Workhouse pioneer would share our view on priorities

Published: 29 October, 2010

• WE write in response to the article urging the preservation of the Cleveland Street workhouse (October 8) and the rather intemperate letter (October 22) on the topic attacking the Charlotte Street Association.

The association this year celebrates its 40th birthday and is proud of its record of defending the built fabric and character of Fitzrovia. Most recently we have helped prevent the redevelopment of part of Goodge Street and its corner with Tottenham Court Road which involved the demolition of the oldest building in the street. 

We have also tried over the years, not always successfully, to ensure that new buildings reflect the character and scale of the area.

So why do we not support the retention of the workhouse? 

The reasons are twofold, the existing building has been so extensively altered over the years both inside and out that what remains is, we believe, of little architectural interest or value. Its importance is historical in relation to Dr Joseph Rogers’s pioneering work to improve the treatment of its inmates and we think that is best recognised by providing an informative panel about his work as part of the new development.

Secondly, retaining the building would prejudice the redevelopment of the site which is the only remaining one in the area on which UCH can discharge its planning obligation to provide at least 44 socially rented family homes as part of the development. 

Dr Rogers also campaigned for better housing for the poor of his time. We think he would have shared our priority.

In the 2008 appraisal of the Charlotte Street Conservation Area by consultants for Camden the workhouse was not identified as making a positive contribution to the conservation area. Although widely consulted, none of those now campaigning to keep the building questioned that judgment.

Would those wanting to keep the building please not demonise our association but accept that this is a difference of opinion as to what is in the best interests of the local community; better still join our association and influence its views.

The fact that association does not support the retention of the workhouse does not mean that we support UCH’s current proposals for the development of the site which we believe constitute gross overdevelopment and are not an acceptable replacement for the existing building.

MAX NEUFELD
Charlotte Street Association