Fitting site

Published: 3 February, 2011

• AS architect for the proposed memorial in Mornington Crescent I write to clarify why the Millbrook Place location has been chosen in preference to alternative sites (POW memorial moves a step closer to becoming a reality, January 27). 

The proposal for a plaque commemorating British soldiers and civilians who died in Japanese prisoner of war camps, came from Camden councillor Roger Robinson a former mayor. He was supported by financial contributions to the monument by the readers of the New Journal and its editor Eric Gordon.

This location was felt to be a suitable public space with good pedestrian access and the potential to have high visibility. It was designed to complement the space and provide a point of interest and reflection in a busy townscape. Millbrook Place, as it is known, is a once-loved civic space now poorly maintained. As architects we saw the potential to refurbish the area to form an external public garden and amenity area where people could sit, relax, and chat, shielded from busy traffic by enclosing trees and attractively landscaped borders.

Bruce Kent and I share a common interest in Richard Cobden. He was an MP for my home town of Rochdale and a major figure in the peace movement.

Therefore, it is fitting, in my view, that the space at Mornington Crescent commemorate a leading light in the peace movement and at the same time draws attention to the consequential loss of life that results when war triumphs over peace. 

To my knowledge there are no other monuments in London to the soldiers who died in the Japanese prison camps. Let’s not lose this opportunity, let’s create something of merit.

CHRIS ROCHE
11.04 Architects, N19