These Edwardian civic buildings, (including the only remaining chimney in an urban setting in South Gloucestershire) are soon to be demolished. South Gloucestershire Council (SGC) own them and have the power to stop this.
However despite the SGC Heritage and Conservation Officers stating an alternative use should be found and strong objections from national and local heritage groups, SGC gave consent to clear the site in 2019. SGC have since refused to consider any proposals for alternative uses or any compromise that could save at least some of the structures.
The site is used for parking bin-lorries but has already been identified as unsuitable for these and they will move out within a couple of years. The reason given for demolition was the possible need to relocate lorries IF, in the remaining time, a part of the site currently leased from Western Power Distribution becomes unavailable; however no evidence was given to suggest that is likely.
The site was originally Cowhorn Colliery during the 1800s, later utilised from 1906 to 1970 by the West Gloucestershire Water Company to pump water up the shaft using a massive steam powered engine. It has significant historical links with other key industrial sites such as the Warmley Grotto, Champion’s Brass works and the Clock Tower Building which form the Warmley Conservation area, designated for its industrial heritage. It also appears as a key site on the local industrial trail but does not currently have statutory protection and the council have not included it on their local list.
Any other applicant proposing such a damaging approach to our Cultural Heritage would face strong opposition from the council. Please help us prevent South Gloucestershire Council from destroying these important buildings buy signing our petition and please SHARE with others