In need of real debate on historic sites’ future

THE former Working Boys’ Home and fire station play a significant part in the historic landscape of Hereford, contributing to what makes it unique.

Members of Hereford Civic Society have been asking for more information about the proposed land swap between Herefordshire Council and the Hereford and Worcester Fire Service for several months now, and we are concerned about the council’s plans to raze the 50’s fire station and Bath Street buildings to allow the building of a new fire station on the former Working Boys’ Home site.

We believe the city should be given an opportunity to comment on their future before it is too late.

Councillor Harry Bramer’s letter to the Hereford Times, March 27, stated ‘English Heritage has confirmed the Former Working Boys’ Home site has no architectural or heritage value’.

In fact EH wrote in its report of February 11: ‘The local architectural and historic interest of the former Working Boys’ Home in Hereford is recognised by its inclusion in a conservation area’.

Further, we had been told the existing 1950’s fire station was to become a car park. Cllr Bramer is now suggesting a use such as affordable housing.

Shouldn’t the council know why it wants the site before setting up a deal?

At our HCS public consultation meeting in February there was broad consensus that only partial demolition and retention of the two Working Boys’ Home principal buildings would be a pragmatic way forward, creating greater value for this large site from residential development. Not everybody agreed, but it is difficult to have a constructive debate without the full facts.

Instead of its current passive role the council’s role should be an active and imaginative one in which it consults with the community and seeks innovative uses for these historically important buildings.

The first decision to be made should be “what is best for Hereford?” and that debate needs to be had in an open manner.

John Bothamley Chairman, HCS