Buildings - Plans for Airspeed - a 1930s adventure
March 2011
March 2011
As mentioned on the earlier page, I'd read that there were plans to save this building, and highlight its time as the Airspeed factory. I've since had confirmation that plans have been produced for the conversion of the building to 'Airspeed - A 1930s adventure', and that some of the money needed is already available.
The block to this fascinating project? The council won't offer more than a 5 year lease. This is obviously unworkable considering the investment that would be needed.
You can view an extract from 'Airspeed - a 1930s adventure' (PDF) - or click on the images below. Images from the document are reproduced here with permission and are © Yorkshire Air Museum.
Please feel free to ask City of York Council why they aren't willing to offer a workable lease. Particularly as this building, recently targeted in an apparent arson attack, has been empty for years, and is seen by most people as merely an 'eyesore'.
Have a look at the PDF even if you're not interested in the idea of an 'aircraft factory museum'. The proposed 'Airspeed adventure' is a stylish affair, with the Amy Johnson connection adding extra glamour. The plan conveys perfectly the excitement of the time, the rush to reach for the skies.
The proposed use of the building will do justice to a brief but fascinating period in our modern history.
York tends to turn its back on modern history and prefers to demolish it, to build cheap apartments and nondescript shopping centres in its place.
History didn't stop in the 18th century, though it might appear so in this town, where any building from the 19th or 20th century left empty for a few years is automatically labelled an 'eyesore'. This project recognises and fully utilises an undervalued place.
And it does it in a way that would appeal to a wide range of people - not just aviation enthusiasts.
I guess it's the big 'visions' for the Piccadilly area - which seem to have grown too big and complex to ever turn into anything positive - that stop this project from developing?
I don't know about you, but I'd rather the powers that be were less focussed on massive and unreachable redevelopment schemes, and instead recognised a good idea when they saw one, and enabled it to happen.