Councillor says more must be done to recognise history of Rugby buildings before allowing them to be demolished or altered

More effort needs to be taken to look at the history of buildings under threat of development in Rugby.
File image.File image.
File image.

That was the message from Cllr Tony Gillias (Con Revel and Binley Woods) after plans to demolish a row of properties in the town centre were approved by councillors at Rugby Borough Council’s latest planning committee.

The scheme would see the Central Buildings in Railway Terrace pulled down and replaced with a new row of shops and offices with living accommodation above.

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A report to councillors suggested that the existing buildings were ‘out of character’ and ‘detracted from the character and appearance of the surrounding area’.

But Cllr Gillias explained that the buildings were part of the town’s heritage.

He said: “It’s quite regular when applications come before us that we don’t get a full history of the building - the one that comes to mind was an application for what was the first Town Hall in Rugby.

“I think we need to look back at the records and see what these buildings were and whether they mean anything in their historic value as buildings.

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“This one is quite an iconic building and in the early days I think it was the headquarters for the Midland Red bus company which was the main operator for this part of the Midlands. It is a shame to see it go - the building is unique.

“Over the years the different buildings have been painted different colours but it was originally very pretty and was in keeping with that part of town.”