Young and old split on City Hall revamp

Bauman Lyons won a competition to make the Grade I Star-listed building more "citizen friendly", as reported in the Telegraph and Argus yesterday.

But any alterations would need approval from English Heritage and would be put through public consultation before getting the go ahead.

Irene Bauman Lyons' firm drew up the favoured plans featuring a glass-covered winter gardens to replace the council chamber as part of a national competition to make better use of town halls.

Bradford, Stockport in Cheshire and Letchworth in Hertfordshire were part of the competition.

The Leeds architects claimed Bradford's current council chamber is "under-used, inaccessible and represents the grandeur and values of another era"

But the plans, which also include a new glass-panelled council chamber in Centenary Square with ceremonial route, markets and also conference centre, would not be imposed on the people of Bradford, according to the architects.

Councillor Martin Love (Green Party, Shipley West) said he could not believe anyone would support the plans.

"We think it is an outrageous scheme and a gross waste of money. We consider this to be vandalism of a marvellous, marvellous building especially the fine facade."

But views of T&A readers were mixed.

Dorothy Adams, 73, from Tyersal, believed City Hall was already a magnificent building and did not need improvements.

"The planners have messed up enough in the past. I think it is a nice-looking building though I have to admit I have never been inside," she said.

"The outside definitely should stay as it is. The clock tower is a landmark and means a lot to a lot of people.

Partap Singh, 47, of Thornbury, agreed that it would be a shame to demolish some of Bradford's architectural heritage.

"The original building should be kept as it is. It is something from history and everybody wants to see some history around them.

"I don't think the new buildings are as nice but there is an argument for a mixture in any city, so long as it is well done."

Peter Todd, 65, from Holme Wood, also felt any changes would be sacrilege.

"I remember coming into town on the tram as a boy and thinking it was so grand. It is magnificent.

"I don't believe they should touch it but I also think in the end they will do what they want. There are lots of lovely buildings in Bradford especially in the Little Germany area. We should hang on to the past because the future isn't up to much."

Sheila Asante, 23, from Holme Wood, said modern could be attractive.

"City Hall is a part of Bradford but it needs to be made more appealing.

"I think because it is old people stay away. People like to go to Leeds because there are so many new, modern-style buildings.

"Bradford needs more places in the city centre for people to go. It can be a bit boring," she said.

"I've been inside it once, I think, but all I can remember thinking it is a big, old building and not much else."

Alexis Smith, 21, of Greengates, felt a touch of modernity would help bring new life to the city.

"It would be better than it is at the moment with these new plans. No-one ever goes in there. It is a bit daunting and sometimes looks a bit derelict.

"But all of Bradford is getting trendier too and it would be too expensive to knock it down and start again, so this is a good idea.

"I like the idea of glass, you just have to hope it doesn't get smashed up."

Student Oliver Dakin, 19, originally from Norfolk, was impressed with the plans.

"It is good for any city to have a mix of architectural styles. That is important. I think it would look good in Bradford."

Student Jonathan Wright, 19, of Nottingham, was with the modernists.

"Glass would be cool. I think that pyramid outside the Louvre in Paris looks great and that is right alongside a historic building.

"There is nothing wrong with older buildings but new ideas can look good, too."