Unappealing library

HAVING viewed the Luminus Group proposals for the redevelopment of the old Grand Cinema site in Ramsey, I am dismayed at the proposed elevational treatments to both the Great Whyte and New Road facades.

The visual appearance of the library block is more appropriate for an out of town business park development, while the housing units have the appearance of typical 1970s estate development thrust into the town centre.

On Great Whyte, the proposed large areas of glass with balconied windows above are totally out of keeping with the existing streetscape of small/medium sized shop fronts with accommodation over.

I understand from the architect that the driver for the large windows is the requirement of the library service for a large, light and airy building, or else, in his words, "the library will not come". These requirements could still be met by using large double fronted shop style windows, with windows above, in keeping with and sympathetic to the existing row of shops.

Passing members of the public will still be able to see into the library and any additional natural light required can be obtained from the rear north facing aspect.

The proposed housing fronting New Road shows a complete lack of appreciation for the character of this street, and imposes inappropriate standard estate-style frontages in the town centre.

Recently, there have been a number of excellent residential developments in and around the town centre which enhance the overall streetscape. With a little imagination, attention to detail and sympathetic elevational treatment, there is an opportunity to create an attractive panorama complementing the existing housing on the opposite side of the road.

The loss of available public parking did not appear to concern the Luminus representatives. The parking provided within the development is unlikely to be sufficient to meet the needs of residents and library staff.

DAVID DENMAN, Turvers Lane, Ramsey