greg123 0 Posted May 28, 2011 Report Share Posted May 28, 2011 Greetings all. A few pictures of the exterior of the baths from recent days below but the main reason I'm posting is the owner of the site - despite it being in a conservation area and the Mills being nearly 200 years old as well as hosting the first and oldest washhouses in Nottingham has applied to demolish the lot. Needless to say it's a private property development company. To have any chance of saving it objections need to be in (by email is acceptable) by May 31st, 2011. A quick google search on Forest Mills Radford will bring up a fair few posts and pictures of most of the complex but no one including the council as far as I know have penetrated the wash-house or all of the slipper bath (bathing) cubicles etc, so much original stuff may well be there. Not seen any pics of the boilerhouse either, other than the proud chimney standing facing Alfreton Road. I have taken the liberty of posting below a sample email with some general information why this site is of interest and should not be destroyed. I have put it in the form of an email, with the address of Nottingham Planning so that a quick cut and paste would allow you to put your name to it and send it (with your alterations as you see fit) as an objection if you felt the way I do about preserving the little remaining history we have after the last 30 years of rampage slaughter of our historic buildings by planners, councils and property venture capitalists. I have no objection to the site being developed, just don't lose perfect sound, well built, historical buildings - incorporate them. The bath house with it's bricked up windows re-installed, it's glass centre roof and big arches and large floor (the pool is filled in) would convert to a beautiful looking Cafe/Resturant, especially if the balcony was put back and one could dine looking down at the floor. Just an illustration of one of many uses which would intantly keep the feel and keep the buildings's former use recognisable and the past palpable, while breathing new life into the area. I appreciate any support! Greg123 ***************************************************** To Email Planning Objection – copy, paste into blank email, fill in your name at the bottom, add any additions or alterations and email to development.management@nottinghamcity.gov.uk with the title 'Objection to planning application 11/01244/LCAC1' BEFORE Tuesday, 31st May 2011 **************Text of Email*************** Objection to planning application 11/01244/LCAC1 to demolish buildings on the site of Forest Mills, Radford, Nottingham. To Whom It May Concern, I am writing to you to make a formal objection to the application by Maryland Security to demolish buildings on the Forest Mills complex, Alfreton Road Nottingham Nottinghamshire NG7 3JL. In particular, the historic mills build by twice Mayor of Nottingham and Great Exhibition participant John Thackeray and the oldest remaining baths in Nottingham, Radford Baths as well as the first Washhouse in Nottingham also on the site. I wish to object to any demolition or further degradation of these historic structures on the following grounds: 1) Forest Mills Mill building was built by John Thackeray which is a significant historical link to a person of interest as in 1854 John Thackeray became Mayor of Nottingham and again in 1866 2) Forest Mills were represented by John Thackeray at Crystal Palace in the Great Exhibition of 1851 due to the outstanding nature of the Mill's products 3) Forest Mills were built around 1825 soon making them 200 years old 4) Forest Mills are substantially intact structurally and with incredibly strong walls, floors and such well suited to preservation 5) Other than the roof which has been demolished they are substantially original with some original interior features 6) Companies using the mills in recent years included fabrics, architects, record pressing company, social outreach, offices, engineering – until forced out in the 2000’s this building contributed greatly to affordable and historic business premises and can do so again. 7) The buildings are in a marked conservation area and the Council it's self commented "it is of note however that there are significant historical buildings of reasonable quality which may be viably converted or refurbished" referring to the Baths/Mills 8) The Council it's self stated " there are significant historical buildings... the Victorian Swimming Baths on Thackeray Street is one example – a prominent facade with decorative window surrounds, cornices and arcading" 9) The frontage to Thackeray Street is significant and ornate, there is nothing as ornate as the stone and plaster work on the side of the baths for some distance. 10) The bath house though with a later (60 year old) roof is original in it's walls and gives the same feel and impression as it would have done, filled in windows could be un-filled just as easily to return the original airy feel. 11) The wash house is unique as a well preserved example of the first in Nottingham with a strong, smart but utilitarian design contrasting well to the ornate design of the Bathhouse. 12) The mill is an increasingly rare un-restored example of early 1800's mill house which hasn't been gutted, internally had it's floors or supports removed and is substantially original leading to options of preservation and sympathetic modernisation. Furthermore, I believe that these buildings have a unique and positive impact and there are those such as myself who do not wish to see them destroyed and wish to see them put to sympathetic future use. Signed: ___________________ **************End Text of Email*************** Quote Link to post Share on other sites
greg123 0 Posted May 28, 2011 Author Report Share Posted May 28, 2011 Quote Link to post Share on other sites
greg123 0 Posted May 30, 2011 Author Report Share Posted May 30, 2011 A bit of Radio Nottingham coverage from a piece I was on yesterday if anyone wishes to listen, starts at 2:22 on the iplayer. http://www.bbc.co.uk/iplayer/console/p00gtk4g Quote Link to post Share on other sites
Beefsteak 305 Posted May 30, 2011 Report Share Posted May 30, 2011 It ain't on 2.12 !! On or around 2 hours and 18 mins I heard him say he's still trying to get hold of you in Grantham !! Quote Link to post Share on other sites
Beefsteak 305 Posted May 30, 2011 Report Share Posted May 30, 2011 Found you !! 2 hours and 22 minutes Quote Link to post Share on other sites
susyshoes 69 Posted May 30, 2011 Report Share Posted May 30, 2011 he did say 2hrs 22mins Quote Link to post Share on other sites
Beefsteak 305 Posted May 30, 2011 Report Share Posted May 30, 2011 Doh ,!!!! I started listening for it at 2 minutes 12 seconds too ! Quote Link to post Share on other sites
susyshoes 69 Posted May 30, 2011 Report Share Posted May 30, 2011 its an age thing !!!! Quote Link to post Share on other sites
denshaw 2,871 Posted May 30, 2011 Report Share Posted May 30, 2011 What is? !rotfl! Quote Link to post Share on other sites
mick2me 3,033 Posted May 30, 2011 Report Share Posted May 30, 2011 Around 1965 we lived on Norton Street in a house with no bathroom. I went to the public baths there. Very impressive old building and fittings. And unlimited hot water. Quote Link to post Share on other sites
denshaw 2,871 Posted May 30, 2011 Report Share Posted May 30, 2011 1963-71 i lived down the Meadows, outside toilet down the yard, no bathroom and every week we went to Portland baths on Muskham st for a bath. Think it cost 6d. Quote Link to post Share on other sites
greg123 0 Posted May 30, 2011 Author Report Share Posted May 30, 2011 lol about the time of the radio interview! I was on a train to Grantham, it cut out when Paul phoned me, then after running down platforms just as I got in a car (being driven, luckily) I was launched on the air so it was a bit of a rush and no preparation but hey, at least some listeners in the area know now. I have had a few people say they have emailed and supported the objection so thank you to all who did, tomorrow (Tue) being the final day. Cheers, Greg. Quote Link to post Share on other sites
Compo 10,328 Posted March 2, 2012 Report Share Posted March 2, 2012 I used these slipper baths when I lived on Arundel Street, just across Illson road from there. We had a bath in the flat but the hot water boiler didn't work very well and the landlord would not fix it. Every now and then I used to treat myself to a deeeeep hot bath. Quote Link to post Share on other sites
mgread1200 141 Posted March 2, 2012 Report Share Posted March 2, 2012 Everyone in Radford must have used those baths surely the building could be saved and put to other use. Quote Link to post Share on other sites
Paulus 541 Posted March 2, 2012 Report Share Posted March 2, 2012 We'd go there for a bath, every 6 months, regardless of whether we wus muckeh or not!! Quote Link to post Share on other sites
mick2me 3,033 Posted March 2, 2012 Report Share Posted March 2, 2012 I wonder whats happening with this? Another historical Nottingham building at risk? Quote Link to post Share on other sites
poohbear 1,360 Posted March 2, 2012 Report Share Posted March 2, 2012 First post mentions Forest Mills which is correct...thread title is misleading as Radford Mill is further down the road on Garden Street. Unless of course the OP meant Radford Mills as....Mills in Radford. Quote Link to post Share on other sites
mick2me 3,033 Posted March 2, 2012 Report Share Posted March 2, 2012 Many of the big old mills are being saved and converted into Retail Outlets or Flats. Quote Link to post Share on other sites
beamerr 1 Posted May 26, 2012 Report Share Posted May 26, 2012 As soon as I've figured out hoe to upload them, I'll post a couple of photos of the interior of the pool which I took when I worked there during the summer of 1976 (I think) Quote Link to post Share on other sites
mick2me 3,033 Posted May 26, 2012 Report Share Posted May 26, 2012 Problems posting an image Posting pictures.. again Quote Link to post Share on other sites
taxi ray 170 Posted May 28, 2012 Report Share Posted May 28, 2012 I passed the baths today and it looks like it is being demolished, or some part of the buildings around it are. I will get a photo later. Quote Link to post Share on other sites
Compo 10,328 Posted May 28, 2012 Report Share Posted May 28, 2012 Why, oh why, did I not take photos of this place when I was using it?! Are any of the deep iron public baths still in situ? Please take all the photos necessary to show every aspect of the place Ray....before it is too late and images are lost forever!!!! Quote Link to post Share on other sites
taxi ray 170 Posted May 28, 2012 Report Share Posted May 28, 2012 Yes they are definetly being demolished. last photo shows an old lorry, that looks like it was abandoned years ago. Quote Link to post Share on other sites
Compo 10,328 Posted May 28, 2012 Report Share Posted May 28, 2012 Looks like all the internal fittings of the baths were ripped out long ago :o(( Quote Link to post Share on other sites
Fynger 841 Posted May 28, 2012 Report Share Posted May 28, 2012 Wasn't 'saved' very well was it ???....shame too Quote Link to post Share on other sites
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