[News] Royal Albion hotel on fire, again.

[nickbrighton]

Lets try to get back on topic......

Apparently demolition has been delayed because heritage groups have complained. (Argus)

My guess of what will happen is that this will now be a derelict site for years, as well meaning heritage groups constantly complain about whatever anyone suggests gets built- but fail to provide any realistic and funded alternatives- just look at the Hippodrome, plenty of plans, but never anything further because some group or the other wants it restored to its former use and glory-

The West Pier, The Astoria site, are just other examples of sites that just basically rotted away for decades because of unrealistic expectations of restoration of past glories that are totally unrealistic, and rather than have functional, useful buildings, some would rather they are left to fall down while dreaming pie in the sky grandiose plans that will never come to fruition as they simply arent viable and the city is left with yet another derelict, dangerous, and unsightly blot on the skyline

To try and save whats left of this building will cost many times the cost of demolishing and rebuilding, and make any designs that much more difficult

one further thing I would say is that it looked bloody awful before the fire, the mismatched part (the unburnt bit) didnt blend with the rest anyway,was covered in rust streaks, looked out of place so those crying to save the regency splendorous hotel- it didn't exist in the first place

 

[nickbrighton]

Latest is that the council say demolition to begin as soon as possible!

 

[Herr Tubthumper]

Not sure why these columns descend into town baiting. Every place has it's upside and downside.

I've been to Burnley once. The kind of town I like. Rich in northern social history and has also retained the architectural aesthetics too. There is a real sense of history in such a place that is often lacking in the homogenised themes of the south.

I like the place and wouldn't generalise about an entire population.

There was a similar fire in Burnley a few years back....it caused 1.2 million worth of improvements

 

[Eeyore]

There was a similar fire in Burnley a few years back....it caused 1.2 million worth of improvements

I've never heard that joke before. Not ever. Not once.

 

[beorhthelm]

Lets try to get back on topic......

one further thing I would say is that it looked bloody awful before the fire, the mismatched part (the unburnt bit) didnt blend with the rest anyway,was covered in rust streaks, looked out of place so those crying to save the regency splendorous hotel- it didn't exist in the first place

very true. it's an attractive building from the front, the Steine side, from the sea side it looks like poorly thought extensions bolted on. not particularly worth saving imo, though it wouldnt take a great deal to have a design in keeping with the original. as said earlier, the heritage lobby will be insisting everything the same, in and out and block rebuilding for years.

 

[ElectricNaz]

Lets try to get back on topic......
Apparently demolition has been delayed because heritage groups have complained. (Argus)

My guess of what will happen is that this will now be a derelict site for years, as well meaning heritage groups constantly complain about whatever anyone suggests gets built- but fail to provide any realistic and funded alternatives- just look at the Hippodrome, plenty of plans, but never anything further because some group or the other wants it restored to its former use and glory-

The West Pier, The Astoria site, are just other examples of sites that just basically rotted away for decades because of unrealistic expectations of restoration of past glories that are totally unrealistic, and rather than have functional, useful buildings, some would rather they are left to fall down while dreaming pie in the sky grandiose plans that will never come to fruition as they simply arent viable and the city is left with yet another derelict, dangerous, and unsightly blot on the skyline

To try and save whats left of this building will cost many times the cost of demolishing and rebuilding, and make any designs that much more difficult

I don't really get the heritage thing about the facade. Can't they just knock it down and rebuild it to look the *exact* same but just more energy efficient etc?

Obviously we don't want a glass monstrosity but at the same time, the 200 year old bricks probably need to go anyway.

Not like it's a roman amphitheatre or some big stones that somehow got to the middle of a field. It's just a hotel. Has always been a hotel since this version was built. Nothing significant about its history. Maybe famous people stayed there once but who cares. People think about Brighton and think of the pier, the pavilion, the Lanes / North Laine etc...

Have never met one person in my life who's said "oh you're from Brighton, wow, I love the look of the royal Albion Hotel"

Knock it down, start again, and make Britannia sell it first because they are the worst of the worst (literally no idea how they are still even a thing)

 

[Chicken Run]

There was a similar fire in Burnley a few years back....it caused 1.2 million worth of improvements

Don’t forget Stoke on Trent HT

 

[nickbrighton]

I don't really get the heritage thing about the facade. Can't they just knock it down and rebuild it to look the *exact* same but just more energy efficient etc?

Obviously we don't want a glass monstrosity but at the same time, the 200 year old bricks probably need to go anyway.

Not like it's a roman amphitheatre or some big stones that somehow got to the middle of a field. It's just a hotel. Has always been a hotel since this version was built. Nothing significant about its history. Maybe famous people stayed there once but who cares. People think about Brighton and think of the pier, the pavilion, the Lanes / North Laine etc...

Have never met one person in my life who's said "oh you're from Brighton, wow, I love the look of the royal Albion Hotel"

Knock it down, start again, and make Britannia sell it first because they are the worst of the worst (literally no idea how they are still even a thing)

Its certainly not in the same classification as the Grand or the Metropole-they truly are "iconic" and I would agree need to be preserved- The Royal Albion not so much

 

[dsr-burnley]

Forgive if I am wrong but as far as I can see.....there were no BNP candidates standing in 2023...?

Reading your rather awful reply, you do seem to be confirming that Burnley is a place riddled with perverts, petty frauds and wholly undesirable inhabitants....apart from your goodself of course.

Only the politicians. The normal people are OK, by and large.

 

[carlzeiss]

Wow what a horrible thing to happen , good though that no one was hurt and the guests have been found alternative accommodation

 

[Sid and the Sharknados]

I don't really get the heritage thing about the facade. Can't they just knock it down and rebuild it to look the *exact* same but just more energy efficient etc?

As a general observation about heritage requirements, they're often mucn more concerned with retaining the historic fabric than they are the appearance. I've worked on jobs where very dramatic visual changes have been preferred, over replacing something with a replica.
Put very briefly/simply, it's about retaining the story of the structure and the "experience" of people who see and use it, not just trying to keep everything looking the same.
If something does have to be replaced entirely, the preference from a heritage perspective is often for it to look noticeably different/new, so that people can see it isn't actually hundreds of years old.
I tend to find actual heritage specialists and officers (as opposed to nutters from the public who want to stop anything changing ever) are unexpectedly helpful and practical, and are normally really friendly and knowledgeable people.

Knock it down, start again, and make Britannia sell it first because they are the worst of the worst (literally no idea how they are still even a thing)

Having stayed in the Adelphi in Liverpool, I can confirm they are the absolute worst.
I wouldn't stay there again if they payed me.

 

[zefarelly]

10 to a room I bet

It would be roasting hot

I've already got my coat!

 

[zefarelly]

As a general observation about heritage requirements, they're often mucn more concerned with retaining the historic fabric than they are the appearance. I've worked on jobs where very dramatic visual changes have been preferred, over replacing something with a replica.
Put very briefly/simply, it's about retaining the story of the structure and the "experience" of people who see and use it, not just trying to keep everything looking the same.
If something does have to be replaced entirely, the preference from a heritage perspective is often for it to look noticeably different/new, so that people can see it isn't actually hundreds of years old.
I tend to find actual heritage specialists and officers (as opposed to nutters from the public who want to stop anything changing ever) are unexpectedly helpful and practical, and are normally really friendly and knowledgeable people.

Having stayed in the Adelphi in Liverpool, I can confirm they are the absolute worst.
I wouldn't stay there again if they payed me.

What, like they're trained architects and/or historians? Pff . . .it'll never catch on

we are almost unique as little Ingerlanders in preserving absolute shitters. Many old buildings are seemingly wonderful, but the reality couldn't be further from the truth. My last home was built in 1730. . . . Constant drain. Lovely, but.

 

[WATFORD zero]

Only the politicians. The normal people are OK, by and large.

Well the poster we have from Burnley on NSC will always dive in to blame immigration for housing shortages, NHS waiting lists and various other problems in Britain.

But I guess he's probably a one off and not representative of the town in any way

 

[Easy 10]

A bit disappointing that in a post supposedly opposed to bigotry, there are 10 people like a post which is as bigoted as the one it replies to.

I couldn't speak for the forums at Leeds, Millwall, or Chelsea, but what (apart from ignorance and prejudice) have you got against the Burnley forum or forums?

I'd wager it probably harks back to some fairly spicy exchanges both on here and on the Burnley forum during and in the aftermath of the unpleasant episode between the Burnley hero Jay Rodriguez (then of WBA) and Gaeton Bong. The whole "you're black and you stink" thing. The case was eventually declared "not proven", which many Rodriguez fans immediately took as him being proved innocent - which he wasn't. I think a couple of Burnley goons were arrested at the Amex for aiming racist abuse at Bong the following season as well.

And Bong got absolute DOGS abuse at Turf Moor from sections of home fans on his next appearance there. So its hardly surprising it kicked off online as well.

 

[Weststander]

I'd wager it probably harks back to some fairly spicy exchanges both on here and on the Burnley forum during and in the aftermath of the unpleasant episode between the Burnley hero Jay Rodriguez (then of WBA) and Gaeton Bong. The whole "you're black and you stink" thing. The case was eventually declared "not proven", which many Rodriguez fans immediately took as him being proved innocent - which he wasn't. I think a couple of Burnley goons were arrested at the Amex for aiming racist abuse at Bong the following season as well.

And Bong got absolute DOGS abuse at Turf Moor from sections of home fans on his next appearance there. So its hardly surprising it kicked off online as well.

They were convicted, father and son. Great Dad!

 

[Cheshire Cat]

Having stayed in the Adelphi in Liverpool, I can confirm they are the absolute worst.
I wouldn't stay there again if they payed me.

You're not the only one.

 

[surrey jim]

The Argus & Brighton Buses reporting the road restrictions are lifted with Buses back to normal routes, they whom ever they are have decided not to demolish for the time being!!!

The road closure around Old Steine is lifted hence the busses to Peacehaven, Newhaven, Seaford etc can resume coming along seafront and go up through Old Steine to North Street. The seafront from roundabout towards West Street, [where the demolition will occur], is still closed.

 

[Sid and the Sharknados]

What, like they're trained architects and/or historians? Pff . . .it'll never catch on

we are almost unique as little Ingerlanders in preserving absolute shitters. Many old buildings are seemingly wonderful, but the reality couldn't be further from the truth. My last home was built in 1730. . . . Constant drain. Lovely, but.

They seem to be a lot more comfortable with rebuilding something that looks exactly the same in Europe. A lot of town and city centres that look historic have actually been flattened and rebuilt.
This building in Berlin is a total joke (although I'm sure some people think it's lovely):

Berlin Palace - Wikipedia

en.m.wikipedia.org

 

[PeterT]

They seem to be a lot more comfortable with rebuilding something that looks exactly the same in Europe. A lot of town and city centres that look historic have actually been flattened and rebuilt.
This building in Berlin is a total joke (although I'm sure some people think it's lovely):

Berlin Palace - Wikipedia

en.m.wikipedia.org

I have always found it somewhat strange that in many German cities they wanted to rebuild in exactly the same style as was there pre-war to almost erase the fact that anything bad happened. A permanent scar might be more appropriate. This seems at odds with the attitude of pretty much every German I have ever met who all seem very aware and conscious of their country’s difficult history.