Register your disgust…..

I was jollying through the first ever page of these threads and found this one re the archers garage.

What do people think now that it’s resplendant in its former glory (4 years later than promised, incidentally)?

It is obvious that O’Callaghan (of Dublin Fame) thought that he could demolish Archers and then submit a planning application using Cumberland House’s 7-8 storeys as the height precedent.

He obviously thought that Heritage groups wouldn’t really care about a deco building as their primary focus historically has been buildings built pre 1900.

At the end of the day, Archers was copied reasonably well and O’Callaghan only got 4 storeys in the buildings curtillage.

It proved to be an expensive miscalculation, although he did secure IIB to occupy it, I doubt they would have gone for the rest of the scheme without the prestige Facade of Archers even if it is a re-instatement.

It is even possible that he would have gotten a higher quantum of floor space if he applied to retain archers and instructed his architects to design a very symmetrical and sympathetic (wrong word I know) building, Art Deco is a licence for creativity in my opinion not a hindrance.

Saw the movers bringing in the furniture today, it’s looking good if not a little unambitious.