An event that could help determine the fate of an empty Grade II* listed building has been co-organised by the University of Liverpool’s School of Architecture.
A Brighter Future? Expert Panel Debate on the Future of Manchester’s London Road Fire Station has been organised alongside the Friends of London Road Fire Station, and seeks to bring together the public and architecture experts to discuss a complex and changing situation.
Emma Curtin, Design Tutor in the School of Architecture and Chair of the Friends of London Road Fire Station, said: “The School has a very strong research group focusing on architectural and urban history, with a developing emphasis on heritage, and I have personally been involved with a number of live projects working with communities to have a positive impact on the historic built environment.
“With an inter-disciplinary panel and an experienced and outspoken chair, it should be a lively and interesting evening.”
On the “At Risk” register since the 1990s, London Road Fire Station has lain empty for decades. Manchester City Council attempted to use its powers of compulsory purchase in 2010 and had committed to try again in 2015, before a surprise announcement in April that it would be put on the market.
The debate takes place on July 1, with a panel chaired by Manchester tour guide, broadcaster and Editor of Manchester Confidential, Jonathan Schofield, and featuring Emma Curtin, alongside; Mark Watson from the Victorian Society, Manchester Historic Buildings and Conservation Areas Panel; Jericho Road Solutions and Community Assets in Difficult Ownership Programme’s Jess Steele; David Roscoe, Planning Development Manager at Manchester City Council; Ray Makin of Atelier MB Architects and Manchester Chamber of Commerce; Trevor MacFarlane, Creative Arts Consultant and Culture Manager in the European Parliament with a focus on the North West of England and Bob Bonner, Curator of the Greater Manchester Fire Service Museum and Friends of London Road Fire Station.
A Brighter Future? – Expert Panel Debate on the Future of Manchester’s London Road Fire Station takes place on Wednesday 1 July from 7-9pm at Manchester Mechanics Institute, 103 Princess Street, M1 6DD. To find out more, please email emmac@liv.ac.uk or visit www.londonroadfire.org