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The site at Black Rock

Despite the proximity of the Marina, the use of this seafront site for an Ice Rink would be a gross misuse of a fine location for political ends . or a QTVR Panorama here

maybe it would be better as

PROPOSALS AT BLACK ROCK

part of the proposed development.
This altogether more modest scheme would seem to be likely to have only the lightest impact upon the Grade I listed buildings behind it, indeed the overall result, as a catalyst to improvements of these eyesore sites could be remarkable.

We shall be interested in the next stages in the development of these schemes.

Proposed stadium scheme

The proposed scheme (pdf here)

blackrocksingle1

We are most fortunate to enjoy a city that combines the luxuries of a coastal location with a distinguished architectural heritage: too often though, we take this for granted. The site at Black Rock offers very special possibilities for architecture and uses that respect it.
There is no valid architectural or planning reason for a stadium/ice rink project to be located here - while it is perfectly reasonable for those interested in iceskating to wish to have a venue, it certainly does not require a seafront location!

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An article from The Architects Journal is reproduced, with permission,

OCTOBER 23 2003
The City Council is to back the proposal for Ice Skating. The Regency Society cannot agree with this course of action, and the text of a letter sent to all members of the Policy and Resources Committee follows

DECEMBER 14 2006
How time flies.
A report in The Argus tells of delays.

SEPTEMBER 2007
More delays ... what is one to think?
See The Argus

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HomelatestRegency Society-Black Rock

hree proposed schemes have now been exhibited for public consultation for the redevelopment of this important site.

Two of the proposals include large public arenas for ice skating or general purposes and one additionally includes a tall block of flats. Our preliminary opinion is that these proposals are likely to have a thoroughly detrimental effect on this prominent site so close to Arundel Terrace and Lewes Crescent both by dint of overpowering buildings and massive impact on transport requirements for the large number of participants and spectators that are likely to attend the frequent events that will be planned to ensure financial success of these venues.
The third proposal is for a health spa and hotel with conference facilities and parking underground for users of the

hotel. This proposal is altogether different form the other two. The indicative outline scheme holds out the prospect of a low-key, thoughtful, contextual building forming a low lying, four storey crescent, with its convex side facing the sea, in contrast to the massive arc of Lewes Crescent, at a higher level to the west and behind it. The roof of the building would be fully landscaped, with the possibility of a 'pocket park' on its roofs, which are at a level below the Marine Parade parapet wall, and which might be accessible via a slim and lightweight pedestrian bridge from the footwalk of Marine Parade. The prospect is held out of a long winter garden, stretching the full width of Lewes Crescent and built as a greenhouse against the Marine Parade retaining wall. Unfortunately, this proposal could not be fully funded as