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| | | THE BEDFORD SQUARE BANDSTAND | | |
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| May 2004
The report by Julian Harrap Architects has now been completed and has been submitted to the city council. The expected cost of remedial work is expected to be around £250,000 : the key question however relates to a future use – or should we accept that it does not require one, and it should be appreciated as an historic sculpture. Certainly the visual contribution to the sea front is outstanding and when seen from the north of Bedford Square it acts as a classical 'eyecatcher'.
It is worth noting that this Listed building has always been in the 'care' of the council, and that all the costs that have now to be found are due to official neglect | | |
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| 1970's | | |
| click for larger image | | |
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| 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. | | | March 2004.
Julian Harrap Architects have been appointed by the City Council to investigate the Bandstand, and it is currently being scaffolded | | | | | | |
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| QTVR PANORAMA BEFORE RESTORATION QTVR PANORAMA AFTER RESTORATION | |
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|  | | | January 2006. | | |
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| - most unfortunate that the Council did not notice the qualities of this "magnificent bandstand" before it was allowed to come to this sorry state.
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27 June 2007
It is reported that Brighton City Council is to undertake the restoration of the Bandstand.
We await the details with interest and anticipation.
January 2008
Note the final somewhat cautious, if realistic, sentence.
June 2008
Better news is reported in The Argus
Planning permission has now been granted for the restoration, allowing works to commence.
August 2008
It would appear that work is beginning!
January 2009
Progress - and looking to an August completion.
July 2009
Finished at last!
A wonderful achievement that almost makes the last thirty or so years fade away!
Congratulations to all who made this happen.
More here.
