TIME is running out for the campaign to save two historic buildings facing demolition.
Protesters fear at least one of the Victorian blocks will be bulldozed, but hope a plan to create much-needed housing for key workers could save the other. The Culross and Northern Stanley buildings are earmarked for demolition as part of the multi-billion pound King’s Cross redevelopment.
The buildings went up in the mid-19th century to house the families of men who built King’s Cross station. The scheme’s developer, Argent, submitted plans last year that would tear down the buildings, considered to be of historic and architectural merit, to make way for a public square and a central boulevard.
During the scheme’s public consultation period last autumn, campaigners from King’s Cross Conservation Area Advisory Committee (KCCAAC) and King’s Cross Railway Lands Group submitted proposals that would have saved the buildings.
Now, Rupert Perry, who chairs KCCAAC, is attempting to win new support for his appeal to save at least part of the Culross building.
He has called on Argent and the Victorian Society to consider a scheme which would see the Peabody Housing Trust convert Culross into homes for key workers.
Dr Richard Holder, senior architectural advisor to the Victorian Society, the influential body that campaigns for the protection of Britain’s 19th century heritage, believes the scheme could be feasible. In a letter to Mr Perry he said: “Before the society could withdraw its acceptance of the case for demolition, we feel the practicality of the idea needs to be demonstrated.”
However, the society believes the Northern Stanley building may be doomed.
Dr Holder said: “I am sorry to say the society is not convinced there is a case for the retention of the Northern Stanley Building.”
Mr Perry’s group is using the Freedom of Information Act to discover the circumstances behind English Heritage’s withdrawal of its opposition to the demolition of the buildings.