McCARTNEY wants us all to go veggie once a week to “save the climate”.
Sounds good.
I am sure, too, with all his wealth, he can afford to supply us with free veggie food from the Linda McCartney range.
Name and address supplied
A vote against
AS PER the invitation to comment, here is my "vote" against the new buildings at Mann Island. Quite frankly, these are unworthy of such a prestigious and historically important site, and demonstrate how far our architectural and building standards have fallen since the Three Graces were built almost 100 years ago.
These new buildings are more suited to a technology park or theme park.
Current architecture seems to have an obsession with trying to shock, to be cutting edge, to be ultra-fashionable – a bit like a Paris catwalk! This trend mirrors that of "art" where concept and gimmicks are everything and true artistry and craftsmanship comes a poor second. The Three Graces certainly make a (magnificent) statement, but these are founded on well-established architectural precepts and are essentially harmonious buildings full of symmetry and attention to decorative detail. The end result is a collection of buildings that have stood the test of time and will probably stand for centuries to come. Somehow, I doubt if the new buildings will last 50 years, let alone a century.
The sad thing is, I don't think we can compete with the Three Graces and our other great historic buildings. We are clearly far superior nowadays in terms of technology and mechanisation but we no longer have (nor can afford) the army of craftsmen necessary to construct buildings of the standard of a hundred years ago.
These new buildings should not have been inflicted on the heart of our World heritage Site.
To refer back to the parallel with modern art, we are getting "Tracy Emins" in the context of existing "Canalettos"!
Simon Taylor, Liverpool 8
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