[22
MAR 01] COVENTRY WATCH MUSEUM PROJECT NEWS
Watchmakers Oppose Demolition Plans
Coventry’s
watchmakers have added their voices to a chorus of opposition at plans
to demolish a Victorian terrace to make way for a bus scheme.
Members
of the Coventry Watch Museum Project Limited have backed a campaign
organised by residents and businesses against the scheme that is being
proposed by Coventry City Council.
The
group, which is raising money for a museum dedicated to the industry
based in Chapelfields during the 19th century, says Stanley Terrace
should be renovated and not bulldozed.
STANLEY TERRACE:
RENOVATE OR DEMOLISH IT?
A
statement issued today by the group said:
“We
wholeheartedly support the efforts by the residents and local
groups, to save this Victorian terrace, which is an important part
of our watchmaking heritage.
“The
road-widening scheme being proposed would have very little effect on
the flow of traffic along the Allesley Old Road, and The Butts.
“We
suspect that the ultimate aim is to widen the road from the Maudslay
Public House all the way to The Butts, which would involve further
demolition of houses and shops.
Stanley
Terrace was used by the Coventry Co-operative Watch Manufacturing
Society from about 1900 to 1918, as their workshops and offices.
The
group added:
“The
CCWMS was one of the original societies that helped to set up the
Co-operative Union, and these buildings deserve a better fate.
“In
1999 we wrote to the city council about our concerns at the proposed
demolition of Stanley Terrace, and their reply stated that they
should be retained, on both historical and architectural grounds.”
“In
addition they do protect the environment of the adjacent Rivermead
estate which would be exposed to heavy traffic pollution should the
terrace be demolished.
“If
the city council goes ahead with these proposals, they cannot claim
that they have an interest in preserving Coventry’s watchmaking
heritage.”
SEE
[19 MAR 01] COMMUNITY
GROUPS' SOS APPEAL FOR AREA
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