The Bedford Square Bandstand, built in 1884, is a fine example of the Victorians' ability to satisfy many needs in a single solution. It is made of cast-iron and has a light, lacy feel, which belies the weight of the construction. Built on the Lower Esplanade, it was visually part of the King’s Road, being linked by a bridge. Public Conveniences beneath completed this combination of Art and Utility. The bridge connecting the bandstand to King’s Road was removed in the 1970s for reasons of safety, and the Bandstand has been left, decaying and useless ever since. It is a ‘Listed’ building, and the Council has a duty of care. Plans for the revitalisation of this section of the seafront involve the demolition of the geometric garden surrounding the Bandstand and the replacement of the toilets, while the Bandstand itself will be offered on a lease to a new user. One cannot envisage how any new use would preserve this fine structure in anything like its original condition. It has been suggested that the Bandstand could be relocated to say,Regency Square.This is a bold idea, worthy of consideration: a new role in a fresh location must be preferred to the current mutilation.Members' views are most welcome. | 
