In the Spring of 1999, Macclesfield King’s School’s former pupils’ association embarked on a long-cherished project … the restoration of its old fiction library/cricket pavilion.
The newspaper for pupils and parents reported: ‘The Association built the pavilion in the 1930s as a lasting tribute and memorial to those old boys who sacrificed their lives in the First World War. Once the work is completed the school will have a modern pavilion which can also be used as a classroom, study and meeting room. It will also once again be a fitting memorial.’
Fast forward to Spring 2019 … following criticism of plans to demolish the memorial pavilion for housing on Cumberland Street, head Dr Simon Hyde said: ‘The future of the pavilion must be seen in this context: … to commemorate the fallen by providing a facility of practical use by dedicating a new modern facility at the new campus ….’. He said taking the stone lintel carved ‘In Memoriam 1914-18’ to the new campus for incorporation into their future cricket/sports pavilion which would be dedicated to the fallen was arguably the best way to honour the school’s heritage.
And now, following meetings of concerned residents and Hillcrest Homes to consider options e.g. creating a heritage bungalow on the site (it is in good condition), we learn the pavilion’s fate is sealed because ‘the costs of relocation are prohibitive, and the current building is inadequate to the future needs of the school’.
It is not only disrespectful, but disingenuous to mention costs, when the cost of the whole scheme is £60m+! And the latest offer of a public memorial garden (in a different corner of the site because the memorial is in the way of lucrative new housing, none classed as affordable) scant compensation for what is being lost!
As far as the School goes, I am pleased it is dedicating a building at its new campus, but would expect nothing less! What is unacceptable though is its loud boast about heritage whilst cherry picking the bits it wants from its long history in the town.
Ed: The school and developers explain their view in this joint letter on the Council’s planning portal.
This website uses cookies to improve the experience our website users receive and to track page hits and the like. If you continue to use our website then we are assuming you're ok with this, but you can opt-out if you wish.AcceptRead More
I ❤ Macc Cookie Policy
Privacy Overview
This website uses cookies to improve your experience while you navigate through the website. Out of these, the cookies that are categorized as necessary are stored on your browser as they are essential for the working of basic functionalities of the website. We also use third-party cookies that help us analyze and understand how you use this website. These cookies will be stored in your browser only with your consent. You also have the option to opt-out of these cookies. But opting out of some of these cookies may affect your browsing experience.
Necessary cookies are absolutely essential for the website to function properly. This category only includes cookies that ensures basic functionalities and security features of the website. These cookies do not store any personal information.
Any cookies that may not be particularly necessary for the website to function and is used specifically to collect user personal data via analytics, ads, other embedded contents are termed as non-necessary cookies. It is mandatory to procure user consent prior to running these cookies on your website.
You must be logged in to post a comment Login