Photographer Tim Keeler recently sent me this picture showing the view in two different directions as you stand down by the newly redeveloped Greenwich Pier. He is unimpressed:
It could only happen in Greenwich! Having destroyed the wonderful character of the old Greenwich Pier by allowing the removal of the old pier buildings, that part of our local World Heritage site is slowly being Disneyfied in such a way that one wonders whether the planners and architects ever had the benefit of a proper education or sense of cultural heritage.
Thankfully in one direction we still have the serene beauty of the Thames river and the majestic architecture that the world comes to see in its droves. Turn around and in the other direction we have what appears to be, as someone recently said, a “1970’s primary school temporary annexe” – in fact the new ticket office and its built-in food units. Just the thing to impress tourists eh! Viewed from across the river it looks as though a giant public lavatory has been erected on the pier. A nice contrast against the backgound of the Old Royal Naval College. Christopher Wren must be turning over in his grave!
Lots of discussion of this on the Greenwich Phantom yesterday.
Update
The Phantom reports that the signage was put up without planning permission. This will now be considered by the council and ward councillor Matt Pennycook has indicated on Twitter that he thinks it should be considered by a planning committee of fellow councillors rather than officers.
@greenwichcouk @tgphantom I think Greenwich West ward Councillors will want it to come before committee
— Matthew Pennycook (@mtpennycook) March 2, 2012
Chris says
A picture is worth a thousand words……
Paul says
Looks like they DON’T have permission for this sign. They’ve just applied for it. Check out the links at the Greenwich Phantom’s site, but if you don’t like it, object quickly, as it will take 8 objections before councillors can look at it…
http://www.thegreenwichphantom.co.uk/2012/03/sign-applications/
Rob Powell Reply:
March 2nd, 2012 at 6:34 pm
Thanks Paul – just linked that into the article above and posted a comment from a local ward councilllor (who is able to refer planning applications to committee regardless of threshold)
Paddy says
I can’t believe there hasn’t been uproar about this hideous blight on our town, what an awful first impression of Greenwich; a rubbish burger chain and a dreadful Italian clone restaurant in a gold tiled prefab? Honestly.
Paul says
Can Councillor Pennycook also comment on the fact that the original planning permission was for copper plating – but that the built design has cheapo, yellow metal instead? Will enforcement look into this? It’s hard to think of a more prominent or sensitive site than this one…
gedburke says
I remember when McDonalds opened on the Champs Élysées. They were forced to change their corporate colours and generally tone down the branding. As ever, the French lead the way in such matters.
Pedro says
28 objections to Frankie and Benny’s signage over the weekend. Not a bad result.
Still would like to know how a wood and copper building turned to a wood and Bacofoil building, without any oversight or consultation, at one of the most crucial sites in Greenwich.