Is the Maiden Lane Estate Listed?
September 25th, 2011
Somebody typed the heading into Google today and I thought I’d answer the question. Last year some estates in Camden were listed following a recommendation by the C20th Society. Branch Hill and Dunboyne Road but Maiden Lane was left out. I don’t know why, perhaps it’s because it’s the least attractive for want of maintenance, perhaps it’s because it’s the most isolated, perhaps it was considered the least architecturally significant.
The cynic in me thinks that because it’s less than a mile from the Eurostar terminal it would make a good location for a hotel but why on earth would a Tory coalition be supporting property developers? That’s unheard of isn’t it?
There was an article at the time https://www.culture.gov.uk/news/news_stories/7359.aspx
If you want to know more the best place for news is their own estate website maidenlaneestate[dot]org or my own visit to Maiden Lane.
The Case for Space – RIBA fights its corner
September 21st, 2011
Last week the RIBA published their report on small homes entitled The Case for Space making a perfectly rational and objective argument that British new homes are the smallest in Europe and ought to be larger.
The above is for illustration only and not intended as an example of a small flat
Judging by the hysterical reaction of the house builders and two leading people in the industry you would think the RIBA had somehow shot themselves in the foot.
Hackney Archive – check for CEI
September 21st, 2011
Dear Mr *******
Thank you for your enquiry. We do have some printed material on the
Comprehensive Estates Initiative, such as a 1999 pamphlet entitled
‘Holly street estate: blueprint for success’ and ‘Comprehensive estates
initiative: progress report 1995’; we also possess a video on the CEI.
However, this material will be inaccessible until we complete our move.
We anticipate opening at our new premises in Dalston later in the year.
A date for reopening has not yet been set, but when one is it will be
advertised on our website, which would be the best place to gain
information.
Best wishes
Ed Lyon
Archive Assistant
Hackney Archives Department
43 De Beauvoir Road
London N1 5SQ
https://www.hackney.gov.uk/ca-archives.htm
200th article – World’s End Chelsea
September 20th, 2011
Tonight I’ve reached something of a milestone for the blog. They may not all be great writing, they may not all have good photographs or indeed any photographs. But in just over two years I have managed to churn out two hundred articles with thanks in order to the London Evening Standard for Plot to rid council estates of poor which started all this off on 9th July 2009.
World’s End Chelsea
September 19th, 2011
Great estate, love the burnt umber bricks, so much better to look at than raw concrete. Lovely use of communal garden space within the courtyard level above the car park at 1st floor level. Have some doubts about the – bordering on – single aspect tower block flats,but they have at least been designed so that every flat has a SW facing window even if it’s only one, and they are popular.
Pullman Court Streatham
September 19th, 2011
Sunday afternoon, the 159 from Brixton tube station and a 15 minute bus ride takes you to the bus garage beside which stands Pullman Court.
Fabrik Coldharbour Lane Brixton SE5
September 19th, 2011
Does London really need more single aspect flats with low ceilings, inadequate windows, surplus ensuites and minimal storage?
Brentford walk(ing) in the rain
September 19th, 2011
Some years ago one lunchtime, while working in a building near Kew Bridge [*], I took a walk along the high road to Brentford and unexpectedly came across some attractive old houses – in disbelief – because they didn’t quite match the somewhat industrial and commercial appearance of the High St.
Alexandra Road – interior
September 19th, 2011
UPDATE 19th March 2018: How I wish I had taken those photographs from 5’6″ and not 6′. Here’s a tip, if you’re photographing interiors and you’re tall, lower the camera.
The owner kindly opened her original and attractive dual aspect flat to the public for a day. Beautiful and well appointed 1970s flat flooded with light, lots of wood on display, large windows, intelligent use of sliding screens to separate kitchen / diner from living room (architect Neave Brown).
Streets in the sky – Park Hill – The One Show
September 10th, 2011
While attending the Sheffield Heritage Open Day (HOD) I chanced upon Roy Hattersley seated outside the main entrance to Park Hill . . .
Simon Gawthorpe with Roy Hattersley at Park Hill
