Carlisle College's new building plans slammed by council

By Julian Whittle

Last updated 14:04, Thursday, 02 October 2008

Carlisle College must think again after council officials savaged its plans for new buildings as “cost cutting” and “a big box”.

Artist’s impression of the proposed second phase redevelopment of Carlisle College

The £30m scheme aims to replace the wings either side of Strand Road, which date from the 1950s.

Planning permission was granted in 2005.

But the college has since changed the design, bringing a frosty response from Carlisle City Council.

A report from conservation officer Richard Majewicz says the latest scheme has a “dark, brooding feel”.

It adds: “The external appearance ... is a pale shadow of what might have been. An opportunity has been lost and the diminution of the scheme from earlier proposals and discussions suggests a cost-cutting exercise.

“I feel quite saddened that ... despite our encouragement, very little notice has been taken of the comments made. I am unable to support this application.”

Urban design officer Roger Higgins is equally scathing.

His report says: “The proposal is a missed opportunity to provide a college building, which is both modern and yet responds to the special characteristics of urban Carlisle.

“It is a generic ‘big box’, which has not responded to the specific characteristics of the area or to be a significant improvement on the current building.”

The college’s planning application was due to go before the council’s development control committee tomorrow.

But following a meeting between college officials and planning officers on Monday, it will be delayed until November to allow the architect, Ryder, to make changes.

College principal Moira Tattersall described Monday’s meeting as “really positive”.

She said: “We have had a dialogue with the planners for months now and we have listened to what they said.

“Our architects have gone away and are working on it.”

Mrs Tattersall had previously praised the plans as “aesthetically very attractive”. Speaking at the launch of the scheme this summer, she said it would create something “modern, aspirational and inspirational” that would blend with nearby buildings.

The college has already rebuilt its frontage along Victoria Place.

This second phase includes a proposal to create Carlisle’s first dedicated 14 to 19 centre, with an entrance in Compton Street.

The plan is to make it much easier for the public to see and use the college’s hair salon and restaurant.

The scheme will also create parking for 125 cars.

Have your say

So the council do not like the modern, functional and quite stylish building that was proposed to be a part of the college.
I dont suppose you could expect anything else from the people that want to keep the stinking relic and no doubt future money pit that was the lonsdale cinema.

Posted by Andrew on 6 October 2008 kl. 14:35

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