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11th hour plea to save historic building
Just days before its expected demolition at the end of this week, campaigners have highlighted that the former Avon Ambulance Service headquarters on Mary Bush Lane between Castle Park and Old Market was designed by the eminent Bristol architect EW Godwin.
The Victorian Society has now called on Bristol mayor George Ferguson to step in to save the building, which was designed for St Phillip and St Jacob’s schools in the 1860s.
MT: “@DrFrond: @OldMarket St Philip & St Jacob’s School, Marybush Lane was designed by Godwin! @GeorgeFergusonx pic.twitter.com/UGuW3J4EHj
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The society hope that Godwin’s building could be incorporated into the Homes and Community Agency’s (HCA) plans for the redeveloped site.
Godwin, who was born on Old Market Street in 1833, also designed the grade II*-listed Carriageworks building on Stokes Croft.
Victorian Society conservation adviser Sarah Caradec said: “Bristol should take this last minute opportunity to save this early example of Godwin’s work in the area he was born and brought up in. Far too many examples of Godwin’s work have already been lost.
“Although English Heritage rejected an application to spot list the building, it recognised its strong local interest as an early Godwin building, as well as its group value with the associated Grade II*-listed Church of St Philip and St Jacob, which were restored by Godwin in the 1860s.
“We urge the mayor of Bristol to recognise the building’s value and act now to ensure that the HCA build around it.”
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